Sylvia Owens is a former member of this chapter's board of directors. She moved to Fresno many years ago but returns to give the first program of 2007. While living in Japan, Sylvia first studied ikebana in Kamakura with Kiso Kojima, headmaster of Koryu Shogetsukai. She earned her teaching certificate and was given her ikebana name, Shorinsai Kijun. Koryu Shogetsukai is based on traditions 350 years old, but also has adopted contemporary free style designs.

Sylvia was founding president of the Fresno Chapter of Ikebana International. She studied Sogetsu ikebana with Shuko Kobayashi and earned four certificates under his tutelage. After a career teaching primary school children, she now teaches ikebana privately and has given lessons at the Fresno Art Museum. Her arrangements have graced the entrance to the Museum and she has been a guest demonstrator for the Monterey Bay Area Chapter.