Sumi Metz has brought extraordinary artistry and deep understanding of ikebana tradition to large audiences for over 30 years. She teaches ikebana with a joyful spirit and creates contemporary works in a wide variety of materials. Her ikebana fits seamlessly in modern surroundings.

Sumi first studied in Wafu School, earning the Gakukan (Senior Professor) degree in 2000. That year the headmaster of the fledgling Aratame School invited her to establish his school in this country and when she consented, named her President, Aratame School USA. She continues to teach ikebana in her studio and at Hewlett Packard while managing the business affairs of Aratame USA. She also provides ikebana for offices and schools in Silicon Valley.

Born and raised in Nagasaki-ken, Japan, Sumi's fascination with flowers surfaced in early childhood. Her cultural education classes at school deepened her devotion to ikebana and she has continuously evolved her visionary, dramatic ikebana. She moved to California with her husband in 1965 and settled in San Jose in 1970. While raising a son and daughter she also found time to own a popular restaurant for 14 years. She is a responsive volunteer for many Bay Area Japanese festivals with demonstrations and exhibits. In October 2006 she was chosen as the oversea demonstrator at the 9th Ikebana International Convention (50th Anniversary) in Tokyo. Some of her other major local exhibits have been seen at the Cherry Blossom Festival, Bouquets to Art at the Fine Arts Museum, Ikebana International in San Francisco and at I.I. chapters in Sacramento and Monterey Bay.