Programs for 2020 

All workshops are for members only unless otherwise noted 

Friendship Through Flowers are open to public

February 25

"Sumi-e:  Its History and the Role in Japanese Art"

Presented by: Kay Storck - Sumi-e Artist, Ikebana - Sogetsu School

This program will cover a brief history of sumi-e, identify its materials, topics and approaches, and delve a little bit into its current roles, both in Japan and internationally, and specifically its symbiosis with ikebana. I will demonstrate both traditional sumi-e techniques and new approaches.

What is sumi-e? Literally “sumi” means ink made of soot, originally from pine branches, and “e” means painting. So sumi-e is Japanese black ink painting on rice paper. Although it is steeped in tradition, it is a spontaneous and expressive art form. Each stroke is made carefully because it cannot be painted over, changed or erased. It strives to capture the momentary essence of the subject.

March 24

"Arrangements for Tokonoma"

Presented by: Lynn Forbes, Patti Quinn Hill, Nancy Gettys, Norma Bradley, Sue Grier, Suzanne Dillingham - Ichiyo School

Each Ichiyo demonstrator will present their arrangement displayed in a 3-panel mock "tokonoma" with a 2-dimentional art image attached to represent a painted scroll, calligraphy or other chosen art.  They will explain their material choices and the relation between their ikebana and the image and remark on where ikebana is displayed in their own homes. 

Note:  Historically, in traditional Japanese homes ikebana was placed in the tokonoma, a small alcove with a slightly raised floor.  The literal translation of tokonoma is "place of honor".  It might be considered to be the highest level of display because it separates art from the active daily living of the family life and gives it a place to be viewed without distractions.  Traditionally, nageire style arrangements are simple and natural using nageire containers or baskets, and are in the best of taste.  Today's ikebana arrangements may be free style following clasiscal traditions.

Following their presentation, workshop participants will prepare their own tokonoma arranagement.  Teachers will be available to critique.  

Workshop

Cost:  $10.00  (Donation to our I.I. Chapter)

Please bring a folded backdrop and a picture of your chosen art to attach with masking tape to your tokonoma display space as well as your own containers and floral materials.  The internet is a good place to search and print possible art to be used.  Loaner display boards will be provided for your convenience if necessary (pattiquinnhill@gmail.com).  They can also be purchased at Staples.

April 28

"Baby's Breath"

Presented by:  Terri Ellis Todd - Ichiyo School

 Arrangement by Terri Todd              Containers and arrangement by Sue Grier

Baby's Breath is a great material to use in many ways in modern Ichiyo ikebana instead of just covering the kenzan.  It can be used to add light, softness, mass, and structural support and sculptural aspects to arrangements.  It is widely available in most supermarkets, long lasting and very affordable.  The demonstration will feature a few arrangements to inspire ikebana artists to use Baby's Breath in beautiful creative ways.  

May 26

"Ikebana, Bonsai Parallel Art"

Presented by: Karen LaFleur-Stewart - Ohara School

The May program will provide a historical perspective of four of I. I. Asheville’s schools of Ikebana - Ikenobo, Sogetsu, Ichiyo, and Ohara. A photographic overview will be a reminder of how floral beauty varies because of - or perhaps in spite of - differences in design approaches. Comparisons also illustrate how much the schools have in common. Three Ohara arrangements - moribana, one row, and landscape - will illustrate the better known arrangements of the Ohara School.

June 23

"Color Me Beautiful with Flowers!  An Ikebana Floral Color Wheel"

Presented by: Sue Grier - Ichiyo School, Diane Harker - Ohara School, Jane Irwin - Sogetsu School

Join the presenters as we take our cues from the Floral Color Wheel. It’s not just about blooms and buds. We’ll also look into stems, leaves, pods, berries and even the container choice as we demonstrate ways to simplify and organize the design process plus create harmonious and eye-pleasing arrangements. Knowing the color wheel and its basic rules is an essential tool in our Ikebana toolbox!

Friendship Through Flowers Workshop

Cost: $20  open to members and non-members

Each participant will supply their own container (non-members: bring a suiban or low bowl container like a round, oval, rectangular or square pie plate or baking pan) along with a needle point holder (kenzan) if you have one. Floral and leaf material will be provided. (If you would like to bring flowers from your garden that would be helpful but not necessary).  Also, garden clippers or kitchen scissors to cut plant material would be helpful. 

Please bring a snack or lunch as the workshop may finish between 2 and 3 pm. 

July 28

"Unusual Glass Containers"

Presented by:  Emiko Suzuki and Peggy Snow - Ikenobo School

Unusual glass containers are beautiful just to look at, but it is not easy to arrange flowers in them. We wanted to show techniques and possibilities of making an Ikebana in fun glass containers.

Friendship Through Flowers Workshop

Cost: $20  open to members and non-members

August 11

Country Club of Asheville

August Demonstration, Luncheon, Ginza

"Sogetsu School - Line, Mass, and Color"

Presented by: Susan Cano, Sogetsu School

Susan Cano and Mass Arrangement

         Arrangement of Color                                 Arrangement of Line

Sogetsu ikebana is sculptural in form and intent promoting free style and abstract arrangements.  The curriculum intents to bring every students’ innate creativity to the forefront.  Sogetsu is known for its beauty of LINE and together with MASS and COLOR, it distinguishes itself as a modern school.  Susan Cano, Riji in the Sogetsu School will discuss this idea making ikebana arrangements to illustrate.

September 22

"  Title TBA      "

4 Workshops - To be announced

Presented by:  Ilse Buenen -  Special Guest - International Sogetsu School Instructor from Belgium

October 27

"Views of Ohara's Landscapes"

Presented by: Karen LaFleur-Stewart, Susan Mitchell, Marcia Wright and Julia Van Huss - Ohara School

The Ohara School’s Moribana Landscape Realistic arrangement is composed in three different forms. To illustrate the similarities and differences, the October program will feature demonstrations of these variations. A Near View, a Middle View, and a Far View Moribana will be assembled and described, each one depicting images of scenes that are close to the viewer, near the viewer, or distant from the viewer. Colorful branches and flowers typical of the fall season will be used to express the beauty of that season. 

November

No Program

December

"Holiday Gathering Celebration"

Potluck Lunch