The love of flowers
fueling open hearts and minds
shoring friends as well.

If you love flowers and the wondrous beauty they impart, this is the place for you!  Studying in the tradition of Japan’s revered schools of flower arranging, our Chapter also enjoys the culture and history of Japan.   We welcome you to join us, seek new learning, refine your skills, and enjoy the kindred spirit that we cherish!

Ikebana (ee-kay-bah-nah) is the Japanese word referring to the art of Japanese flower arranging. A free translation might be “bringing flowers to life.” Ikebana arrangements capture nature through the designer’s eyes, producing uniquely beautiful glimpses of something magical.

This website is proudly sponsored by the International Ikebana Chapter #65 in St. Petersburg, FL to educate and encourage our readers.  Please enjoy our website and consider becoming a member of our Chapter!  

 

 

A Message from our Chapter President…

We are one of 161 chapters of Ikebana International in over 49 countries with membership of about 8,000 persons. Ikebana International is a non-profit cultural organization dedicated to the promotion and appreciation of Ikebana, the art of Japanese flower arranging and is headquartered in Tokyo, Japan. The international organization was founded in 1956 and our local chapter was founded in 1962. We are the 65th Chapter in the world to be organized. In 2017 we will celebrate our 55th anniversary.

The St. Petersburg chapter members come   from Hudson, Tampa, Winter Haven and South St. Petersburg. We serve the Tri City area of Tampa, St. Petersburg and Clearwater. We have associate members from South Africa, Atlanta and other areas of Florida.. There are 5 other chapters in the state of Florida and they are Sarasota, Naples, Miami, Orlando and Melbourne.

Ikebana International does not teach any single type of Ikebana. It is the umbrella of all the schools of Ikebana and is made up of people who enjoy Ikebana and related Japanese arts. Members do not have to arrange flowers. Many join for the comraderie of the people with interest in flowers and Japanese arts.

At our meetings you are exposed to the many schools of Ikebana. Our chapter has teachers in six schools; Ichiyo, Ikenobo, Ohara, Sogetsu, Senke, and Banmi Shofu. We invite guest demonstrators from other schools to educate us.

In the afternoons of most of our regular meetings we offer classes in each school at a nominal fee. It’s a way to try different schools or to study the school of your choice.

We welcome visitors at no charge for the first visit and charge $10 for subsequent visits.

Many close friendships are made at Ikebana St. Petersburg and the motto of Ikebana International is “Friendship Through Flowers”.

I welcome you to join us at our meetings.   

                                                                                                                                 Jeanne Houlton
                                     President                                                         

 

Joining our Ikebana International Chapter #65 is very easy.  Simply fill in the Membership Application, print it, and mail it to the address indicated with your dues.

THEN, come to our monthly meetings and programs and learn about the beauty of Ikebana!  You will also meet our membership, all of whom share the love of beauty and artistic creation.  Our motto is Friendship Through Flowers, and before long, you will have a new group of friends as well! 

Visit Our World of Ikebana!

Chapter #65 of Ikebana International is located in Pinellas County, Florida and welcomes all who are  interested in the Art of Japanese Flower Arrangement to our membership.

The Mission of our Chapter is to promote mutual understanding and continuing  friendship between our countries.   Our goal is also to  stimulate, cultivate, and perpetuate the study of Ikebana, and related arts and culture throughout the world.

Our programs run from September through May each year and are held on the third Monday of the month unless otherwise noted.

Meetings and programs are held at Chapel On The Hill in Evan’s Hall, 12601 Park Blvd., Seminole, FL 33776 from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

The public is invited to view our programs and demonstrations for a free one-time visit. After that first visit, there is a $10 donation for any additional visit.  Click here for Program Schedule.  After the program, our Members and Guests usually stay for a “bring your own lunch” light bite.

Afternoon workshops in the various schools begin for Members at 1:00 p.m.  Teachers (Sensei) set the fees for the workshops.    Active participation in these Workshops is for Members only.  Guests who attend the morning program may observe the related afternoon workshop to learn more about the Art of Ikebana.

Please let us know if you are planning to attend by completing our Contact Us Form.  For a map with directions, Click Here.

Yearly memberships are available for $80 per individual and $120 per couple.   You may join “on the spot” at any meeting.   Benefits of membership are:  low cost classes, free demonstrations, interesting and innovative programs, 3 issues of Ikebana International Magazine and great fun in “Friendship Through Flowers.”