Sue Ashley has studied Aratame Ikebana with Mmes. Michiko Hosoda and Sumi Metz for several years. She brings a rich history of work in a prominent art gallery and as an interior designer to her Ikebana creations. Her work with yupo paper was recognized and applauded in a recent news article. She has completed many art courses and workshops at UC Santa Cruz, DeAnza College and University Art. Sue lives in San Jose.

Susan Ashley
Aratame School

Chris Erickson of Marin County began studying Ikebana in 1990, taking classes with Sogetsu Riji Soho Sakai. Chris' flower name is Hoka, meaning "beautiful, elegant flowers". A constant student, she also has taught workshops in plexiglass molding techniques and weaving methods with flax. Chris often has demonstrated and exhibited arrangements at the Marin County Fair and has held various offices on the chapter's board of directors.

Chris Erickson
Sogetsu School

Dorothy Ishimatsu met her Wafu School teacher, Seiga Hoyrup, more than 17 years ago and has been her devoted pupil ever since. A student of the arts for many years, Ms. Ishimatsu studied calligraphy and tole painting before she became enamored with Ikebana. She credits her mentor with opening her eyes to the beauty of various materials, some mundane, from her San Jose garden and teaching her to combine them in new and invigorating Ikebana.

Dorothy Ishimatsu
Wafu School

Kathy Toy is an Associate 2nd Master of Ohara School and brings many talents and wide experience to Ikebana. She is an instructor at Hakone Gardens in Saratoga and at Filoli Gardens in Woodside. While living in Tokyo, Kathy studied with. Rieko Ishii and also in this country with Grand Master Ingrid Lüders. She has a university degree in interior design and has taught textile science, decorative arts, and lighting applications. She currently is a member of the board of directors of the North American Ohara Teachers Association and 1st vice president of the Sacramento Area Ohara Group.

Kathy Toy
Ohara School