Introduction
At the October IOR meeting, Stephanie English captivated an audience with her
insightful presentation on Ikenobo, the oldest and most revered school of Japanese
flower arrangement, also known as ikebana. Her talk not only illuminated the historical and cultural significance of Ikenobo but also provided practical demonstrations, making the event both educational and inspiring.
What Is Ikenobo?
Ikenobo is widely regarded as the origin of ikebana, the Japanese art of flower arranging. Dating back over 550 years, this tradition emphasizes harmony between
nature and humanity, celebrating the seasonal beauty and spiritual meaning of flowers. Stephanie English began her presentation with an overview of Ikenobo’s history, highlighting its evolution from simple offerings in Buddhist temples to a sophisticated art form practiced globally.
Stephanie English’s Approach
Stephanie English, a dedicated practitioner and instructor, brought the philosophy of Ikenobo to life through her thoughtful explanations and hands-on demonstrations. She shared her journey of studying under Ikenobo masters and her passion for preserving and sharing this tradition. Stephanie discussed the importance of balance, line, and space in Ikenobo, showing how these principles are woven into every arrangement.
Live Demonstration
The highlight of Stephanie’s presentation was her live demonstration. Using seasonal branches, vibrant flowers, and traditional containers, she constructed several Ikenobo arrangements step by step. As she worked, Stephanie explained her choices—why she selected each branch, how she trimmed the stems, and the symbolism behind their placement. Attendees were encouraged to observe the subtle interplay of form and emptiness, a hallmark of Ikenobo style.
Cultural Insights
Beyond technique, Stephanie delved into the deeper meaning of Ikenobo. She
described how each arrangement reflects the arranger’s feelings and connection to
nature, and how Ikenobo serves as a meditative practice. Stephanie also discussed the seasonal and spiritual themes often present in arrangements, and how Ikenobo
continues to evolve while honoring centuries-old traditions.
Audience Engagement
Stephanie encouraged audience participation, inviting questions and offering tips for beginners interested in ikebana. Attendees were inspired by her approachable teaching style and her ability to bridge the gap between ancient tradition and modern appreciation. Many left the presentation with a newfound respect for the discipline, mindfulness, and creativity required in Ikenobo.
Conclusion
Stephanie English’s Ikenobo presentation was a testament to her expertise and passion for Japanese flower arrangement. By blending historical context, technical instruction, and philosophical insight, she offered a comprehensive introduction to Ikenobo’s timeless beauty. Her dedication to sharing this art form ensures that the spirit of Ikenobo will continue to flourish among new generations of enthusiasts.

Stephanie English using a contemporary vase for her Ikenobo arrangement.

Although there will be no workshop, we are asking for volunteers to select and interpret one of Van Gogh's paintings through an Ikebana Design. Since we have limited space to display the arrangements, we are limiting it to the first 20 people.
The arrangements will be displayed in the auditorium accompanied by the painting.

April was also IOR’s annual member showcase which was pure eye candy. We had 21 wonderful exhibits which ranged from beginners to those who have practiced Ikebana for many years. The creativity on display was stunning, and it was a great opportunity to see multiple schools side by side.

In the workshop, Duffy demonstrated the Flowing Form Design from the second book in the Ichiyo curriculum. All the participants enjoyed the beautiful Poet’s Laurel, tulips and wax flower combination which made a beautiful arrangement.

Following the program, Libby Haynes conducted a workshop on skeletonizing leaves. The participants each received a collection of leaves including pandanus, flax, and yucca. Everyone learned about best practices for using a pasta machine and drying the leaves to achieve different shapes.

In the workshop following, Sean provided line material to celebrate the beauty of bare branches in winter. Our own Annette Ernst led the workshop “Winter Woodland,” which was for all levels and schools. Participants brought a nagiere or moribana container and added small rocks, wood or moss to enhance their design. Lunch was included as well as flowers and supporting materials. It was a wonderful and relaxed winter break.

​In 2024, Ikebana of Richmond (IOR) was invited to be a sponsor of the Samurai Armor Exhibit from the collection of Ann and Gabriel Barbier-Mueller at the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts (VMFA). The 2024 Partnership with VMFA came to a close with IOR’s participation in Fine Arts and Flowers. Prior to the beginning of the November program, the IOR membership was treated to a brief review and summary as represented by all the projects undertaken and floral arrangements contributed. The following is a summary of that retrospective. You can find photos of each event in a link after each description.

Sponsor Dinner, April 15: 24 Arrangements
To celebrate the opening of the Samurai Armor Exhibit, the sponsors were invited to a preview and dinner in the Marble Hall of the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts. IOR was asked to provide table arrangements and decorations and the museum provided a budget. The colors for the evening were red, yellow, white and blue. 17 IOR members made 24 arrangements at the museum on the Sunday Afternoon prior to the dinner. The following day, all the arrangements and decorations were placed on tables. 
Those gathered for the dinner were delighted with the creative display of Ikebana which set an artistic tone for the evening. Each arrangement was accompanied by a card providing information about IOR. In addition, Annette Ernst designed a large floral exhibit in the entrance hall at the request of the VMFA Hirschler Endowment for Flowers, and Evelyn Klumb hand crafted origami helmets to accompany the floral designs. Throughout the evening, IOR was cited many times for its efforts.
View Sponsor Dinner Photos

The Council of VMFA Luncheon, May 6: 20 Arrangements
Because IOR was a sponsor of the Samurai Armor Exhibit, the council requested IOR to provide table arrangements for their May luncheon and provided a budget to cover materials. Seventeen IOR members gave their time to create 20 floral arrangements on Sunday afternoon prior to the luncheon. The following morning, these were placed on dining tables in Marble Hall. Blue was the theme color and the containers were purchased by IOR for the event. Libby Haynes was charged with creating a special arrangement which was presented to Kathryn Gray during the luncheon in recognition of her work. Evelyn Klumb contributed origami helmets and Carol Hutton provided Koinobori. Those who attended were charmed with the creative display of Ikebana. Each arrangement was accompanied by a card identifying the IOR Ikebana artist and their school. At the end of the luncheon, all arrangements were sold.
View Council Luncheon Photos

“How…Do You Make and Ikebana Arrangement,” Program May 17 and November 7, 9 Arrangements
The VMFA Education Programs Manager requested a meeting with members of IOR to plan a program to be called “How…do you make an Ikebana arrangement?” IOR eagerly embraced this opportunity and the program was developed to include a slide presentation featuring a brief history of Ikebana, descriptions of the schools participating in the program and information about IOR. Alice Litchfield did a live demonstration of a basic Ikebana arrangement and individual IOR members spoke about their school and arrangement. Libby Haynes provided a Sogetsu upright moribana arrangement photo, and the VMFA staff with the assistance of IOR designed a flyer to promote the program which was placed on the VMFA website. 
The "How To" program received rave reviews and was described as stunning. There were over 115 guests, which was a record for VMFA. Plus, the Education Programs Manager pointed out the audience gave a standing ovation at the end. She went on to share positive remarks from the survey which VMFA conducted. A modified version of the program was later presented on November 7th to the IOR membership (See the 2024 November Program under Recent Events). Many thanks to all those who participated: Evelyn Klumb (Ikenobo), Alice Litchfield (Ichiyo), Laura Anne Brooks (Ikenobo), Judy Sheldon (Ohara), Diane Burgess (Sogetsu), Libby Haynes (Sogetsu), Annette Ernst (Keika-Kazan), Elizabeth Biddle (Kado Sensho Ikenobo), Grace Morris, Sandy Haigh, Alison Munoz and Marga Cahoon.
View "How... Do You Make and Ikebana Arrangement" Photos

Weekly Arrangements for Floris and Amuse Restaurants, May 10 - August 4, 55 Arrangements
When the VMFA Samurai Armor Exhibit drew to a close, we learned that approximately 100,000 people toured from April 20th to August 4th. IOR was an active sponsor from the very beginning, and everyone who contributed to this effort played a major role. Weekly from May 10th to July 25th, Ikebana of Richmond members gave their time and artistry in designing and placing 55 arrangements in Floris and Amuse restaurants. IOR received many fine complements from the staff who also shared positive comments of their customers. Special thanks go to Libby Haynes and Annette Ernst who acted as coordinators. Weekly, they greeted arrangers at Floris and also returned to make sure that each arrangement had plenty of water and was looking its best. Evelyn Klumb also helped with encouraging words for all. Thank you to the following: Libby Haynes, Annette Ernst, Evelyn Klumb, Judy Sheldon, Laura Anne Brooks, Elizabeth Biddle, Alice Litchfield, Diane Burgess, Kumiko Suzuki, Janice Whitehead, Joann McNabb, Marga Cahoon, Theresa Redd, Sandy Haigh, Grace Morris, Helena Arouca, and Marty Jones.
View Weekly Arrangement Photos

Special Activities
To support this special opportunity, members developed a beautiful special edition newsletter as well as website and social media content and photos. When there was a need for an arrangement for a reception, IOR rose to the occasion. Through these activities, our membership and volunteers were kept informed and relations with associated groups were further enhanced. 
View Special Activities Photos

Fine Arts and Flowers, October 23 – 27
During the four days of this exhibition of floral designs interpreting museum artwork, 20,000 guests attended. Eight members of IOR participated as exhibitors including one large Ikebana display outside on the lawn by the Chihuly water garden. The exhibitors were Laura Anne Brooks (Ikenobo), Annette Ernst and Evelyn Klumb (Ikenobo), Marga Cahoon and Theresa Redd (Sogetsu), Kumiko Suzuki (Sogetsu), Grace Morris (Sangetsu), and Libby Haynes (Sogetsu).
In addition, IOR was asked to conduct a workshop about designing a basic Ikebana arrangement on Sunday, October 27th at VMFA. Three schools were represented by teachers of the Ikenobo (Annette Ernst), Ohara (Judy Sheldon) and Sogetsu (Libby Haynes) schools. We were also delighted to learn that our workshop sold out within a day and all 24 seats were filled. Members can take pride in knowing that IOR and Ikebana has been introduced to many new people throughout Virginia and beyond as a result of this wonderful partnership. 
View Fine Arts and Flowers Photos

Laura Anne Brooks, Annette Ernst and Evelyn Klumb, Marga Cahoon and Theresa Redd

​Libby Haynes, Kumiko Suzuki, Grace Morris

​Workshop

This program was a reprise of the “How To...” program presented by IOR on May 17 at the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts in conjunction with our sponsorship of the Samurai Armor Exhibit. All participants were featured in both; however, the exhibits in November were updated to reflect the season. Many thanks to: Evelyn Klumb (Ikenobo), Laura Anne Brooks (Ikenobo), Judy Sheldon (Ohara), Diane Burgess (Sogetsu), Libby Haynes (Sogetsu), Annette Ernst (Keika-Kazan), Elizabeth Biddle (Kado Sensho Ikenobo), Alice Litchfield (Ichiyo), Grace Morris (Sangetsu), Sandy Haigh and Alison Munoz.

Download IOR November 2024 Presentation
Download IOR November Handout

​Laura Anne Brooks - Ikenobo

Judy Sheldon - Ohara

Diane Burgess - Sogetsu

Libby Haynes - Sogetsu

Annette Ernst - Keika-Kazan

Elizabeth Biddle - Kado Sensho Ikenobo

Alice Litchfield - Ichiyo

Grace Morris - Sangetsu

Fall Baskets Ichiyo Style Workshop
This month, our workshop participants received a wonderful surprise - a handmade cloud basket by Alice Litchfield, teacher of the Ichiyo School. Everyone delighted in her demonstration of how to use clouds, which are a specialty of Ichiyo, in moribana and nagiere containers. While everyone enthusiastically worked on their designs, Alice visited each student and offered tips on how best to place flowers and line materials. Some students boldly even tried arranging by balance only.

​Workshop: “Harmony with Branches and Paper”

​Workshop: “Harmony with Air”

​Workshop: “Structures with Japanese Paper Craftbands”