Ikebana
International
Ikebana
International
Ikebana International Augusta, Georgia
Chapter 81
"Friendship through Flowers"
Ikebana International Chapter 81, Augusta, Georgia - Aiken, South Carolina
What is Ikebana?
Ikebana, often translated as Japanese Flower Arranging is much more than flower arranging.
It is a philosophy and lifestyle that helps you slow down, enjoy nature, and find your inner self, as well as developing creative skills and techniques to make beautiful living art.
What is Ikebana International?
Ikebana International is a worldwide organization founded in Tokyo, Japan, in 1956 by the late Ellen Gordon Allen. Its members are dedicated to promoting the mutual understanding and friendship between Japan and other countries through ikebana and other related arts of Japan.
Ikebana International (I.I.) is a non-profit cultural organization in Japan, and today boasts over 6,000 members with chapters in more than 50 countries. Ikebana International is governed by volunteers of many different nationalities and ikebana schools. Some of the ikebana schools stress classic styles; others focus on creative, contemporary styles; and others blend the two forms.
What is North and Central American Region?
The North and Central American Region (NCAR) is the largest region of seven regions within Ikebana International, reaching from Canada to the Panama Canal. Its Regional Advocate Committee seeks to strengthen relationships with the 68 NCAR chapters – through engagement, communication and knowledge sharing – to enhance chapter and school vitality.
With our mission: Serving North & Central American chapters to expand the Art of Ikebana through communication and action we will be working to develop programs that will excite new and younger members, ensure a legacy into the future, and find ways to inspire new ikebanists to join this extraordinary global organization.
What is the Iwaya Fund?
The Ikebana Iwaya Fund (IIF) is an IRS 501(c) (3) non-profit organization established in 2006 to promote and support ikebana related activity in North America. It seeks to educate the general public and foster the growth of ikebana through collaboration and financial support of organizations with this shared mandate.
The Iwaya Fund is built with public donations, both general and specific. The Estate of Sumako Iwaya is matching these donations into the Endowment Fund. The dividend income generated by its permanent Endowment Fund is used to disburse as grants to its stakeholders (I.I. chapters, ikebana study groups, schools and teachers).
Sogetsu Master Teacher - Riji
Hideko Rainey
Gallery
Membership Benefits
Join our membership by contacting Ami at 803-279-8233
Multiple Ikebana Schools
Ikebana International is the only organization where you can learn about many different ikebana schools.
Monthly Chapter Meetings
Members get together at monthly meetings to see ikebana demonstrations, hear lectures on related topics or participate in ikebana workshops.
Transferability of Membership
A member is welcome to visit other chapter programs while on their travels. The membership is also transferable from one chapter to another at any time of the year upon presentation of a valid membership card.
Associate Membership
A member may belong to additional chapters at reduced rates upon proof of membership
of their primary chapter.
Opportunity for lessons
Members can obtain contact information of certified ikebana teachers that belong to the chapter, as well as information of teachers that teach virtually from another chapter.
Ikebana International Magazine
A premier publication, issued three times a year, richly illustrated with color plates of ikebana arrangements, articles on ikebana or related arts, and in-depth Japanese cultural subjects.
Chapter Activities and Sakura News
Two quarterly newsletters from I.I. Headquarters that keep members informed of chapter activities around the world and at I.I. Headquarters.
Regional Conferences and World Conventions
Regional Conferences are held periodically every 4 to 5 years in various regions throughout the world for the purpose of offering educational and cultural exchange opportunities to the members. The I.I. World Convention is held every five years in Japan.
"Friendship through Flowers"
IKENOBO
Ikebana is one of the representative aspects of Japanese traditional culture, and ikebana began with Ikenobo.
In 1462 the name Senkei Ikenobo first appeared in historic records as “master of flower arranging.” Senno Ikenobo, who was active in the late Muromachi period (mid-16th century), established the philosophy of ikebana, completing a compilation of Ikenobo teachings called “Senno Kuden.”Senno Ikenobo taught, “Not only beautiful flowers but also buds and withered flowers have life, and each has its own beauty. By arranging flowers with reverence, one refines oneself.”
Arranging flowers and finding beauty in flowers - these are linked to a heart that values nature and cares for other people. This is the spirit of Ikenobo Ikebana.
SOGETSU
Sogetsu Ikebana was founded in 1927 by Sofu Teshigahara who concluded that ikebana is a creative art that can take many forms and expressions. His basic premise is that “anyone can enjoy Sogetsu Ikebana anytime, anywhere, using any material”.
Sogetsu Ikebana is appropriate in any room of one’s home, in public spaces such as hotel lobbies, banquet rooms, department stores or out of door locations. Suitable for both Japanese and Western environments, it is one of the most contemporary ikebana schools of design.
Akane Teshigahara is the current and Fourth Iemoto (or headmaster), grand-daughter of Sofu Teshigahara, niece of Kasumi Teshigahara (2nd Iemoto) and daughter of Hiroshi Teshigahara (3rd Iemoto).
There are forty-seven local branches in Japan (one for each prefecture and three in Tokyo) as well as some hundred branches overseas.
