Tacoma-Olympia Chapter 147

Ikebana International

Ikebana is primarily about the Japanese art of flower arranging. Our activities also promote the study of related Japanese cultural arts.

Ikebana International is a non-profit organization founded in the mid fifties by the late Ellen Gordon Allen. Her dream was to create an organization uniting the people of the world through their mutual love of nature and enjoyment of Ikebana. That dream has now spread to over 50 countries/areas with at least 143 chapters worldwide and a membership of about 7,000.

The Tacoma-Olympia Chapter 147, located in western Washington State, was chartered in 1970. Dedicated to “Friendship through Flowers”, chapter meetings are usually held once a month alternating between the cities of Olympia and Tacoma.

In addition to workshops on flower arranging and Japanese cultural arts, yearly we enjoy a field trip.

We offer "friendship through flowers" by providing arrangements and demonstrations to our local communities in locations such as libraries, educational institutions, museums and art stores.

To learn more about our Chapter email us at ii147tacomaolympia@gmail.co m
Click on the Membership Information to the left to explore the benefits of membership.
To learn more about Ikebana International (Tokyo website) use the Affiliations tab.
Use the Affiliations tab to your left to visit the NCAR website . It is a great resource for all things Ikebana in North and Central America.

Schools Represented

Under the umbrella of Ikebana International, there are over 300 different schools of Ikebana each following a particular set of rules and techniques. Three of the several schools represented in our Chapter are Ikenobo, Sogetsu and Ichiyo. Others include Asakusa Enshu, Enshu-ryu Mori Isshin Kai, Kofu, Koryu Shohtoh Kai, and Migu Ki Ryu,

Ikenobo
With each new IKEBANA arrangement, IKENOBO continues a tradition of creativity that began over 550 years ago. IKENOBO is based in Kyoto, Japan, at Choho-ji (Rokkaku-do) Temple, a temple said to have been founded by Prince Shotoku.
The Japanese word IKE means“pond,” while the word BO means “a priest’s hut.” Suggesting a priest’s hut next to a pond, the two words combine in the name of the family that has headed this school of IKEBANA, IKE-NO-BO. Succeeding generations of priests were famous for their skill in arranging flowers, and IKENOBO thus became “the origin of IKEBANA.”

Sogetsu
The Sogetsu School of Ikebana was started in 1927 by the founder Sofu Teshigahara who questioned the traditions of ikebana and preferred to respect the freedom of individual expressions. “Anytime, anywhere, by anyone,” — and with any materials — is the creed of the Sogetsu School. Today, under the 4th Iemoto Akane Teshigahara, the Sogetsu Ikebana is popular around the world as a school of Ikebana that draws out the freedom of expression in each individual, always new, always beautiful, and never constrained by preconceptions.

Ichiyo

Arrangements in the manner of Ichiyo School are intended to arouse our senses in a different way from traditional ikebana, giving the viewer an experience with nature that is unexpected, stimulating, and profound.

Ichiyo School encourages personal interpretation. Imagination is considered as essential to creative designs as materials and containers. “If flower arranging is to be truly fulfilling, it should be a reflection of oneself.”

Membership

Single Membership (annual fee): $80

International and Local Membership Benefits:

Ikebana International Magazine: A premier publication, issued three times a year, richly illustrated with color plates of ikebana arrangements, articles on ikebana and related arts and cultural topics.
Chapter Activities Newsletter and Sakura News: Two lively newsletters that keep members informed of what is happening at chapters and regions around the world and at I.I. Headquarters.
Access to all past issues of I.I. newsletters viewable online through the I.I. website.
Eligibility to join Ikebana International's 163 chapters worldwide, to participate in chapters' monthly meetings enjoy ikebana demonstrations, exhibitions, workshops, fairs and activities. Associate member fees may be charged by individual chapters.
Opportunities to share ideas about ikebana, and most of all to enjoy our motto “Friendship Through Flowers”, by making new friends around the world.
Regional Conferences and World Conventions: Regional Conferences are held periodically in various regions throughout the world for the purpose of offering educational and cultural exchange opportunities to our members close to home. Every five years an I.I. World Convention is held in Japan.
Monthly Chapter Meetings: Members usually get together at monthly or bimonthly meetings (Tacoma or Olympia) to see ikebana demonstrations, hear lectures on related topics, or participate in flower arranging or other related activities. Our Chapter also participates in ikebana exhibitions. By reciprocal arrangement, members are welcome to visit other chapters while on their travels.
Transfer of Membership: A member may transfer from one chapter to another upon presentation of a current, valid membership card.
And of course, "Friendship through Flowers".