Ann Arbor Chapter 183 Programs
About Ikebana International
Ikebana International (I.I.) is a worldwide, nonprofit organization dedicated to the promotion and appreciation of ikebana,
The members are people from various parts of the world, brought together through their mutual love of nature and enjoyment of ikebana.
We welcome you to join us!
Ann Arbor Ikebana Chapter Meeting Schedule
We meet the third Thursday of each month September - May in room 125 at Matthaei Botanical Gardens (MBG).
Instruction begins at 1pm. Please arrive 15 min early to allow for parking, registration and set-up of your area.
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.
2023 / 2024 Schedule (Every 3rd Thursday):
Mark your calendar for this year’s upcoming dates. We will continue to meet on the third Thursday of the month. Chapter meetings are at Matthaei at 1:00pm Room 125.
2023:
Sept. 21 Ichiyo, Liz Larwa
Oct. 19, Sogetsu, Leslie Rozinski
Nov. 16 Sogetsu, Leslie Rozinski
Dec. 14 Ichiyo, Janet Knowlton
2024:
Jan. 18 Ichiyo, Janet Knowlton
Feb. 15 Ichiyo, Terre Voegeli
Mar. 21 Ikenobo, Cheryl Link
Apr. 18 Ichiyo, Terre Voegeli
May 2024 No Meeting
June 2024 TBD
Materials and Fees
- We will provide all the floral materials.
- Registrants are responsible for their floral costs whether or not they attend.
- Ikebana International members pay $15.00 and guests pay $20.00 and this is collected on site. * We accept cash, check, or credit card.
A certified instructor from an Ikebana school will demonstrate an arrangement. The attendees then have an opportunity to recreate the arrangement with guidance and feedback from the instructor.
Note: Ikebana International is a separate organization from Matthaei with a separate membership.
Please bring the following materials to the class:
- Appropriate container, generally a moribana container which can be round, rectangular, or oval. It should be about 10 – 13 inches across with straight sides.
- Kenzan – 2 ½ to 3 inches is a basic size (bigger is better than smaller)
- Floral shears of any kind
- Table covering (newspaper or plastic)
- Water bucket and/or indoor watering can
- Towel for cleaning up
- Camera to take a photo of your arrangement
This picture shows a moribana container, Japanese floral shears, and a rectangular kenzan.
- The best place to purchase kenzans and containers is online.
- Sometimes you can find materials at resale shops or places that sell home or floral goods.
- A glass Pyrex pie plate can work.
We may have a few kenzans and containers at meetings that can be borrowed or purchased but please check with us first.
October 2023 Chapter Meeting
October Workshop – Sogetsu School
Leslie Rozinski will demonstrate the Sogtetsu Ikebana arrangement style.
Details soon
Please Bring:
● 1 moribana (suiban) container or two small, low containers
● Watering can; flower bucket
● Two kenzans that fit your containers (2.5 - 3” for one, a second the same size or slightly smaller)
● Table covering
● Bowl for cutting stems
● Cloth to clean up area
When: Thursday, October 19, 2023; 1:00 pm
Where: Matthaei Botanical Gardens, Room 125
1800 N Dixboro Road, Ann Arbor, MI 48105
Cost: Floral fees resume, $15.00 for Ikebana Int’l members, $20.00 for guests
September 2023 Chapter Meeting
September Workshop – Ichiyo School - Flat Form Ikebana
Last week we welcomed many new members as we held our first meeting of the membership year at Matthaei Botanical Gardens. Ichiyo Instructors Liz Lwara and Terri Voegeli led a workshop on the Basic Flat Form.
The branch and flower materials are placed the same as the slanting form but the arrangement is short in height. The UPRIGHT and SLANTING FORMS focus on the beauty of the branch lines; the FLAT FORM focuses on the width of the arrangement. The FLAT FORM can be created in a single moribana or in two low containers.
August 2023 Chapter Meeting
August Workshop – Ichiyo School - Two Container Arrangements
Liz and Terre demonstrated using two containers to create a cohesive
arrangement so materials can “communicate” with each other.
This is done through splitting the basic upright or slanting form between the two containers or using freestyle approaches with crossing lines and mass.
With so much in bloom during August, materials from the summer season work together nicely to let your imagination go and have fun.
July 2023 Chapter Meeting
July Workshop – Ichiyo School - Focusing on the Container
Liz Larwa and Terre Voegeli led this workshop on the role of containers in an Ikebana arrangement. Such a great meeting with two instructors as they encouraged us to try out containers we were not sure how to use.
“The role of the container is often to coordinate and harmonize many different kinds of flowers while providing its own special accent to the ikebana arrangement with its color and shape....
The arranger’s task is to determine how to use this man-made container to realize harmony between its color, shape and volume, and the water and plants it holds.”
Akihiro Kasuya, former headmaster - Ichiyo School
June 2023 Ikebana Day
History of Ikebana and Container Auction
At our June meeting, David Lee gave a wonderful presentation on the History of Ikebana which made us all appreciate this art form that we practice even more. We all got to know each other better and we had a silent auction of some beautiful Ikebana containers that had been donated to our chapter. Included is an arrangement that was made in one of the containers that was auctioned off.
May 2023 Chapter Meeting
May Workshop – Freestyle - Weaving and Artistry
Our chapter members enjoyed a wonderful day out at Camp Woodbury. Judy Charlick, a skilled ceramicist, basket weaver and instructor in the Ohara School came from Cleveland to lead a workshop entitled "Weaving and Artistry". In the morning we learned how to weave a reed form to incorporate into our arrangements. After lunch we made free style arrangements with them. Throughout the day we got to experience the beautiful natural environment at Camp Woodbury as well as the motto of Ikebana International "Friendship through Flowers" as we all got to know each other better. It truly was a day of creativity, friendship and rejuvenation.
April 2023 Chapter Meeting
For our April meeting Cheryl Linck, an instructor in the Ikenobo School of Ikebana, demonstrated how to make a Shoka Shofutai Isshu-ike which is a one material Shoka with Iris.
This is a traditional form having three main parts: Shin, Soe, and Tai.
Though Cheryl explained the Issuike form we had to modified the arrangements using a second material.
March 2023 Chapter Meeting
On a warm and sunny March, Janet Knowlton taught the Ichiyo school of Ikebana, focusing on the Basic Moribana Upright and Slanting Style - one of the basics of Ikebana. Janet demonstrated proportion, line, and
stem placement to create a beautiful and balanced arrangement. Janet discussed how to move beyond basic arrangement elements to use line to create movement. She also demonstrated the additional elements of space and mass.. This was another great opportunity for both the seasoned practitioner and beginners to step back to the basics to help us grow in this beautiful art.
February 2023 Chapter Meeting
On a warm and wonderful February, Leslie Rosinski taught Sogetsu school of Ikebana, focusing on the Basic Upright Style - the very basis of Ikebana. We measured our stems and placed them at certain angles within the kenzan as to achieve a pleasing effect. We do many free-style arrangements, but it is always good for both the seasoned practitioner and beginners to step back to the basics to help us along our way within this beautiful art.
January 2023 Chapter Meeting
For our January chapter meeting, Ichiyo instructor, Liz Larwa, led a workshop in creating a New Year’s arrangement using the basic upright style and focusing on traditional Japanese materials. We used pine, chrysanthemum, red berries and other materials. We learned about Mizuhiki, a cord which is often used in Japan in New Years arrangements, cards, gifts etc. as a symbol of warmth, affection, and togetherness. We learned various ways we can use it in our arrangements.
December 2022 Chapter Meeting
For our December chapter meeting, Janet Knowlton of the Ichiyo School led our holiday centerpiece workshop. The arrangement could include a candle for a festive look with variety of different materials to add interest and compliment the arrangement. We hope everyone enjoys these throughout the holidays on your table, entryway, or sideboard.
November 2022 Chapter Meeting
For our November chapter meeting, Leslie Rosinski, a teacher in the Sogetsu School of Ikebana taught a lesson using dried, bleached or colored materials. She combined bittersweet vines, chrysanthemums in deep saturated tones, fall grasses and various other dried materials in a basket to create unique autumn arrangements.
October 2022 Chapter Meeting
At our October chapter meeting, Terre Voegeli, Ichiyo Instructor taught a workshop focused on the 1st Ichiyo Advance form, the Vertical Form.
The major motif of this form is a sense of vertical height no matter the shape of the container.
Our meeting was held in one of the Matthaei Botanical Garden greenhouses and all agreed that it was a fantastic venue.
September 2022 Chapter Meeting
The Ann Arbor chapter met for our September Ikebana meeting at Matthaei Botanical Gardens.
We celebrated 45 years of the Ann Arbor Chapter of Ikebana International with a delicious cake and a wonderful demonstration by our very own Chapter president and Sensei Liz Larwa. Liz is an instructor in the Ichiyo School and demonstrated how to use gladiolas in Ikebana arrangements.
August 2022 Chapter Meeting
The Ann Arbor chapter met for our August Ikebana meeting at the shelter at Island Park.
Our instructor, Liz Larwa, from the Ichiyo school, led this outdoor summer chapter meeting creating arrangements utilizing fruits and vegetables. We had great fun with this theme for our last outdoor summer meeting. Next month we will start our regular chapter meetings at Matthaei.
July 2022 Chapter Meeting
The Ann Arbor chapter met for our July Ikebana meeting at the shelter at Island Park.
Ichiyo instructor Terre Voegeli presented a water arrangement where the design elements are above and below water. It was a lot of fun and the perfect lesson for a hot summer day
June 2022 - Tea Ceremony: Japanese Cultural Center in Saginaw
May 2022 Chapter Meeting
The Ann Arbor chapter met for our May Ikebana meeting, Liz Larwa presented the Ichiyo Four View (centerpiece) arrangement. As Japanese flower arranging has become more modern centerpieces are more common. This symmetrical centerpiece brings tranquility and order to a space viewed from all sides, It was very well attended and the final arrangements were lovely.
April 2022 Chapter Meeting
The Ann Arbor chapter met for our April meeting, Ikenobo Instructor Cheryl Linck led a delightful workshop on creating miniature arrangements. We put on our creative hats and made Ikebana in our tiny vases, small bowls, teacups, or small ikebana containers.
March 2022 Chapter Meeting
The Ann Arbor chapter met on St. Patrick’s Day for a March workshop appropriately titled “Focus on Green”. The word “green” originally had the meaning of “grow”. Green is truly a fundamental element of life bringing pleasure, peace and relaxation. Leslie, a Sogetsu instructor, led the workshop.
February 2022 Chapter Meeting
The chapter reconvened February 24th for our first in person 2022 chapter meeting. We were able to move into the auditorium and loved the airiness of the room. February’s workshop theme was Mardi Gras and the arrangements were full of life and cheerful.
January 2022 Chapter New Years Challenge
The chapter January challenge was to create a New Year arrangement.
The New Year is the biggest holiday in the Japanese culture. There are many celebrations and traditions observed to bring in the new year that include visiting loved ones, sending out greeting cards, cooking special foods, and decorating the house.
Arrangements are made using traditional materials such as bamboo, pine, and sprigs of plum branches. I have heard tulips can be used in place of plum branches.
January 2022 Chapter Meeting - Zoom
We held a very enjoyable January meeting on zoom due to the spike in Covid in Michigan. The theme was arrangements for the New Year. We viewed arrangements created by our members and others. We watched two demonstration videos from the Sogetsu School of Ikebana.
Sogetsu ikebana instructor Megumi Kaneko Schacher creates a New Year 2022 arrangement using a double mouth iron container. She completes the arrangement using traditional mizuhiki rice paper cording in red and white for celebratory occasions.
Lemoto Akane Teshigahara has been the Sogetsu iemoto for the past 20 years. She creates two New Year arrangements using various materials and techniques.
December 2021 Chapter Workshop
We had our December Workshop at Matthaei Botanical Gardens.
Cheryl Ann Linck led our December chapter meeting with her Ikenobo Freestyle "Out of the Box" arrangement. She suggests that the gerber daisy can be replaced with long lasting carnations to extend the life of the arrangement through the holidays.
It was a creative arrangement that everyone enjoyed making.
November 2021 Chapter Workshop
We had our November Workshop at Matthaei Botanical Gardens.
Liz presented the Ichiyo Group Contrast Form at the chapter’s November meeting. It was the second in person meeting at Matthaei and everyone was happy to be able to continue meeting. Part of Liz’s presentation was how to manipulate eucalyptus to create the curved lines for the arrangement. It was a very informative meeting.
October 2021 Chapter Workshop
We had our October Workshop at Matthaei Botanical Gardens. It was great to back together in our classroom at Matthaei! Leslie Rosinski from the Sogetsu School of Ikebana taught us a lesson on creating fall basket arrangements using natural objects found in nature. She reviewed each of our arrangements and provided insight on form and technique.
September 2021 Chapter Meeting
We had our September meeting in October on zoom and it was enthusiastically received! Leslie Rosinski from the Sogetsu School of Ikebana taught us a lesson on creating fall Morimono arrangements using natural objects found in nature and fruits and vegetables. She created three arrangements. This was followed by a slide show narrated by Liz Larwa. She shared photos from a demonstration and workshop she recently attended in Washington, DC featuring Naohiro Kasuya, the lemoto of the Ichiyo School of Ikebana.
August 2021 Chapter Meeting
At our August Ann Arbor Chapter meeting , Terre Voegeli taught a class in creating an Ichiyo style arrangement using just gladioli. There were many beautiful colors to choose from. . Many thanks to Janet Torno for hosting our meeting.
July 2021 Chapter Meeting
We had a wonderful chapter meeting last week and once again were blessed with beautiful weather. It is so soothing and peaceful to be in nature when we are creating arrangements. Terre Voegeli our wonderful treasurer and newly minted teacher in the Ichiyo school taught a class in a Three View Form using hosta leaves and flowers from our gardens. Many thanks to Janet Torno for hosting our meeting.
June 2021 Chapter Meeting
We had a wonderful chapter meeting yesterday at the home of one of our members. Gathering together and doing Ikebana outdoors in such a beautiful setting by the lake was exquisite! Liz Larwa, our fearless chapter president made a very successful debut as a newly minted instructor in the Ichiyo School of Ikebana. She and Terri had gather quite a bit of materials for us to choose from. We used loose weave round placemats as the containers with repurposed tuna fish cans, etc. to hold the kenzans in place to create free style arrangements. It was really fun to see all the varied and beautiful arrangements that were created. We followed our class with a short organizational meeting and enjoyed lunch together. Thank you to our host and to everyone who participated in and helped with this event.
May 2021 Meeting
Our May meetings were held via zoom: This month we watching a very interesting Japanese cultural video "One Hundred Years of Kimono Changes and Continuity from the Edo Period to the Present Day" by Paul MacLardy, proprietor of Arise Bazaar and co-author of Kimono-Vanishing Traditions. He presented rare kimono and discuss the meaning, weaving and surface finishing of kimono in the context of strict rules governing kimono production. He illuminated the ingenious ways those rules were bent during the Edo period. There were examples of kimono ware from the simple yukata to formal court costumes. Paul highlighted the changes made when Japan became a more open society allowing "common" people to start wearing kimono and the ingenious ways kimono producers meet this new demand, at affordable prices. We also viewed the arrangements submitted for our April Challenge.
Tuesday May 18th at 7pm EST
Thursday May 20th at 2pm EST
April 2021 Meeting
April meetings were held via zoom: This month the featured demonstration was by Valerie Eccleston titled "Ichiyo Shiki Ikebana:The Free Style of Flowers".
Valerie is an Executive Master, which is the Ichiyo School’s highest rank held outside of Japan. Ikebana is nature and it is said the the whole universe is contained in a single flower. Flowers become even more beautiful when cut and arranged in a natural and reverential way. When harmony is attained between the arranger and the material, the arrangement hopefully becomes a reflection of oneself. In this demonstration it is Valerie's privilege to endeavor to convey the beauty of Ichiyo Ikebana and her personal connection with nature and the materials she chose.
Tuesday April 13th at 7pm EST
Thursday April 15th at 2:00pm EST
March 2021 Meeting
March meetings were held via zoom: A video presentation by Stephanie English "Still Changing after all These Years". was featured.
Stephanie has been studying Ikebana since 1994. In 2016, she received her 18th certificate or degree, Senior Professor First Grade in the Ikenobo school. Stephanie will demonstrate twelve stunning arrangements guiding us through the rich and ever-changing history of Ikenobo. From the ancient Tatehana and her unique interpretation of Rikka Shofutai, through the Edo Period of Shoka Shofutai, Stephanie authors a floral tribute to Ikenobo’s eminent legacy. Through the modern forms of Shoka Sanshuike (post WWII), Shoka and Rikka Shimputai she beautifully demonstrates Ikenobo’s ability to respond to our changing world. Stephanie captures the post-modern era with several free style arrangements proving Ikenobo is expanding its repertoire to embrace a new generation of Ikebana artists.
Tuesday March 16th at 7 PM EST
Thursday March 18th at 2 PM EST.
February 2021 Meeting
February meetings were held on Zoom: This month’s video featured Satsuki Palter, a certified SubGrand Master of the Ohara School of Ikebana. Her presentation is titled “Connecting with Flowers and making Friends”.
Satsuki is president of the Ohara Los Angeles Chapter, the largest chapter in North America, and past president of Ikebana International LA Chapter. She has performed ikebana demonstrations, workshops and exhibitions at the Getty Museum, LA County Museum, LA Arboretum, and Japanese American National Museum, as well as many events such as Anime Expo, and is regularly invited to teach workshops throughout the country. In addition to her role as a leader in the Ikebana community, Satsuki also teaches Japanese tea ceremony. Born and raised in Kobe, Japan, Satsuki has resided in Los Angeles since 1996.
During her presentation, Satsuki Palter tells her story. It is an affirmation of her sense of place. Through her delightful video you come to understand how Ikebana makes connections in our lives. Satsuki’s stunning arrangements are connected by a visual narrative of her community, her students, her garden and her heart. From her breathtaking Rimpa to sweeping and contemplative scenery arrangements, Satsuki shows the beauty and artistry of Ohara
Tuesday, February 16th at 7:00 p.m. Eastern time
Thursday, February 18 at 2:00 p.m. Eastern time.
January 2021 Meeting
The January meeting was held on Zoom: This month’s video featured Jose Salcedo from Los Angeles.
Jose Salcedo is an ikebana rarity. Accomplished in both Ohara and Ikenobo, he holds the Ohara title of 1st Term Master and Senior Professor of Ikenobo. Mr. Salcedo is a natural instructor. His demonstration at the Ikebana International NCAR Dallas Conference is a master class in balance and harmony. His choice of containers and manipulation of plant material are the hallmarks of his strong oeuvre and solidify his place among today’s modern ikebana masters.
Tuesday, January 19 at 7:00 p.m. Eastern time
Thursday, January 21 at 2:00 p.m. Eastern time.
December 2020 Meeting
We had our December meetings this past week and were delighted to welcome members of Ikebana International chapters in Memphis, San Diego, Chicago, Madison, and Atlanta!
We watched a very interesting demonstration by Susan Cano of the Sogetsu School of Ikebana. The essence of ikebana lies in the relationship between flowers and the container. It was so interesting to see the changes in Susan's arrangements when she put the same arrangement in different colored containers. We were all inspired by her beautiful arrangements and use of color. Our member challenge this month is to create the same arrangement in contrasting color or shapes of containers to demonstate the effect on our arrangements.
We invited participants to send us pictures of their arrangements which we shared at the January 19th meeting.
November 2020 Meeting
We hope you can join us for our virtual meeting on Zoom: We will be watching a video of a presentation by author and Ichiyo Executive Master Elaine Jo titled "At Home with Ikebana".
Elaine will be demonstrating how to elevate your living space with Ikebana.
Thursday, November 19th at 2PM.
November 2020 Meeting
The November meeting was held on Zoom: We watched a video of Laura Felt demonstrating how to decorate objects using Washi paper.
Laura provides start to finish instructions for covering napkin rings, ornaments, and tissue boxes.
Tuesday, November 17th at 7PM
October 2020 Meeting
For our October meeting, we watched a video of Senko Ikenobo.
The Headmaster Designate of the Ikenobo Ikebana School create several beautiful arrangements. This one is Free Style and is titled "Fall to Winter". Materials she used include dried Pampass Grass, Areca Palm, branches of red berries, and Oak Leaf Hydrangea.
August 2020 Meeting
On August 20th, Ikebana International Ann Arbor Chapter hosted a garden party for our members at the studio and garden of Janet Knowlton, one of our instructors and associate members.
After a short business meeting, we toured her garden and studio, as Janet shared with us which flowers, plants, and branches she uses in her arrangements according to the seasons. Afterwards we enjoyed camaraderie and refreshments, soaking up the peacefulness and beauty of Janet's garden. (See the pictures in our Photo Album)
January 2020 Meeting
Beautiful upright style moribana created for our January 2020 meeting by our instructor Leslie Rosinski, from the Sogetsu School of Ikebana.
December 2019 Meeting
At our December, 2019 meeting, Cheryl Linck, who is certified in the Ikenobo School of Ikebana taught us to make a free style centerpiece. Here are a few of the arrangements made by class participants.