April 17, 2015 – Arranging Branches and Leaves – Seven Schools Design Branches and Leaves

Challenges presented when arranging ikebana with branches and leaves will be met and resolved by members from seven different ikebana schools in April. New and innovative uses of these materials, some familiar and some unfamiliar, will be explored by these demonstrators.

Dorothy Chu is an active member of Wafu School of Ikebana, Northern California Chapter and serves as Corresponding Secretary. She studies with Seiga Hoyrup and holds the Somu Teacher Degree. Since retiring from the high tech industry in 2011, she has co-chaired the 2012 Wafu Ikebana Flower Show and will co-chair the school’s 45th anniversary show in October 2015. Dorothy also has participated in flower shows and programs for I.I. and the San Francisco Cherry Blossom Festival. She also serves as Membership Chair for the Ikebana Teachers Federation.

Kazuko Kajisa began studying ikebana in Japan and after moving to the USA she resumed her studies of Ikenobo Ikebana in 1974 with Mrs. Kitagawa. After being encouraged by her employer and co-workers, she began teaching ikebana. She currently holds the rank of Ikenobo Professor, First Grade. She has exhibited at the San Francisco Cherry Blossom Festival, the Buddhist Temple of San Mateo, and the San Mateo County Fair. She is a member of Ikenobo Ikebana Northern California Chapter, Ikebana International, and the Ikebana Teachers Federation.

Dianne Krueger began studying Enshu Ikebana in 1996 with Sakae Ichiei Sakaki and continued until Sakaki-sensei’s recent retirement. Dianne holds Enshu’s Intermediate Level Certificate. She first encountered ikebana when looking for a space to hold an event and came upon a class being taught. Intrigued by the art, she began taking ikebana lessons. She has exhibited and demonstrated for Ikebana International programs and participates in I.I.’s flower shows.

Yasuko Naiki is a 4th term Master of the Ohara School of Ikebana. She was born in Tokyo. While in high school she began ikebana studies and received her instructor degree. After moving here, she resumed her studies with Grandmaster Suiyo Fujimoto in 2011. She is an active member of the Ohara Ikebana School, Northern California Chapter and the North America Ohara Teachers Association, as well as Ikebana International.

Christina Schuknecht began Chiko School studies in 2002 with Michiko Hosoda and continues to study with her. After joining I.I. in 2006 she participated in flower shows and often makes exhibit arrangements for programs. Christina currently serves as the chapter’s official photographer, taking photographs of demonstrations and exhibits at monthly programs for the chapter’s website. She also has installed arrangements in I.I.’s last four flower shows.

Tuan Tran has studied and taught ikebana for more than 25 years. He is a member of Aratame Ryu. His arrangements and workshops include the San Francisco Museum of Performing Arts, Bouquets to Art, Golden Gate Park Conservatory, and for the residence of the Consul General of Japan. He has given demonstrations in many countries. He is an accomplished artist and fashion designer. Born in Vietnam, Tuan came here in 1975. He is a successful real estate agent and volunteers for a variety of community causes.

Yoshiko Hogetsu Williams was captivated as a child by the work of Sofu Teshigahara, leading her to a lifelong study of Sogetsu Ikebana. She now holds Sogetsu’s highest degree of Riji. She teaches in the San Mateo area and often travels to Japan to study and participate in Sogetsu Headquarter’s annual exhibit. Locally she has exhibited at Bouquets to Art, the Filoli Flower Show, and at the Millbrae Japanese Cultural Festival. She is a member of I.I., Sogetsu San Francisco Bay Area Branch, Ikebana Teachers Federation, and the American Institute of Floral Designers (AFID).

Demonstration

Exhibition