Each and every person that entered this contest is a winner in my mind.
It takes true courage to post your work for viewing by your peers and to do so in a venue that had submissions from some of the biggest names in bonsai plainly shows that this is a community of true professionals. I applaud you all.
I wasn't too surprised by the quality of the bonsai entered in the professional category, but I was outright amazed at the quality of submissions in the non-professional category! If some of these people turn professional before our next contest, I think we will be seeing some major upsets and Cinderella stories!
This contest has allowed me to see for the first time the work of many bonsaists from around the world. I have been inspired by it and I have learned from it, what else could a person ask for?
Once again, I wish to thank all of you who entered this contest, you all deserve admiration and praise.
Note to all the winners:
Please see the instructions at the bottom of this page
http://www.artofbonsai.org/galleries/winners.php for claiming your prizes and having your winning entry published in Bonsai Today.
Will Heath