Message from Ikebana International Honolulu Chapter 56 President Ethel Aotani
Aloooooooha!
From warm sunny Hawaii, the Aloha State, where Ikebana International Honolulu Chapter 56 is located. Ikebana International is a worldwide non-profit educational organization that promotes the study and enjoyment of ikebana, the art of flower arranging, and other related arts of Japan. The late Ellen Gordon Allen, a U. S. general's wife stationed in Japan, founded I. I. in Tokyo in 1956. Its purpose was and still is today, to unite the peoples of the world through their mutual love of nature and the enjoyment of ikebana. "Friendship Through Flowers" was adopted as the motto for this organization, which now encompasses the globe with 165 plus chapters in more than 60 countries.
50 years ago in 1961, upon her arrival in Honolulu, Pearl Jensen, an enthusiastic military wife and a friend of Mrs. Allen, gathered several ikebana teachers and other military wives to organize the I. I. Honolulu Chapter. In March 2011 our chapter will be celebrating its 50th anniversary, "Golden Celebration: 50 Years of Friendship Through Flowers". In another section of this website, you will find more information about our festivities such as a Luncheon-Demonstration featuring guest ikebana artist Kika Shibata of San Jose, and an Ikebana Exhibition at Art Academy Center at Linekona.
Today Ikebana International is made up of members of all nationalities and ikebana schools. Honolulu Chapter 56 has over 120 members who participate in a range of ikebana related activities. The primary focus of our Chapter is educational and community service activities such as workshops, demonstrations, and public exhibitions that promote an understanding and appreciation of this important Japanese art form. In our educational outreach we have worked with the students in high schools and colleges to teach them about ikebana and have collaborated with other organizations such as Japanese Cultural Center of Hawaii, Lyon Arboretum and the Honolulu Academy of Arts to provide demonstrations of ikebana techniques and instruction during hands-on workshops. Our community service projects have given us the opportunity to share our ikebana with agencies such as libraries, schools, hospitals, senior centers and other organizations that assist people.
As you explore our website, you will find highlights of our past activities and information about our various activities for the coming year. If you are interested in learning more about us, look at our Calendar of Events or our Newsletter. You are also welcomed to join I. I. Honolulu Chapter 56; a membership form is located on our website. We look forward to your joining us and becoming a "friend through flowers".
Aloha,
Ethel Aotani
