The New Year began with a double salute. We honored Shuko Kobayashi, a Sogetsu master teacher with many devoted students. And this month we celebrated the Chapter's 42nd anniversary. The beautiful setting of the Fort Mason Officer's Club on the shore of San Francisco Bay was the venue for this gala event.

Click here for photos of celebration luncheon.

Shuko Kobayashi is renowned for his versatility in the arts and his lifelong promotion of new design concepts. For many years he has designed extraordinary flower shows presented by the Chapter. In addition to his skill as a master ikebana artist, he is a painter, sculptor, essayist, engineer and, in his youth, a ballroom dancer, gymnast and holder of a black belt in Judo.

Click here for time machine.

Four artists who have studied with Kobayashi-sensei for years presented a program honoring his long career, using containers he has created. Meeting the challenge of his unique containers were Ron Brown, Shirley Burnell, Pearl Kimura and Doris Scheetz.