5/29/26 Sip & Snip: A Spring Bonsai Social @ Dovetail Brewing-Chicago

Join us for an evening designed to bring plant lovers together for a deeper dive into the art of bonsai. This special spring event blends live demonstration, seasonal care education, and relaxed community connection.

Our resident bonsai artist Elle Nieto-Brodnick will work on two trees live, walking through her approach to pruning, styling, and caring for each one throughout the year. You’ll get a behind-the-scenes look at how decisions are made in real time — from structure to long-term health.

"Over the past 5 years Elle Nieto-Brodnick has continued to refine her craft under the guidance and mentorship of respected artists including Bjorn Bjorholm, Mauro Stemberger, and Todd Schlafer. Her commitment to learning, combined with intensive practice, reflects her deep dedication to bonsai as both an art form and a discipline. She consistently strives to improve her technical skills while embodying the patience, focus, and humility essential to the practice.

Currently, Elle shares her knowledge by teaching beginner to intermediate students at The Hidden Gardens Bonsai, where she works alongside fellow practitioners. Her involvement in the bonsai community continues to grow as she develops her voice and presence as an emerging bonsai artist.

Elle has been invited to present workshops and demonstrations for several respected organizations, including the Springfield Bonsai Society, Ann Arbor Bonsai Society, Green Witch Gardens, Midwest Bonsai Society, Dai Ichi Bonsai, Kofu Kai, California Bonsai Society, Baikoen Bonsai Club, Eastern Leaf Nursery, Kimura Garden Bonsai Kashi No Ki-En, Prairie State Bonsai Society, Quad City Bonsai, and Wisco Bonsai."

We’ll wrap the evening with an open Q&A, where you can ask anything from beginner basics to insights from her personal bonsai journey. Whether you’re just getting started or looking to expand your knowledge, this is a great chance to learn in a welcoming, hands-on environment.

Come for the trees, stay for the conversation, and connect with a community that shares your love of growing things.