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T H E T R I B U T E D I S P L A Y
Above
This display is a collection of ceramics made by Pauline Muth, including vessels created in collaboration with the Lang Family. The statue of Pauline, as well as PFM keychain and pin, were created by artist and longtime friend Frank J. Mihalic. The box stand display case is of rosewood and created by standmaker and friend David Knittle. Pauline originally used this display case exhibiting a fabulous shohin display at the 2021 U.S. National Bonsai Exhibition. Other stands and jita in the display were created by various artists including luthier and stand maker Jon Stewart, student and friend. |
In Memoriam
P A U L I N E M U T H P F M B O N S A I New York, USA 1948-2024
Pauline Muth loved bonsai. This became very clear to anyone who shared a conversation with her about the art, saw her look and tend to any of her trees, or witnessed the passion and knowledge she had for the craft during a society executive board meeting she was leading or class she was teaching.
Pauline was a consummate teacher and a lifelong student. She retired after many decades as a Science Teacher and picked up where she left off teaching bonsai, always with an emphasis on how important it was to “know your species”. Horticulture was important to her and the health of her trees reflected that care. She earned many awards in her dual teaching and organizing careers, the last two being “Bonsai Angel” and American Bonsai Society “Lifetime Achievement Award". She served as President, Vice President, and secretary of the American Bonsai Society, President of the Mid Atlantic Bonsai Societies, has been on the board of the National Bonsai Foundation, and secretary, treasurer, and executive director of Bonsai Clubs International. |
Having studied with masters like John Naka and Nick Lenz, Pauline had a deep respect and understanding of the traditional and a wonderful affinity and attraction to the whimsical. Pauline often stated “To me a tree should make you want to crawl up under it with a good book.” Her trees are characterized by having charm and flair and often little ceramics and figures hidden amongst them. A tradition she continued from her teacher and friend Nick Lenz.
Pauline F. Muth began working on Shitukusa and Kusamono pottery in 2006. Her love of strange containers was depleting her pottery budget, so she began her study of pot creation. Up until her passing, she created pottery during the winter months and enjoyed experimenting with the different clays, glazes, and types of kiln firing available.
Her studio became one of the great treasures of the bonsai community. Her husband lovingly built it for her in 2008, next to the home they lived and raised their family in since 1969. The studio had become the focal point for many activities, most of which started off as focused on bonsai and the Hudson-Mohawk Bonsai Society, but usually ended up being a cornucopia of friends sharing their lives together.
As an artist, potter, leader, friend, teacher, student, and family member Pauline created an impact on so many lives and in so many communities. She lives now in our hearts and memories and in the pots and trees she so joyfully created and shared.
May we all find joy in life the way Pauline Muth found joy in bonsai and in friendships and create opportunities to share it with love and generosity as she did. Thank you for being such a gift to us all.
Pauline F. Muth began working on Shitukusa and Kusamono pottery in 2006. Her love of strange containers was depleting her pottery budget, so she began her study of pot creation. Up until her passing, she created pottery during the winter months and enjoyed experimenting with the different clays, glazes, and types of kiln firing available.
Her studio became one of the great treasures of the bonsai community. Her husband lovingly built it for her in 2008, next to the home they lived and raised their family in since 1969. The studio had become the focal point for many activities, most of which started off as focused on bonsai and the Hudson-Mohawk Bonsai Society, but usually ended up being a cornucopia of friends sharing their lives together.
As an artist, potter, leader, friend, teacher, student, and family member Pauline created an impact on so many lives and in so many communities. She lives now in our hearts and memories and in the pots and trees she so joyfully created and shared.
May we all find joy in life the way Pauline Muth found joy in bonsai and in friendships and create opportunities to share it with love and generosity as she did. Thank you for being such a gift to us all.
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I N T E R V I E W S & I N F O R M A T I O N
A B O U T P A U L I N E
A B O U T P A U L I N E
Before Pauline Muth passed away she was gracious enough to join several podcasts to share her wisdom, experience and wonderful sense of humor.
Grab a glass or mug of your favorite drink and enjoy these interviews with Pauline.
Grab a glass or mug of your favorite drink and enjoy these interviews with Pauline.
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Interview with Pauline Muth American Bonsai Legacies youtu.be/mdfUe84RduU?si=H_uMXPoL3Zolz5mG Bonsai Talk with Pauline Muth The Bonsai Supply youtu.be/Is070O6Uot8?si=BDqpEyBUv-XtCuxD Pauline Muth Kusamono and Shitakusa Long Island Bonsai Society youtu.be/tUv4u6YinfQ?si=_nFxil1gFb_fnb7w PFM Bonsai Studio Garden Walk-Through American Bonsai Legacies youtu.be/vahgXmb5A4s?si=b42RD4tuaDPZoaQB |
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This display is brought to you by
Brandon Herwick Mark Arpag Nancy Castillo Lori and David Hodgetts Jon Stewart The Muth Family Mohawk Hudson Bonsai Society Photography provided by Brandon Herwick |
T H A N K Y O U T O O U R S P O N S O R S
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D I S C O V E R P O T T E R S I S P R O U D T O S P O N S O R T H E 2 0 2 5 N O R T H A M E R I C A N B O N S A I P O T T E R Y C O M P E T I T I O N
