Four fine artists from different schools demonstrate freestyle ikebana this month. Each is an accomplished arranger who will bring the breath of early springtime to us with different expressions of freestyle ikebana.

Jeff Fine has studied Wafu ikebana since 2002 with Nancy Seirin Locke and is now working on his advanced level certificate. He participates in Wafukai shows and events and exhibitions at Ikebana International. He enjoys ikebana for its natural beauty and asymmetrical designs. He works as a pension benefits consultant and for relaxation he rides his bicycle throughout the Bay Area.

Jeff Fine, Wafu School

In 1991 a friend brought Ms. Ow Ling to an Ikenobo class led by Mr. and Mrs. Saiki. She began studying and has never stopped since then. She has traveled to Ikenobo headquarters in Kyoto for workshops and also has studied privately there. In 1998 she participated in the overseas student exhibition in Kyoto. She exhibits in local ikebana shows and holds the degree of Professor of Ikebana, 3d grade.

Louise Ow Ling, Ikenobo

On a whim Alexis took an ikebana class being offered in San Rafael. What began as a mere diversion became a serious practice and she has been studying Sogetsu ikebana for 11 years. Her teacher is Yoshi Hollis who became her friend and inspiration. In October 2009 she visited Sogetsu headquarters in Tokyo. She often assists Ms. Hollis during demonstrations. Alexis is completing a Master's degree at Dominican University.

Alexis McBride, Sogetsu School

Yoko Hoyo Tahara began studying Ohara ikebana in 1970 in Hiroshima. She moved to California in 1991 and studies with Grandmaster Suiyo Fujimoto. Yoko is a computer graphics designer. In 2007 she earned Ohara School's 2nd Master Degree. She has taught ikebana classes for foreign students at Stanford University and she has exhibited and demonstrated for Ikebana International.

Yoko Hoyo Tahara, Ohara School