San Diego #119 USA

September 25, 2024　Exhibition　Chapter Meeting
Ikenobo, Ohara, Ichiyo, Sogetsu
After a brief business meeting, the chapter recognized that Grand Master Mrs. Akiko Bourland (Ohara) had been awarded the Order of the Rising Sun award from the Emperor of Japan. She explained how honored and proud she was to receive this recognition from the Emperor and mentioned that she had a private audience with the emperor. Mrs. Akiko Bourland founded the Ohara School of Ikebana San Diego in 1973 and served as president for 35 years. After earning the title of “Grandmaster” from the Ohara School, in 2008, she received the title of “Founder Advisor” from Wakako Ohara, the highest advisor of the Ohara School; in 2018, she established the San Diego Wabi Chapter of the Ohara School of Ikebana.
January 22, 2025
Demonstration 　Chapter Meeting　 Open to the Public – workshop required
The first part of the chapter meeting covered general business: approval of minutes, introduction of new members, and a call for volunteers for the annual spring show, and other announcements. Additionally, there was an announcement about a Sogetsu exhibition at the San Diego Japanese Friendship Garden (featuring arrangements by Sensei Yumi Rakers and some of her students) as well as reminders about the San Diego Museum of Art’s annual gala exhibit Art Alive which overlaps the dates of II world conference and therefore this year will have fewer ikebana arrangements than usual.
After the business meeting was complete, Grand Master Akiko Bourland, who founded the Ohara School of Ikebana San Diego in 1973, performed a demonstration for members and guests. The first arrangement was a Rising Form arrangement in a basket which used Bird of Paradise flowers and
leaves and baby’s breath. After completing that first arrangement, she created a long, horizontal Rimpa arrangement using two containers. This large arrangement used branches, kale, yellow mums, St. John’s wort, and baby’s
breath.
After the ikebana demonstrations, there was a sumi-e ink painting workshop conducted by Joe Cross. The workshop focused on making postcards celebrating the Year of the Snake.
Finally the meeting concluded with a potluck lunch and raffle of floral centerpieces.