History
Ikebana International (I.I.) is a worldwide non-profit organization based on the study 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 enjoyment of ikebana. “Friendship Through Flowers” was adopted as the motto for this organization, which now encompasses the globe with 165 chapters in more than 60 countries.
Pearl Jensen, an enthusiastic military wife and a friend of Mrs. Allen, arrived in Honolulu in January 1961.With the assistance of several ikebana teachers and other military wives, Mrs. Jensen was instrumental in organizing the first I.I. Honolulu Chapter meeting at the Reef Hotel in September 1961. She served as the Chapter’s first president.
Ikebana International is made up of members of all nationalities and ikebana schools. Each school has its own characteristics and is bound by certain rules and disciplines. Currently the Honolulu Chapter has 126 registered members who participate in a range of ikebana and other cultural activities including workshops, demonstrations, exhibits, community service projects, and social gatherings. Some of the highlights of the chapter’s past activities include:
· The first Chapter 56 exhibition was organized 47 years ago at the Honolulu Academy of Arts with the theme “Fall Festival of Flowers.”
· Kahala Mall was the venue for the chapter’s 25th anniversary.
· The 30th anniversary was held at the Honolulu Academy of Arts, Linekona Art Center with the theme “Changing Face of Ikebana” to express the evolution of ikebana principles and techniques from traditional phases to today’s free and liberal spirit of creativity.
· The 35th anniversary was celebrated with an exhibition at the Liberty House Special Events Room with the theme entitled “Ohana-Ohana”.
· In 1995 the chapter hosted the 13th North American Regional Conference at the Sheraton Waikiki Hotel with more than 250 Ikebana International members from the continental USA, Canada, Jamaica, Mexico and the Pacific Rim attending. Headmaster Akihiro Kasuya of the Ichiyo School was the guest demonstrator and workshop instructor and lecturer.
· The theme for the 40th anniversary in 2001 was “World Peace Through Flowers” to express the goodwill that ikebana demonstrates and promotes. One of I.I.’s objectives is “to unite the peoples of the world through their mutual love of nature and enjoyment of ikebana”.
· To spread their message of “friendship through flowers”, the chapter also participated in the annual Honolulu Orchid Show at the Neal Blaisdell Center for 20 years. Members from different ikebana schools created 30-40 floral displays and arrangements for the public to enjoy. In addition, ikebana teachers put on demonstrations showing the steps they take to create beautiful arrangements. The public was also invited to take part in hands-on workshops and learn how to make arrangements with the help of our chapter members.
· I.I. members have promoted their love of ikebana by organizing “ikebana safaris” to the neighbor islands where they have put on exhibits at the Hilo Art Center on the Big Island, erected large sculptural arrangements at the Kaahumanu Mall on Maui, and conducted ikebana workshops on Kauai.
· As part of the chapter’s mission, the members have participated in community service projects such as providing ikebana arrangements for the Liliha Library, the Japanese Consulate and the Academy of Arts. Members have also conducted ikebana demonstrations and/or classes at various venues such as Roosevelt High School, Pearl City High School, the Veterans’ Center at Tripler Hospital, Leahi Hospital, and Tokai International College.
· In 2006 the chapter’s 45th anniversary was celebrated at Honolulu Hale in conjunction with the Centennial Anniversary of Honolulu. Members erected several large ikebana sculptures, created many smaller floral arrangements and conducted ikebana demonstrations for the public. This collaboration has led to the establishment of an annual ikebana exhibit titled “Splendors of Ikebana,” which is held every spring at Honolulu Hale.
As we look to the future, our chapter is exploring different ways to promote the love of ikebana to an even wider audience. To accomplish this we have established a website that displays our chapter’s history, philosophy, goals, activities, and information on taking ikebana classes. The website may be accessed at www.ikebana-hawaii.org.
Recently the chapter established a youth education program for children, 5-15 years old, who are interested in taking ikebana classes. Our goal is to share our knowledge and love of ikebana with young people so this art form may continue to grow and bring enjoyment to the next generation. For information on these classes or any of our ikebana activities, please log on to our website or contact our chapter president, Bette Uyeda at 988-4990 or e-mail her at auyeda001@hawaii.rr.com.
Chapter members attend workshops throughout the year to learn various ikebana, floral design and related activities. Here they are learning how to create a lovely topiary centerpiece using a variety of flowers and foliage. Other workshop activities have included making holiday wreaths and centerpieces, creating abstract and contemporary arrangements, lei making and other arts and crafts projects that can complement their interest in ikebana.
As part of its community service, Ikebana International members conduct demonstrations for the public at different venues. Here ikebana teacher Bertha Tottori creates a beautiful arrangement at Watanabe Floral. She was one of several teachers who completed arrangements using various materials and vases for the public to enjoy.
II member Dolly Kochi demonstrates the art of bonsai at our Aloha Luncheon held at the Waialae Country Club. Chapter members gather together several times a year for social activities as well as workshops and service projects.
