15 September 2019

I.I. Chapter 56 welcomed 69 members, including four new members, and 23 guests at a buffet luncheon at 3660 on the Rise.  Each table was given a glass vase, waterproof light, wire, origami paper, and floral materials to create their own centerpiece.  Exhibit arrangements on the theme Mirai or Future incorporated pink angel hair, pearl onions, plastic, a homemade vase, and a ball of ice!  After a scrumptious lunch, Professor Nancy Stalker educated us about the abangyarudo (Avant-Garde) or zen-ei movement in ikebana that began in the 1930s and flourished in the 1950s and 1960s, in response to a number of factors that included the limited availability of materials, exposure to modern European art, and the desire to focus on creativity and freedom of expression.  It's no surprise that Teshigahara Sofu, the head of Sogetsu, was a leading member of this trend, but somewhat surprising to learn that Houn Ohara was as well since the Ohara School is more well known for its turn-of-the century moribana and landscape styles!