The love of flowers
fueling open hearts and minds
sharing 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…

Dear Members of the St. Petersburg Chapter,

It is a great honor for me to accept the Presidency of Ikebana International St. Petersburg for 2017-2018. This is my second term. The last year was such a pleasure and success that I only expect the same again. We are lucky to have most of the Board from last year serving a second term as well, so a winning year is surely ahead.

We have almost 90 members which makes us one of the largest chapters in Ikebana International and one of the largest chapters in Florida.

Our program chairman Barbara Goss has a powerful slate of programs for every month that will hold your interest, and our Treasurer Joe Myers keeps us in line financially.

Our chapter is very fortunate to have teachers from six schools of Ikebana so that members who want to study flower arranging have a wide choice of schools. Today, there are over 200 active schools of Ikebana in Japan.

Many of our members have taken lessons but many have not learned ikebana at all. They simply enjoy observing the art form and learning about it and related Japanese arts.

Each year, we invite high ranking teachers from other chapters to teach us. This year, our special SubGrandmaster Ronell Douglass from the Ohara school is coming from Philadelphia.

Ikebana International does not provide ikebana lessons. However, Those who want to take lessons should contact an ikebana teacher directly. Our chapter can guide you straight to the phone number.

         Wishing you continued friendship,

         Jeanne Houlton
         President
         Ikebana International St Petersburg

 

 

 

                                                                                                                                 

 

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.”