San Francisco Bay Area Chapter #31 USA
February 21, 2025
Demonstration Open to the Public
Our celebration of Mrs. Kayoko Suiyo Fujimoto’s 99th birthday was a joyous event. Fujimoto Sensei has mentored many students in our Chapter. It was a very fitting tribute to this amazing person who has contributed so much. She did the grand finale demonstration with Mitsuko Maruyama. Other highly skilled Ohara demonstrators were Yasuko Naiki, Yoko Tahara, Setsuko Iwami, and Yoshiko Gilli.
We were honored to have our Honorary President, Mrs. Osumi, and Mr. Okada from the Japanese Consulate join us for this program. In addition, the wives of several Consul Generals stationed in S.F. joined in the festivities.
Side table arrangements were made by I.I. members.
Fresh cuttings, plants, books, tools and containers were available for members to purchase at our (Ways and Means) Ikebana Supplies Tables.
Tea table and treats with a special birthday cake to honor this special occasion followed the conclusion of the program.
March 21, 2025
Demonstration Open to the Public
Our March program was eclectic with ikebana joining forces with the Grant Avenue Follies to celebrate the Golden Age of night clubs. The stage setting was created by Ron Brown. There was a typical night club revue complete with dancers and a singer. The program concluded with an arrangement by Louise Ow Ling which reflected the glitz and glamour of the era. Everyone enjoyed the afternoon of ikebana and dance.
May 16, 2025
Demonstration Chapter Meeting Open to the Public
Sharon Krawetz presented the Slate of Officers for the I.I. Board 2025-2026. After opening the floor up for any additional names, those I.I. members in attendance voted and unanimously agreed as presented.
Katsuko Thielke and her students from the Sogetsu School: Yvonne Ip, Jennie Cho Li, Diane Shen, Sutthisri Watson and Ayako Yamamura presented our final program of the season. Katsuko is an extraordinary artist. Her bamboo work is always amazing. This program was one of the continuing in our series of the Sensei and student (in this case students).
