• Naples Chapter of

    Ikebana International

     

  • Margy Metzler

    Naples Botanical Garden

    The Naples Chapter of Ikebana International is about the art of Japanese flower arranging and so much more. We celebrate nature in flower arranging, the interesting and different cultures of Japan, and "Friendship through Flowers," which is our motto.

    The Naples Chapter is one of the larger chapters in the United States with about 80 members. We generally meet the first Wednesday of the months of November through May at Naples Botanical Gardens. Our meetings are open to the public.

     

    MEETING INFORMATION

     

    You are welcome to attend any two of our monthly meetings as our guest. Simply send us an email and let us know you are coming. Interested in joining? Click the "Membership Information" in red below which will take you to the membership section.

     

    MEMBERSHIP INFORMATION

     

    NAPLES IKEBANA EXHIBIT AND PREVIEW PARTY

     

    Ikebana International Exhibit

    February 23-25, 2024, Friday-Sunday 

     

     

    "Floral Art of Ikebana: An Inspirational Exhibition"

     

    Immerse yourself in the enchanting world of Ikebana at our Ikebana International Exhibit, "Floral Art of Ikebana: An Inspirational Exhibition," taking place from February 23-25, 2024, Friday to Sunday.

     

    This annual event takes place inside the Naples Botanical Garden. Explore a curated display of Ikebana arrangements from four different Ikebana schools, showcasing the diversity of this Japanese art form.

     

    Engage with live Ikebana demonstrations in the garden, starting at 10:30am each day.

     

    And, participate in our new DIY (Try it Yourself) activity where you can create your own Ikebana arrangement, scheduled from 11:00am to 2:00pm, each day on the performance lawn along with a hands-on activity for kids.

     

    The Ginza sale offers a unique opportunity to purchase containers, floral art tools, and Japanese items. And, for those inspired to delve deeper, you will have the chance to sign up for Ikebana classes with top notch teachers (Senseis).

     

    Entrance to the Ikebana exhibit is free, but please note that an admission fee is required for entry to the Naples Botanical Garden, unless you are already a member of the Garden.

  • Meetings and Events

    Join Us for "Friendship through Flowers"

     

    We meet monthly, November through May, at the Naples Botanical Garden in the Buehler Auditorium which is part of the the FGCU Research Center (map below). Our programs start with a small social period followed by a short business meeting and then our monthly program which often incorporates a workshop.

     

    Ikenobo.       Stephanie English

    Sogetsu...Sue Pigman

    You do not have to be a member of Ikebana or pay an entrance fee to attend our meetings. Please check out our monthly programs and experience the joy of ikebana and "Friendship through Flowers." If you are not a member of our chapter, but wish to attend any of our programs or events, with the exception of the "Members Only" events, please let us know you are coming by sending an email to 

    ikebananaples@gmail.com.

     

    Our meeting time schedule is:
    9:30am - Friendship through Flowers social period
    10:00am - Business Meeting
    10:30am - Program
    11:15am - Workshop
    Ikebana #160 Programs 23-24

     

     

    Wednesday, October 4, 2023
    Special Member's Only Event
    Nick Ewy, Director of Horticulture and orchid expert will discuss verious type of orchida and give a "behind the scenes" tour of the orchid growing area.
    Place: Buehler Auditorium
    Time: Arrive by 9:45
    Optional lunch at the Fogg Cafe
    Cost: Free but limited to 15 members.
    Click HERE to RSVP

     

     

    Wednesday, November 1, 2023

    Place: Buehler Auditorium; Naples Botanical Garden

    Time: 9:30 social, 10:00am meeting

    Program: Introduction to Four Ikebana Schools

    The Naples area is fortunate to have four individual Ikebana schools represented by at least one sensei: Kado Sensho Ikenobo, Ikenobo, Ohara, and Sogetsu. During November's program, a representative from each school will give a 15-minute presentation - discussing the basics (and key differentiators) and doing a live flower arrangement(s). These beginner arrangements will be limited to $25 in flower costs (total per school) to encourage us to be creative on a regular basis! Incorporating flowers from your garden, neighborhood and friends is strongly encouraged.

     

    There will also be a Ginza at the meeting so that you can purchase any equipment needed.

     

     

     

    We need you!

    To Volunteer

    The following positions still need to be filled.

    Co-Chair Luncheon

    Preview Party Chair & Co Chair

    Website & Newsletter trainee

    If interested please email

    ikebananaples@gmail.com

     

    The best way to get to know the other members and really enjoy being a part of Ikebana International is by being involved by either taking on a position or by serving on a committee. Remember many hands make for light work!

     

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    December 6, 2023

    Our Anniversay Tea will be at Perla Chung beautiful home. This is a members only event. More information on the Member's only page

     

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    January 10, 2024

    Place: Buehler Auditorium, Naples Botanical Garden

    Time: 9:30 social, 10:00am meeting

    Program: The Art of Ikebana Miniature Arrangements

    Presenters: Marcia Borel, Mary Melvin and Kaoru Sweet

    The Miniatures section of our Annual Ikebana Exhibit is one of the highlights of the event. Come learn about the technique and guidelines of creating these gorgeous arrangements. Learn about miniature containers, flowers and materials. There will be miniature demonstrations from various creative artists from our Naples Chapter. You are encouraged to enter your own miniature arrangement in the Exhibit next month!

    Bring a miniature container, clippers, a kenzan or oasis, and a towel or mat to protect the table. Please keep in mind that the container and arrangement must fit in a half-page of a standard paper sheet (ie 5.5” by 8.5”). Of course the container and arrangement can be smaller but cannot exceed the space of 5.5”x 8.5”.
    No charge for the workshop - all are welcome to participate. Flowers and guidance will be provided. A wonderful opportunity!

     

     

    February 7, 2024

    Place: Buehler Auditorium, Naples Botanical Garden

    Time: 9:30 social, 10:00am meeting

    Program: Play and Learn

    Presenter: Kathleen Hawryluk

    Our focus for this eclectic program is on design components. Learn how to clip, snip and weave your greenery; use a pasta machine to manipulate pandanus and antagonize aspidistra. Locally grown floral materials (greens) will be supplied from a member's garden. Bring an apron, clippers and an open mind -- and don't forget a container to carry your materials home. No charge for the workshop - all are welcome to participate.

     

     

    February 23-25, 2024

    Annual Exhibit at the Naples Botanical Garden

     

     

    March 6, 2024
    Place: Buehler Auditorium, Naples Botanical Garden
    Time: 9:30 social, 10:00am meeting
    Program: Meet and Greet
    Presenters: Kaoru Sweet, Nancy Peterson, Marcia Conners, Karen Medford, Diane Schmidt, and Loris Dallal
    Come join us as several of our Ikebana members share their personal stories and advice (secrets?) about creating beautiful arrangements. Three sensei will each create an arrangement and three members will share interesting experiences and knowledge. Bring your own antedotes to share in the Joys of Ikebana with your Friends in Flowers.

     

     

    April 3, 2024
    Annual fundraising Luncheon
    Place: The Club at Mediterra
    Time: 10:00am to 1:30pm
    Demonstration, raffle and silent auction
    Guest are welcome please see below for payment information.

     

     

    May 1, 2024 - Annual General Meeting of our Chapter
    Place: Buehler Auditorium, Naples Botanical Garden
    Time: 9:30 social, 10:00am meeting
    Program: Creative Perspectives
    Presenters: Martha Dykman; Nelsa Bross and local artist Kari LaOrden
    For our final program of the season, something special!
    Some unique Ikebana interpretations and incorporations will be demonstrated by a few of our members.

     

    A Members' Ginza will also be held during our May 1st meeting. Please contact Maureen McFarland (239.250.6500) if you would like to reserve a free table to sell your Ginza items.

     

     

     

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    Directions to Buehler Auditorium, Naples Botanical Garden. The Buehler Auditorium is located off the Staff Parking area.
    Here is a photo of the entrance which is on the right side of this sidewalk.
     
  • Membership

    Learn more about ikebana with us...

     

    Our requirements for joining are simple. First, you must attend one of our meetings. You are welcome to attend any two of our meetings as our guest.

    Annual dues of $90 per year ($30 after Feb. 1) are collected by March 31st of every year. We also offer associate memberships at $40 per year for anyone belonging to another Ikebana International Chapter.

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    Ohara Marilyn McGrown

    If you would like to know more about joining our organization, please contact us and our membership chairman will contact you. You may attend any two meetings before becoming a member.

    If you decide to join, download the application form using the link below, print it, fill it out, contact us again, and our membership chairman will give mailing instructions.

     

    We find that our members enjoy their membership more when they take an active role in our organization and participate in one of our many committees and activities. Please let us know how you would like to participate by indicating your area of interest on the membership application.

     

    Membership benefits include:

     

    Naples Chapter Meetings – these meetings provide a regular forum for members to study, exhibit, and participate in ikebana demonstrations. Luncheons, flower arranging demonstrations, special tours and lectures on related arts are other typical program activities.

     

    Ikebana International Magazine – Issued three times a year with color plates of ikebana arrangements and other articles about Japanese arts and culture.

     

    Regional Conference/World Conventions – Regional conferences are held for cultural and educational purposes throughout the world. A World Convention is held in Japan every five years. Conferences also take place throughout Europe. If you are traveling in North America, check out other ikebana chapters; you are welcome to join their meetings. The Ikebana International website has all the details on future conferences.

     

    Availability to enjoy ikebana lessons in the Ikenobo School, the Kado Sensho Ikenobo School, the Ohara School, and the Sogetsu schools of ikebana. You do not, however, have to be an I.I. #160 member to take lessons.

     

    Opportunity to attend our annual members only tea in December and to place an arrangement(s) in our exhibit in February of each year.

     

     

    Click on this link for the application form.

     

    APPLICATION FORM

     

     

     

     

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    Exhibit of Ikebana Chapter #160 Arrangements

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    Every year, typically the month of February, the Naples Ikebana Chapter holds an exhibit in Kapnick Hall of the Naples Botanical Garden. Members from all four of the schools of ikebana represented in the chapter create special arrangements for the exhibit. The miniature designs are also always popular with visitors.

     

     

    This Year's Exhibit will be held on February 23-25, 2024

     

     

    The theme is

     

    Floral Art of Ikebana: An Inspirational Exhibition

     

     

    In addition to the floral displays there are demonstrations , informational materials, activities for all ages, and a Ginza -- an opportunity for visitors to purchase beautiful vases and other materials needed to complete ikebana arrangements.

    Members wearing traditional Japanese kimonos act as docents and provide guests with information about the various schools.

    This is a wonderful event for the entire family and your guests. Entrance to the exhibit is free with your entrance fee to the Naples Botanical Garden unless you are already a member of the Garden or Ikebana Naples

  • Preview Party

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    On Thursday, February 22, from 5:00 -7:30 a Preview Party will be held next to the Kapnick Center at the Naples Botanical Garden. This annual event will include delicious hors d'ouvres with a japanese flair, as well as one beverage -- wine, beer, or non-alcoholic options included. Additional beverages may be purchased. The cost is $50 per person.

    Please bring friends and enjoy this prelude to our beautiful exhibit in a peaceful, relaxed setting before it is opened to the public.

     

    Please email Christy000528@yahoo.com to be notified on where to send your check made out to I.I. #160.

    Tickets must be purchased in advance; the deadline is February 7, 2024.

  • Virtual Exhibit of Members' Arrangements

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    In 2021, due to the restrictions imposed by the Corona Virus, the Naples Ikebana Chapter was unable to hold its traditional exhibit at the Naples Botanical Garden. Instead members made arrangements at home and submitted the photographs to the chapter. A video was compiled and shown in the Kapnick Hall of the Naples Botanical Garden, complemented by informational posters and live arrangements representing our schools. We hope you experience the beauty and tranquility of ikebana arrangements as you view Serenity in Bloom.

     

    Click to view 2021 Virtual Exhibit

    Use your computer's keys to adjust volume of background music

  • Ikebana Naples Luncheon

    Margy Metzler (Nihon- Sokatoku)

    Kado Sensho Ikenobo School of Ikebana

    Inagugural Recipient of The Midori Tanimune Memorial Teaching Scholarship. Sensei Margy also is the proprietor of the Fort Myers, FL based Kei-Ran School of Design.

     

     

    Enjoy a magical demonstration as Sensei Margy Metzler takes you on a journey of discovery of this little know school of Ikebana. Those who attend this event will also enjoy a silent auction of beautiful floral containers and arrangements, table centerpieces by our members, a delicious luncheon, and an opportunity to visit with friends and members who share the love of ikebana.

     

    Wednesday, April 3, 2024

    The Club at Mediterra

    15755 Corso Mediterra Circle

    Naples, FL 34110

    https://mediterraliving.com

     

    10:00am Silent Auction and Raffle

    11:00am Demonstration begins

    12:30pm Lunch is served

     

    This is always a popular event and an excellent way to learn what ikebana is all about -- we hope to see you there!

     

    If you have any questions, contact Ikebana Naples.

     

     

     

    For the REGISTRATION form click HERE

     

    For the INVITATION, not including costs, click HERE

     

    For the invitation including costs, click HERE

     

    You can also pay using zelle @ikebananaples@gmail.com

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

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    Margy Metzler

     

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    Click on the above picture to see more designs.

     

  • Schools and Lessons

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    We are fortunate to have four schools of ikebana that we study in the Ikebana Naples Chapter. Each has its own distinct characteristics but all embody the simplicity and elegance of ikebana arrangements.

    Ikenobo............ Marcia Norberg

    This section provides an explanation of each school and offers information about private and group lessons that are offered.

    You do not need to be a member of I.I. #160 to take lessons, but you do have to be a member to participate in our exhibit.

    Ikenobo

    The Ikenobo school of ikebana uses the phrase, “Origin of Ikebana” because it was the original “school” of ikebana. This school has evolved significantly over 555 years. The current headmaster, Sen’ei Ikenobo is the 45th headmaster and his daughter, Senko Ikenobo, is the headmaster designate.

     

    The Ikenobo school of ikebana has styles of arranging that are complex and simple at the same time and all reflect an understanding and great appreciation of nature.

     

    The Ikenobo School offers two lessons per month from November through April. Below are some arrangements by our two sensei (teachers), Stephanie English and Marcia Norberg.

    • For more detailed information about Ikenobo and lessons visit their website HERE. You may also email the sensei at  naplesikenobo@gmail.com.

    Ikenobo Arrangements by Stephanie English

    Click on each photo to enlarge it.

    Ikenobo arrangements by Marcia Norberg

    Click on each photo to enlarge it.

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    Kado Sensho Ikenobo

    Kado Sensho Ikenobo school is a Japanese national organization founded in 1930 by Yudo Moroizumi, the great-grandfather of current Iemoto Yoriko Moroizumi. The characteristic of our school is shown in the variety of flower shapes that we have used and that we continue to use and to preserved classical flowers designs such as Rikka , Nageire, Seika and Moribana and have developed new flowers such as natural flowers, free flowers, colorful flowers, and ichishi-ichika ( which loosely translated means love and understand of the season of flowers or one with the seasonal flowers)

     

    The designs of Kado are therefore referred to as "Ikebana Flower Arranging" and specialists of the ways of the Kado are called "Kado-ka" meaning flower masters. Kado Sensho Ikenobo prides itself on creativity and the use of only plant material in the designs. We are one with nature!

     

    Click here for more formation about Kado Sensho Ikenobo.

     

    Margy Metzler is the Sensei for the Kado Sensho Ikenobo school. She offers zoom and in person lessons, as well as, demonstrations and workshops. Below are someof Margy's arrangements. To learn about Margy and her lessons.

    Click HERE 

    Kado Sensho Arrangments by Margy Metzler

    Click on each photo to enlarge it.

    Kado Sensho Ikenobo.........Margy Metzler

    Ohara

     

    Unshin Ohara founded Ohara School of Ikebana in 1895. He strove to express the distinctive beauty of natural scenery of the four seasons. It's very important to use the seasonal floral materials (e.g. cherry blossoms in spring, Japanese iris in summer) even though many flowers are available all year long nowadays. Knowledge of the environment and natural growth characteristics are essential.

    In the beginning of the 19th century, Japan opened its doors to the outside world for the first time in 250 years. Many new floral materials from the West flooded into the country, and Unshin Ohara came up with the new styles of Ikebana, which use a low, wide bowl with kenzan (a needle-point flower holder) called Moribana (which literally means "piled up flowers"). This innovation is universally recognized as the birth of modern Ikebana.

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    Ohara............Goldie Wetcher

     

    By using only natural materials such as branches, leaves, flowers and berries, arrangements recreate traditional landscaping or sometimes contemporary styles. Vases are basic but versatile tall vases and low bowls.

     

    Kaoru Miyagi Sweet offers lessons in the Ohara school of Ikebana.

    Click here to learn more about Kaoru and her lessons.

    Click here for the registration form for Kaoru's lessons.

     

    Ohara arrangements by Kaoru Sweet

    Click on each photo to enlarge it.

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    Sogetsu............June Rickard

    Sogetsu

     

    In 1927, when everybody believed practicing ikebana meant following established forms, Sofu Teshigahara recognized ikebana as a creative art and founded the Sogetsu School.

     

    Anyone can enjoy Sogetsu ikebana anytime, anywhere, using any material. You can place Sogetsu ikebana at your door, in your living room or on your kitchen table

     

    Sogetsu ikebana enhances any hotel lobby or banquet room, shop windows and huge public spaces. It will suit any kind of space, Japanese or Western, and enrich its atmosphere.

     

    For more information click on Sogetsu.

     

    We have three members who teach Sogetsu in the Naples area

    • Carol Brocklesby
    • Loris Dallal
    • June Rickard

    To reach any of these sensei (teachers) email us Ikebananaples@gmail.com and we will forward your request to the respective sensei who will contact you.

     

     

    Below are photographs of arrangements by each of the sensei in the Sogetsu School.

    Sogetsu............Carol Brocklesby

    Click on each photo to enlarge it..

    Sogetsu............Loris Dallal

    Click on each photo to enlarge it..

    Sogetsu............June Rickard

    Click on each photo to enlarge it..
  • Resources and Links

     

    There are numerous websites and newsletters that offer opportunities to learn about Ikebana as well as Japanese crafts and customs. Also, sister chapters throughout the world have articles exploring schools and other information. Here is a partial list of resources available.

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    Sogetsu..........Loris Dallal

    OUR SISTER CHAPTERS IN FLORIDA

     

     

    IKEBANA INTERNATIONAL - NORTH AND CENTRAL AMERICAN REGION WEBSITE

    IKEBANA INTERNATIONAL WEBSITE

    NORTH AMERICAN IKEBANA INTERNATIONAL WEBSITES​

    IKEBANA SCHOOLS

    NEWSLETTER CONSULATE GENERAL OF JAPAN IN MIAMI – This newsletter contains lots of great information about Japanese culture and Japanese activities taking place in Japan and in Florida.

     

     

    IKEBANA INTERNATIONAL CHAPTERS AROUND THE WORLD

    If you are traveling, you are always welcome at a local Ikebana chapter. For chapters elsewhere throughout North & Central America, and their program information click here.

    For Ikebana International headquarters and a complete listing of chapters around the world– click here

     

    THE IWAYA FUND – how you can help

    The Iwaya fund is an important charitable organization benefitting Ikebana chapters and individual Ikebana school chapters as well. Please click here to learn more about how you can benefit Ikebana and even your own chapter with a tax deductible donation.