Back in the early 1990’s, Jack Wikle came to the east coast for bonsai workshops. I had heard of his work and volunteered to have him stay at my home while he taught around various clubs. One morning while he came out to my bonsai garden, he spoke glowingly about my trees and insisted that I come out to Michigan and give lecture/workshops to his club and others. Sure enough, Jack came through and I was indeed invited to come out there and teach, which ultimately led to being asked to be a headliner at an ABS convention in Michigan. These were my FIRST endeavors out of my home state and began 30 years of teaching and lecturing all across the country, where I established my own identity as a national bonsai artist. Jack saw something in me and promoted me and I will always remember these encounters. Through the years we have been able to stay in touch while meeting at various conventions and it has always been an extreme pleasure to see him and chat about the state of bonsai. He remains a dear friend, a consummate professional who taught me so much, and last but not least, an extraordinary gentleman.
Martin Schmalenberg
Stillwater Studio, Stillwater NJ