Ann Arbor Chapter 183 Programs

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June In-House Exhibition for Memebers:   

Thursday, June 19, 2025  - 12:30pm to 3pm

A Members and friends of Ikebana In-House Event

Members are encouraged to make an arrangement of your choice for our first annual exhibition June 19th. Please think about what you have learned over the year(s) and design a special arrangement to display. 

You provide your own materials. You can either bring the completed arrangement or put it together at the church. We will have instructors available to help. The chapter will provide tea and sweets. It is not mandatory to make an arrangement, but we really hope members will participate. 

This will be an in-house exhibition; but, if you wish to bring a special friend to see your work, please do.

May Workshop: IKENOBO - JIYUKA (FREESTYLE)

Our May program was an interesting workshop taught by Ikenobo sensei Cheryl Linck. Ikenobo, the oldest Ikebana school, has expanded into modern forms. Cheryl guided us in creating one of these as a Jiyuka(freestyle) form . 

This modern Ikenobo style is based on Shoka Shimputai principles (a form with two main branch elements representing Yin and Yang and a third helper).

Following the more relaxed Shoka Shimputai freestyle guidelines, beautiful Ikebana forms were created using three complementary materials - a star, co-star and supporting actor 

March Workshop: ICHIYO - LEAF MANIPULATION

We had a wonderful March Chapter meeting...lots going on. Liz Larwa and Terre Voegeli, both teachers in the Ichiyo School of Ikebana, led a very interesting workshop with a focus on manipulating leaves to change their character. 

We celebrated Hinamatsuri, which was earlier this month, with Chris sharing her Hinadan display and Junko explaining the significance of it.  Katie brought delicious tea she brought back from Japan and served it in her beautiful collection of tea cups. 

We had a local potter as well as some of our own containers for sale. 

February Workshop: IKENOBO FREESTYLE (JIYUKA)

As we begin our exit of the winter months, Pat Lang, our Ikenobo teacher from the Detroit chapter, led the February workshop with a Jiyuka or freestyle form using Spring materials.

Ikenobo is the earliest style of Ikebana and its first school, laying the foundation for all other ikenobo schools.

The focus of this freestyle Ikenobo upright arrangement are line, surface, mass and dots to create an emotive character between the vase and the floral materials. 

The form is further enhanced through the use of negative space and odd numbers of materials. 

December Workshop: ICHIYO: HOLIDAY CENTERPIECE

For our December meeting, we enjoyed a delicious potluck and enjoyed the time to get to know each other. This was followed by our December workshop. 

Liz Larwa led us through steps to create of holiday season centerpieces. 

These Ikebana forms are symmetrical or asymmetrical arrangements suitable for a dining table or a coffee table. The basis or our arrangements were one or two branches, greens, and various floral material. 

November Workshop: SOGETSU: VERTICAL COMPOSITION 3-1

Leslie Rosinski, our Sogetsu School Sensei, led this interesting and beautiful workshop with focus on the vertical line. 

Everything begins with careful observation of the beauty within our plant materials. Conscious of the natural lines they originally have and their power which reaches upwards. 

The moribana containers provide a grounding effect which enhance the vertical feel and flow of the arrangements.

October Workshop: IKEBANA JOURNEY IN JAPAN

or “KADO” – The Way of Flowers

North and Central American Regional Conference update

Philadelphia, PA

For our October meeting David Lee gave a very interesting presentation entitled "Ikebana Journey in Japan or KADO, the Way of Flowers". The roots of the Japanese Ikebana art form are said to have arrived from the Asian Continent with Buddhism. In his presentation David traced the development of Ikebana alongside significant cultural and historical events that created modern day Japan. David shared with us his recent trip to Japan where he researched and visited significant Ikebana sites. He also prepared three examples of temple arrangements. 

This was followed by a short presentation by Liz Lwara and Terri Voegeli on the Ikebana North and Central American Region(NCAR) of Ikebana International's conference which was held recently in Philadelphia.

Liz and Terri presented certificates of appreciation to the outgoing Advocates and exhibited their beautiful arrangements in the conference exhibition.

September Workshop: Ichiyo Three-View Form

For our September meeting, Terre Voegeli (Chapter vice-president / Ichiyo instructor) led the workshop to create the three-view style.

With a focus on line and balance, This arrangement is carefully constructed using lines that flow gracefully from the front to the sides, maintaining a sense of balance and harmony across all viewpoints.

This style, being a modern Ikebana interpretation, allows for greater flexibility in design while maintaining core Ichiyo design principles of the upright and slanting forms.

August Workshop: Ichiyo Summer Freestyle with placemats

For our August meeting, Liz Larwa, our chapter president and an instructor in the Ichiyo School of Ikebana, taught a workshop on exploring use of placemats in creating or enhance an arrangement. Encouraging us to stretch our brains and think outside of the containers, Liz’s workshop explored how to use several different styles and colors of placemats in unique ways. Materials utilized were light, airy, and seasonal such as: grasses, hydrangeas, Hosta, zinnia, interesting branches, or anything that feels summery. 

July Workshop: Ichiyo Upright and Slanting Forms

Terre Voegeli, an instructor in the IchiyoSchool, lead an informal workshop at Island Park for our July Meeting. She reviewed Ichiyo upright and slanting forms. We enjoyed the variety of plant material that members brought for their arrangements

June Workshop: Ichiyo Flat Form

For our June meeting, Terre Voegeli, our Ichiyo School Associate Master, taught us how to create a "Flat Form" Ikebana arrangement. 

This arrangement is short in height and emphasizes the width of the whole composition. It can be created in one large container or two containers.

May Workshop: Washi Paper Box

We had a special event for our May chapter meeting. Mary Yamamoto led a workshop on how to cover a wooden tissue box with Washi Paper. We learned about how washi paper and chiyogami paper are created. Liz Llawapresented a very interesting slide show on Ikebana. It was fun to see all the different patterns of washi paper that were used to create these lovely boxes.

March Workshop: Ichiyo Ikebana -  Spring Basket

Ichiyo Associate Master Liz Larwa. Liz led the workshop on Spring Baskets just in time for Seasonal or Easterdisplays in the home. 

As an art form, Ikebana can be displayed on tables, counters, mantels or any other spot that lends itself to flowers.

February Workshop: Ichiyo Ikebana -  Flowing Form – Impact of line

For the Februrary workshop, at our new location, Ichiyo Associate Master Terre Voegeli focused on design with curved line.

Ikebana arrangements are based on many basic principles. This important element, creation of beauty of line in the composition, is intended to create a feeling for the viewer. Contrasting backgrounds also bring out different character of the compositions.

January Workshop: Ichiyo Ikebana - Upright style Nageire form

The January workshop was led by Ichiyo Master Janet Knowlton.

Janet demonstrated the Ichiyo Basic Upright style, but in its Nageire form (in a tall container). The upright form skills and techniques are integral to Ikebana with many beautiful arrangements created in the workshop.

December Workshop: Ichiyo Ikebana- Holiday Arrangement

Celebrating the year end with our December Workshop, Ichiyo Sensei Janet Knowlton led the creation of holiday arrangements created in the style of the Ichiyo Upright form. It was great to spread out in a beautiful large space at the First Unitarian Universalist Congregation in Ann Arbor. The workshop also featured a potluck and container sale.

November Workshop: Sogetsu Ikebana- Composition of Mass & Line 

For our November Meeting/Workshop, Leslie Rozinski demonstrated this Sogetsu Ikebana arrangement form by contrasting the two elements of mass and line.  We brought our own branches and carnations in various colors were provided. It was a very enjoyable workshop. 

October Workshop – Sogetsu School - Composing with Branches

For our October Meeting/Workshop Leslie Rosinski from the Sogetsu School of Ikebana taught us a lesson on "Composing with Branches - A Two-step Approach". Leslie brought a lot of fun and unusual plant material for us to use in our arrangements.

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 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 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

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

 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. 

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. 

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. 

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

 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. 

 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.

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.

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. 

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.

 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. 

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.   

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.  

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.

 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 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 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 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. 

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. 

 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.

 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.

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

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.

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)

Beautiful upright style moribana created for our January 2020 meeting by our instructor Leslie Rosinski, from the Sogetsu School of Ikebana.

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.