The first program of the new season featured Fusako Seiga Hoyrup, principle teacher of the Wafu School of Ikebana and president of the school's California chapter. Mrs. Hoyrup has devoted 45 years to the study and teaching of ikebana. Born and educated in Japan, she studied with the late Wafu School headmaster, Wafu Teshigahara, before moving to the United States. She holds the Shukan degree, Wafu's highest achievement level. She has taught and demonstrated ikebana throughout the United States and in India, Australia and South Africa. Many large exhibitions and programs of ikebana have blossomed under her guidance. Mrs. Hoyrup has received numerous awards for her years of teaching ikebana in the public schools and promoting multicultural relationships in her community. The city of Cupertino named her "Distinguished Artist of the Year" in 1995.