ALOHA and WELCOME!
Welcome to the Home Page of Ikebana International, Honolulu Chapter 56*.
Ikebana is the art of Japanese flower arranging. Our motto is "Friendship Through Flowers."
Our Honolulu Chapter includes members from the following ikebana schools:
Ichiyo, Ikenobo, Ishida, Kado Sangetsu,
Kin Sen, MOA Sangetsu, Ohara, Saga Goryu, Sayegusa, Sogetsu,
Toin Misho, and Wafu.
* II Chapter 56 is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization. Tax-deductible contributions, including new or gently used items, are gratefully accepted. . It's as easy as submitting this form with your donation payment or contact information@ikebana-hawaii.org for more information.
President's Message |
| Aloha Ka Kou!
Welcome to the Ikebana International Honolulu Chapter 56 website from paradise! It's true that we are blessed with the most pleasant assault of the senses: from gentle ocean breezes, the fragrances of a rainbow of tropical flowers and exotic plants, and our magnificent towering mountain ranges. Today, Honolulu Chapter 56 is one of over 200 chapters worldwide, whose mission is to promote the study and enjoyment of ikebana, the art of Japanese flower arranging and other related Japanese arts. Ikebana International was founded in 1956, in Tokyo by Ellen Gordon Allen, a U.S. General's wife stationed in Japan. The late Mrs. Allen became interested in Japanese flower arrangement, as “an antidote to worry”. In her book, Japanese Flower Arrangement in a Nutshell, Mrs. Allen explained her three ambitions regarding ikebana: “First, I want to spread a love for and knowledge of this art. Secondly, I want to form an association of all individuals who are studying or have studied Japanese flower arrangement. Thirdly, (my goal is to bring to the United States) the great (ikebana) masters, those artists who are so wonderfully qualified to display the art at its highest peak of perfection and beauty”. With the motto, 'Friendship Through Flowers', Ellen Gordon Allen achieved an end that has enhanced the lives of countless people throughout the world. In Hawaii, our chapter uses workshops, demonstrations, and public exhibitions to promote educational and community service activities. These help to provide an understanding and appreciation of this important Japanese art form. What Mrs. Allen learned so many years ago about ikebana is that this particular art form “can express a thought, a mood, and combines the best of all other art mediums.” It is my hope that Honolulu Chapter 56 will actively work to pass this precious art form on to younger generations. In the meantime, we continue our educational outreach by working with Honolulu Hale, (city hall), and organizations like the Japanese Cultural Center of Hawaii, Lyon Arboretum, Tokai University, and the Honolulu Museum of Art by providing demonstrations of ikebana techniques and instruction during hands-on workshops. We are committed to sharing our ikebana with libraries, schools, hospitals, senior centers, and other organizations that work to improve the lives of members of our community. Please explore our website. You will find highlights of past activities in the Archived Events. Want to know more about us? Look in the Newsletter and the Calendar of Events/ Community Service. Know that you are welcome to join I.I. Honolulu Chapter 56 by simply clicking on Membership to find a membership application form. For all of you who love flowers, we look forward to you joining us, and becoming a “friend through flowers”. Me Ke Aloha, (With warm regards) Karen Kirk, President |