Annual Exhibition: ikebana Magic
March 14, 2025
This year our annual exhibition was held at the Selby Library in beautiful downtown Sarasota! Featuring arrangements from the schools of Ikenobo, Ohara, Wafu, Sogetsu, and Ichiyo, the event had a fantastic turnout and we are looking forward to returning next year!
February Chapter Meeting: Designing with bamboo
February 23, 2026
Sensei Patricia Bonarek, assisted by Adrienne Wagner from the Sogetsu School demonstrated a variety of beautiful arrangements using bamboo. Members used bamboo in versatile ways as both container and material. We also wished a happy birthday to our President Yuki and Sensei Patricia!
January Chapter Meeting: Flower Swap
January 19 , 2026
Gwen Lawry and Terri Ruebusch led a demonstration and workshop where members exchanged plant materials, employing improvisation and creativity in a variety of beautiful arrangements!
Annual Holiday Luncheon: Celebrate Ikebana, Ohara School
December 12, 2025
Associate Second Term Master of the Ohara School, Susan Thorpe from St. Petersburg Chapter #65, gave an incredible demonstration with a variety of arrangements unique to the Ohara school, from the one row form to Bunjinbana. Attendees were delighted by the unique, seasonal materials and her approachable demonstration style. As always, chapter volunteers created beautiful center piece arrangements and gift baskets for the raffle. Another successful holiday luncheon on the books!
November Chapter Meeting: Chrysanthemum, The Imperial Flower of Japan
November 24, 2025
October Chapter Meeting: Designing with driftwood
October 27, 2025
Sensei Leslie Wier-Fincher from the Sogetsu School demonstrated the use of driftwood in various ways, followed by a workshop. Members then enthusiastically created their own arrangements using driftwood, seasonal materials, and their favorite containers. Dorinda Wilkinson also received her Yonkyuu Shihan (Teacher 4th grade) certificate in the Sogetsu school from her Sensei Patricia Bonarek.
September Chapter Meeting: Furoshiki, Japanese Wrapping Cloths
September 29, 2025
President Yukiko Brown and member Kimiko Ikeda welcomed everyone to our first meeting of the 20245-2026 season with a beautiful demonstration on using Furoshiki in different ways to accent our Ikebana arrangements. Using the techniques demonstrated, members created their own arrangements. We also welcomed several new members for this season!
