Chapter History
A journey through our history
Take a stroll through the history of Sarasota Ikebana International Chapter #115, from our beginnings in 1967 to the vibrant chapter we are today. Along the way, discover the people, milestones, meaningful stories, exhibitions, and partnerships that have shaped our chapter over nearly six decades. Through changing times and new opportunities, one thing has remained constant: our shared love of ikebana and the friendships formed through it. We invite you to explore the story of our chapter and the many members whose dedication has helped our cherry branch continue to grow.
Beginnings
Our Chapter’s first president, Merle Sauve wrote this lovely sentiment in 1967 which was printed in the first membership directory. “The branch of the cherry tree is the symbol of Ikebana International. The Sarasota Chapter is the new bud of this branch. With the united efforts of each member participating in the programs and activities, we can become a full Cherry Blossom on this international branch. If we are ever mindful of the objectives of Ikebana International, ‘to stimulate, cultivate, and perpetuate the study of Ikebana, related arts and culture’, and if we devote ourselves to serious study and understanding, we may grow to be one of the stronger branches on the cherry tree” .
There were 90 members the initial year. Meetings that first year were held monthly at Trinity Methodist Church. Our first exhibit was held in the County Agricultural Building in February 1968, with a second exhibit held in March at the Sarasota County Fair.
Growth
By the end of the fifth year, the Chapter had grown to 97 members. Back in that day before email, someone was in charge of the ‘Telephone” committee. Various schools were represented including Chiko, Enshu, Ikenobo, Ohara, and Sogetsu. By the end of 1969 meetings were held at the Sarasota Garden Center.
Our Sarasota Chapter celebrated its 10th anniversary in 1977. That year’s directory listed 93 members, 13 were noted as ‘founding members.’ That year’s exhibition was held at the Sarasota Art Association Building.
In 1983, our Chapter’s 15th anniversary, Selby Botanical Gardens invited our chapter to hold an Ikebana exhibition at the Garden’s Museum of Botany and Arts (Payne Mansion). The first exhibition was held in January 1983; this tradition continued for over 30 years. Schools represented included Chiko, Enshu, Ikenobo, Koryu, Ohara and Sogetsu. This exhibit lasted 3 days and was very well attended.
The Famous Helmet
Our chapter is in proud possession of a lovely ceremonial Japanese samurai military helmet, donated by General George and Ambler Loving. This exquisitely decorated, gilt helmet was a gift to General Loving from the Japanese. Ambler served our chapter in several roles, including as President in 1981-1983. In fact, both the Loving’s were active with the Sarasota chapter, presenting a program on their time in Asia during a holiday dinner. The helmet is frequently displayed at our exhibitions, and at our 50th celebrations. A fun trivia fact-- did you know that the artist who designed Star Wars' character Darth Vader's costume was inspired by similar attire worn by the Samurai?
Standing Tall
Our 1992/93 membership directory opened with the President’s message: “Members of Sarasota Chapter #115 Of Ikebana International are standing tall this year as we mark the 25th year of our founding.” A variety of celebratory programs were planned for that anniversary year and in our 30th year as well. Happily, today our chapter members are still ‘standing tall’ as we engage in numerous chapter activities celebrating our beautiful art form.
Our Logo
The year 2006 saw the beginning of Selby Garden's Asian Fest, which we supported annually with our Exhibition in the Mansion Museum and in later years in the Great Room by the Bay. In anticipation of our 40th Anniversary celebration, member Aiko Anderson created a special chapter logo. This logo is seen on our membership directories and was highlighted during our 50th anniversary activities. The symbolism is explained as follows: the sun represents the rising sun of Japan and the sunshine of Florida, the flowers represent the cherry blossoms of Japan and the Hibiscus of Florida, and the Japanese character means flower.
Kimono
In 2007/2008 we celebrated our 40th with a variety of programs, including a special program focused on the kimono. During that program, two members dressed in their own kimonos: Aiko Anderson in her Furisode (worn on her coming-of-age day ‘Seijin No Hi’ at age 20) and Teddy Steenson in his Hakama, worn by young men for the same event.
Newsletter
In 2012 we established a monthly newsletter to let members, associate members stay in touch with all our activities. We began sharing this information with other sister chapters in Florida (Miami, Orlando, Melbourne, Naples, and St. Petersburg). Recent history,2015 has seen our return to the Sarasota Garden Club (SGC) as our home.
50th Anniversary
In 2017 our Chapter celebrated our 50th anniversary. We began with a special 3-day celebration ‘Golden Moon’ Luncheon, with guest demonstrator, Carol ‘Shoko’ Cook, followed by special Japanese Cultural Experience, ’Kagura Shinto Mask’ program, followed the next day with a demonstration and workshop by Carol Cook. In 2020 our Chapter responded to the Covid Pandemic, a time of social distancing by creating videos of shared arrangements and ‘Bamboo and Blooms’, virtual exhibition. By 2022 we were able to return our annual exhibitions to the SGC.
Partnership with Sarasota libraries
2023 marked a change in venue for our annual exhibitions, first at the Gulf Gate Library ( 2023, 24, 25), followed by the downtown Selby Library in 2026. We also held several Ikebana Symposiums to increase awareness and attract new members. This year also marked a change in our monthly newsletter as it was finally given the name, ‘Hana Highlights’.
60 years
Our Sarasota chapter has thrived for almost 60 years offering friendships and educational opportunities and contributing to the diverse cultural environment of our area due to the efforts of many dedicated members. We have been honored to participate in their events, as well as the launch of the esteemed Ringling Museum’s Asian Art wing. Most importantly we have formed many new friendships through these associations, and recalling the words of our first president, continue as a strong and thriving symbolic cherry branch of Ikebana International. We anticipate enjoying our “Friendship through Flowers” for many years to come.
With Gratitdue
It is with deep gratitude that we acknowledge our Historian, Terri Ruebusch, and Liz Dean, who devoted countless hours to compiling and preserving our chapter’s history digitally. We are grateful for their dedication in helping us preserve these memories for generations to come.