Welcome to Ann Arbor Chapter 183
About Us and Upcoming Events
Ikebana International - Ann Arbor (Since 1974)
Ikebana (ē-kĕ-bah-nah)
- We teach Ikebana, the creative and meditative art of Japanese flower arranging, similar to painting, calligraphy and sculpture.
- Ikebana uses principles and creative theories to arrange “living flowers” or “making flowers come alive”. Ikebana evokes the whole of nature itself, and people’s relationship with nature.
Ikebana International Ann Arbor Chapter #183, in our 51st year,
meets the third Thursday of each month September - May at Westminster Presbyterian Church, 1500 Scio Church Road, Ann Arbor, MI
- At each of our meetings, an instructor will demonstrate how to make an ikebana arrangement and then participants make their own arrangements to take home.
- Non-Ikebana International members are encouraged to attend our meetings to learn more about ikebana. Pre-registration is required and there is a $25.00 fee for flowers and instructor costs for each meeting. Members of Ikebana International pay a reduced fee of $20.00.
- If you would like to receive our newsletter or more information about our organization please contact us via the button below or send an email to a2ikebana@gmail.com. We look forward to welcoming you to our next meeting!
July Shoka Shimputai Challenge
Please enjoy a few Ikenobo Shoka Shimputai arrangements created during the July Challenge
In 1750, the freely arranged, casual nageire was combined with the beautiful contrived form of the rikka and the spiritual depth of chabana, each mutually influencing the other, to bring to birth of the Shoka form.
In 1977, The Ikenobo Shoka shimputai style was introduced by present Headmaster Sen’ei Ikenobo as a new style of shoka suited to contemporary lifestyles.
Based on Ikenobo’s traditional sense of beauty, the beauty found in shoka shimputaicomes from observing plants from various perspectives such as color, shape, texture, extension of leaves, and movement of stems.
JUNE IN-HOUSE EXHIBITION - Nature Unfolding
Please visit our Gallery to enjoy the arrangements created by our members for “Nature Unfolding” – An Ikebana Exhibition:
Ikebana International Ann Arbor Chapter held its 2026 Annual Exhibition on Thursday June 18
In our Annual Exhibition, we share the timeless Japanese art of flower arrangement, featuring a display of contemporary and traditional arrangements.
This mindful celebration is a silent dialogue of branches, floral elements, and negative space, converging to mirror the universe.
It invites viewers to witness the delicate, fleeting dance between humanity and nature, finding profound tranquility in transient beauty.
The Zen of Ikebana invites you to:
•Embrace Impermanence
•Appreciate The Art of Emptiness
•Experience A Living Meditation