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PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE
By Cecily Chang
At the end of October 2008, I
spent some time in Kyoto, Japan, not only for the Ikenobo seminar and
exhibitions, but also to get more acquainted with Japanese culture, especially
how Ikebana is incorporated into the daily lives of the Japanese people.
Coming back from Asia at the
end of December, I noticed that the heavy snow covered almost everything – the
fallen trees, damaged fences and frozen lakes. People stumbled on the snowy
sidewalks; vehicles parked by the curbside looked like beautiful cakes. The
scenery was stunning. I hope you were not affected by the damage caused by
the critical weather conditions and were able to enjoy the mighty power of
seasonal change.
Getting into springtime, we
can easily sense the spirit of Ikebana everywhere. 2009 is a busy year. We
started with UBC’s Occupational Health Department’s request for a research
study.
The study aims to explore the
meaning and experience of Ikebana for students and teachers. Furthermore, the
study hopes to gain an understanding of how the practice of Ikebana may
influence the way in which a person engages in other life activities. Five to
six members have already taken part in the research. The response is very
positive with very good insight. If you are interested in participating,
please let me know as they are still looking for a few more volunteers.
Upon hearing that Judie
Glick (Sogetsu) had coordinated a chance for us to participate in the
annual “Winterruption” at Granville Island as the very first VIA event in
2009, I was encouraged. It is essential to make “Ikebana” widely known to the
public, especially during winter time. The Craft House at Granville Island was
a good spot, and we are much obliged to Judie who always provides us with
surprising opportunities on Granville Island.
With great honor, Mr. Sam
Carter, Director of the Canadian Society for Asian Arts and Associate
Professor at the Emily Carr University has agreed to be our special guest
speaker at our upcoming AGM, March 14th.
Inga Uhlemann’s
arrangement for Winterruption at Granville Island
Mr. Carter notes, “Ikebana
has inspired my work and understanding of Asian culture. Since the late
1970s, I have had the opportunity of learning from my Ikenobo ikebana teacher
Mrs. Ito, Her spirit, understanding and remarkable abilities to teach about
both traditional and new forms of ikebana continues to inspire my academic and
creative work. A brief visual presentation will explore ‘Ikebana and My
Work’.” I invite all members to join in this rare opportunity to see his
presentation. Please encourage everyone to come!
The Spring Show this year
will be on April 18th and 19th. Please come to help set
up on the 17th from 1pm to 3pm. Ikekomi will be April 17th
3-8pm or April 18th 10-11am, and arrangements must be ready for the
show opening on the 18th at 11:00am. Greta Kos is the Chair
of the Spring Show. Ohara will unfortunately not be represented this year.
Mariko Inoue is busy traveling back and forth to Japan due to the critical
condition of her elderly mother, and Hiroko Yasuoka is occupied until mid-May.
Please encourage all VIA members to participate in this event.
VIA is an Ikebana family, we
care for each other and send our concerns to each other. Penelope Wood
of Sogetsu was involved in a car accident in January, Michael Lucas of
Ikenobo had a stroke in February and Beverley-Ann Ranney of Ikenobo has
been very ill with the flu. I pray for their recovery and good health, and do
hope the spirit of Ikebana continues generation to generation.
After more than 7 years’
contribution as a treasurer of the VIA, Jean Minamimaye of Sogetsu will
step down from this position. Her enthusiastic loyalty and devotion to VIA is
highly appreciated. We are glad that Christine King of Sangetsu will
take on this responsibility as of March. Also, Nancy Garrett of Sogetsu
will be our Secretary, which has been long vacant since Andreea Beutel is no
longer active in the VIA. Their nominations will be given at our AGM in March.
I am much obliged to all of them for their willingness and commitment to our
association. Also, thanks go out to Jennifer Gardy of Sangetsu who
made the wonderful Spring Show poster and is acting as editor of this
newsletter. Without their passionate love of flowers and people, it is
difficult to run our yearly events so smoothly. However, we need everyone’s
participation utmost. I do hope our activities will encourage your study in
your school and thus promote the awareness and appreciation of Ikebana to the
public.
~ Cecily Chang, President, VIA
WINTERRUPTION
By Judie Glick
VIA
participated in a new collaboration with the Crafts Association of British
Columbia during Winterruption on Granville Island this year. The front
windows of Crafthouse were filled with the ceramics of Capilano University
students under the direction of Sam Kwan. Four schools from VIA were
represented.
Sogetsu's Greta Kos
used willow and ginger in a white container designed by Erica Kertesz. Kado
Sumi’s Kaz Takahashi used a small container by Barb Lacey to show off
purple mums and plum blossom buds which opened quietly over the weekend
exhibit. Inga Uhlemann from Ikenobo used 2 containers by Rody Marandi.
The white and purple statice were like islands in the water of the fish like
containers, united by bear grass and a bit of shiny wire. Carol Demers’ bowl
of warm colours gave Cecily Chang of Ikenobo the freedom to use orange
cape lily that seemed to sing out of the container. Sangetsu’s Joan Fairs
and her student, Jennifer Gardy filled in the window display. Joan
used orchid stems, willow and leucadendron in another Carol Demers container.
Jenn's two containers, by Guity Moarefi, used calla lily, willow and tropical
leaves. One of the containers by Moarefi had an outside design that reflected
a local, west coast influence that was pointed out to me by Tamara Ruge of
Crafthouse.
We thank Crafthouse,
especially Corali and Jo and look forward to more involvement with their
association. My favorite moment was seeing the window at night, quite unusual
for an ikebana display. It surely represented Winterruption all weekend.
MEMBERSHIP REPORT
The VIA is delighted to
welcome new and returning members! Our new members are Yasuko Fujiwara
of Kado Sumi and Mayumi Ichino and Jack Duncan of Sangetsu. We
would also like to welcome back returning members Jane Nimi of Ikenobo,
Sharon Harris of Sangetsu, and Stephen Kuo of Sogetsu.
To date the VIA has 53 paid
members with about 30 outstanding, and four honorary founding members.
Karen Mizushima of Kado-Sumi created this arrangement for the
Thanksgiving weekend show at Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Gardens
CHERRY
BLOSSOM FESTIVAL
By Judie Glick
After
Winterruption, can cherry blossoms be far behind? This year’s festival
includes a few repeats, like plein-air blossom painting at VanDusen and the
usual downtown event at Bentall Centre where the first blossoms bloom. This
year Sakura Days, held March 28-29 at VanDusen, will be the main event for tea
ceremony and craft displays. At this time, the VIA is planning a hands-on
ikebana event which may be a lesson, a display, or hopefully both. Look for
us in the Cedar Room of the Floral Hall at VanDusen on Sunday, March 29th from
10:00 to 5:00. Please check out all the events at the festival web site:
www.vcbf.ca.
EARLY AND LATE CHRYSANTHEMUM
SHOWS
By Marie Ogryzlo
Members of the Ikenobo,
Sangetsu and Sogetsu schools participated in the 2008 chrysanthemum shows.
The original designs added a lovely note to the shows, with many visitors
coming especially to enjoy the ikebana.
The members of the Point Grey Chrysanthemum Association wish
to thank Martha Banno, Beverly-Ann Ranney, Michael Lucas,
Hamako Horii, Joan Fairs, Gladie Lindgren, Jennifer
Gardy, Cristina Topolscki, Greta Kos, Annie Santini,
Linda Achiam, and Jean Minamimaye for their beautiful designs.
It is always exciting to see what wonderful ikebana can be created with blooms
grown by PGCA members and we hope that VIA members will grace the
chrysanthemum shows with their ikebana again this year. The 2009 shows will be
held at VanDusen Garden on Sept.12-13, and
Oct.31-Nov.1.
With grateful thanks,
Marie Ogryzlo
VIA CHRISTMAS PARTY 2008
By Greta Kos
The annual Christmas party
was held near the end of November at the Hi Genki Restaurant, which is
associated with the National Nikkei Heritage Centre in Burnaby. The venue is
comfortable and the food was found to be generous and good.
Approximately 30 people
attended and overall the evening was pleasant and enjoyable. Money was
collected and a donation was made to the Downtown Eastside Women’s Shelter.
IKEBANA FEATURE ON CBC TV
On Monday,
March 16th, a story on Ikebana will be featured on
the program "Living Vancouver". This interview was done by Hollis Ho
(Sogetsu) on behalf of VIA, and it will air on CBC TV, channel 3 at 3 p.m. The
show will also be made available to watch online after it airs on the Living
Vancouver website at http://www.cbc.ca/livingvancouver.
UPCOMING VIA EVENTS - 2009
March 14th…………..VIA
Annual General Meeting
Nikkei Centre, Fuji Room #220, 1:30-4:30pm
Guest speaker: Mr. Sam Carter
All members are encouraged to attend
March 28th-29th………....Cherry
Blossom Festival
April 17th-19th…………………….VIA
Spring Show
Oakridge Auditorium
Set up
Friday, 1-3pm
Ikekomi
Friday, 3-8pm or Saturday 10-11am
Opening
Saturday, 11am
Show
Saturday & Sunday, 12-5pm
Entrance
Display Kado-Sumi
Sangetsu
demo Saturday, 1pm
Sogetsu demo
Saturday, 3pm
Kado-Sumi demo
Sunday, 1pm
Ikenobo demo
Sunday, 3pm
Take down
Sunday, 5pm
May 30th………………………….Business
Meeting
Cecily Chang’s House,
1:30-3:30 pm
Refreshments to be provided by Sangetsu
August 1st-2nd……………...Powell
Street Festival
The VIA will not be participating this year due to a change
of venue.
September 11th………..Early
Mum Show Ikekomi
September 12th-13th……………..Early
Mum Show
VanDusen Botanical Garden
September 19th………………....Business
Meeting
Cecily Chang’s House,
1:30-3:30 pm
Refreshments to be provided by Ikenobo
October 9th…Sun
Yat-Sen Garden Show Ikekomi
October 10th-12th…….Sun
Yat-Sen Garden Show
Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Garden
October 30th…………….Late
Mum Show Ikekomi
October 31st-November 1st……..Late
Mum Show
VanDusen Botanical Garden
November 24th…………………..Christmas
Dinner
December…………..Emperor’s
Birthday-Ikenobo
2009 SPRING SHOW
Deadline for
confirming participation:
March 22
Please let your head teacher
know by then, and ensure that you are a member in good standing.
Set up of Oakridge Auditorium
Friday, April 17, 1:00 to
3:00
Ikekomi
Friday, April 17, 3:00 to
8:00
or Saturday, April 18,
10:00 -11:00
Opening
Saturday, April 18, 11:00
Show
April 18 & 19, Noon to
5:00
Demonstrations
Saturday, 1:00
Sangetsu
Saturday, 3:00
Sogetsu
Sunday, 1:00
Kado-Sumi
Sunday, 3:00
Ikenobo
Take down
Sunday, April 19th
5:00
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