President's Message

Alooooooha!

       From warm sunny Hawaii, the Aloha State, where Ikebana International Honolulu Chapter 56 is located. Ikebana International is a worldwide non-profit educational organization that promotes the study and enjoyment of ikebana, the art of Japanese flower arranging and other related arts of Japan.  The late Ellen Gordon Allen, a U. S. general's wife stationed in Japan, founded I. I. in Tokyo in 1956. Its purpose was and still is today, to unite the peoples of the world through their mutual love of nature and the enjoyment of ikebana.  "Friendship Through Flowers" was adopted as the motto of this organization, which now encompasses the globe with over 200 plus chapters in more than 60 countries.

       Fifty years ago in 1961, upon her arrival in Honolulu, Pearl Jensen, an enthusiastic military wife and a friend of Mrs. Allen, gathered several ikebana teachers and other military wives to organize the I. I. Honolulu Chapter.  In March 2011 our chapter celebrated our 50th anniversary, "A Golden Celebration: 50 Years of Friendship Through Flowers" with a gala luncheon-demonstration at the Hyatt Resort Hotel featuring guest artist Kika Shibata, Riji, of Sogetsu School of Ikebana from San Jose.

Shibata Sensei also conducted two workshops and was the featured artist at our exhibition at the Academy Art Center at Linekona. We have much to celebrate this year, as we have been granted a 501(c) (3), an educational non-profit status by the IRS.

       Today, Ikebana International is made up of members of all nationalities and ikebana schools. Honolulu Chapter 56 has over 120 members who participate in a range of ikebana related activities. The primary focus of our Chapter is educational and community service activities such as workshops, demonstrations, and public exhibitions that promote an understanding and appreciation of this important Japanese art form. In our educational outreach, we have worked with other organizations such the Japanese Cultural Center of Hawaii, Lyon Arboretum and the Honolulu Academy of Arts to provide demonstrations of ikebana techniques and instruction during hands-on workshops. Our community service projects have given us the opportunity to share our ikebana with agencies such as libraries, schools, hospitals, senior centers and other organizations that assist members of our community.

       As you explore our website, you will find highlights of our past activities and information about our various activities for the coming year. If you are interested in learning more about us, look at our Calendar of Events or our Newsletter. You are also welcomed to join I. I. Honolulu Chapter 56. A membership form is located on our website. We look forward to your joining us and becoming a "friend through flowers".

Aloha,

Ethel Aotani, President