Workshop - Floating Sense and Balance (3)

This was the first day’s (May 19) workshop “Floating Sense and Balance.” Everyone got the same materials, but used their own container. I always bring two different kinds of containers. I decide which one to use after seeing Sensei’s demonstration. I was delighted that I received a nice critique from the master instructor Reito Oizumi.

I didn’t attend May 20th’s workshop. For me to go to Ikebana class or other events like this involves many family members! Because my husband needs someone to watch him and I need someone to drive me to the places. My children know how important it is for me to continue practicing my beloved Ikebana; it also helps me temporarily relieve my stress and depression from taking care of my husband!

The last one - Cherry Blossom (2)

This was the last piece of arrangement! It’s a big and beautiful piece of work! She looks young and very graceful! I like all of her arrangements, very impressive and well done!

Sogetsu Demonstrations by Master Instructor Reito Oizumi (1)

Ikebana International New York Chapter #7 on its 70th anniversary held a special meeting to celebrate on May 19-20, 2026 at the Opus Westchester, White Plains, New York. The chapter invited Ms. Reito Oizumi to present demonstrations and workshops. “She is an award winning practitioner and exhibits internationally. She approaches Ikebana as a deeply personal form of expression.”

Oizumi Sensei demonstrated ten pieces of arrangements: here were the nine arrangements. 

54th TACEC - TANG Summer Conference

The 54th Taiwanese American Conference East Coast ( TACEC ) and Taiwanese American Next Generation (TANG ) are jointly host and co-sponsored. It was held from 7/3/2025 to 7/6/2025 at West Chester University, Willminton.  Three generations, more than 800 people attended this year’s Summer camp conference. The first generation like us is dwindling in numbers, but the number of 2nd and 3rd generation participants is gradually growing. That is a good thing. It is really comforting and delightful to recognize our identity that we are Taiwanese American.

The theme “ Taiwan Resonance of the World”
Stage design by Ikebana team

Music Concert stage design 

My arrangement “Sunshine” (Sogetsu School)

Ikenobo School 

Ikenobo School 

Ikebana International 19th NCARC - Connecting Through Ikebana - Master’s Demonstrates

Iemoto Naohiro Kasuya - Fourth Headmaster of the Ichiyo School of Ikebana.  I missed his demonstrations, but I heard he did a breathtaking and stunting performance! The pictures below were taken from a friend.

Kyoko Petersen- Senior Professor of Ikenobo Ikebana, the highest level of Classical Rikka at the Central Institute of the Ikenobo School in Kyoto. Mrs. Petersen has exhorted, demonstrated and taught ikebana throughout the US, Germany, Israel, Jorden and Morocco…  see below: 1to 4 pictures. 

How I Interpreted My Artwork in the Arrangement

My daughter, Vivian, who is an architect, explained to me what “Quartersawn” meant (the title of the painting). Initially, I picked the painting for its vibrant colors, but I had no idea what was the meaning of the word, quartersawn. Then with her help and researching, I changed my preliminary thoughts to have more depth and understanding of the word. During the Thanksgiving gathering, I had my granddaughter, Hadynn, help me. She spray painted some bamboo strips blue for me. Later, all I needed to do was just buy flowers and gather other materials. I tried to arrange it at home until the we were ready to go to set up.

Materials: blue painted bamboo strips, bleached mitsumata, orange alstroemeria, yellow mum, pale yellow small carnation, and dried Aspidistra / two black ceramic containers and wood 

Exhibition from 12/1 to 12/3/2023

“Art in Bloom” Preparation

“Art in Bloom” exhibition event will be held on 12/1 - 12/3/2023 at the Delaware Contemporary Art Museum. I have chosen this painting  “Quarter Sawn”  by Mike McConnell. Since then I have been thinking and preparing how to interpret it with an ikebana arrangement.  Stay tuned! (11/27/2023)