Events 2026-2027
Program Details
Program meetings run from September to May, typically on the 3rd Monday of the month. Doors open at 9:30 am and Programs begin at 10 am followed by bring-your-own lunch . Workshops are usually provided in the afternoon. Guests may attend 2 programs.
Location for Monthly Programs
Lealman Exchange Community CenterÂ
5175 45th St. N.
St. Petersburg, FL 33714
Free Beginner's Workshop
9/14, 10/12, 1/4 and 3/1
Start your ikebana journey at our Ikebana Beginner's Workshop. We'll supply the floral materials and let you borrow our tools and containers to create your beginner's basic arrangement. Take the floral materials home to recreate your arrangement. Reservations required. Seats are limited. 5:30 - 8:30 PM
This is Ohara
September 21
Featuring Susan Thorpe. "Come with me as we journey from the late 19th century to the present. You will see five headmasters take us from the introduction of moribana to free expression in the Ohara school of ikebana."
All Chapter afternoon workshop. Materials fee $10. Bring: 8-12 in suiban; 3 in kenzan. RSVP to Susan Thorpe if attending the workshop
Kachoufugetsu
October 19
Flower, Bird, Wind. Moon: The Japanese cultural context from which ikebana has arisen. Demonstrations by school evoking these elements
Afternoon workshop by school
Petals and Vessels
November 14
Chapter #65 is collaborating with The Clay Center of St. Petersburg for a unique art exhibit that celebrates the harmony between Japanese floral design and the expressive spirit of ceramics.
Clay Center of St. Petersburg
2010 1st Ave South
St. Petersburg, FL, 33712
5 - 9 pm at the second Saturday Art Walk
Painted Bamboo
November 16
presented by Monique Noujaim and demonstrated by members of each school
Annual Ginza Sale: A celebration of second chances—where pre-loved objects find a new home.
Afternoon workshop
Symbolism in Japanese Culture
December 14
Demonstration followed by Festive Potluck Luncheon – bring your culinary A-game to share!
No afternoon classes – just a joyful gathering of friends, good food, and warm conversation.
The Poetry of Flowers
January 18
Program featuring Michael Beedenbender, Riji of Sogetsu School.
Workshop: minimalist arrangement using flowers and the intentional placement of a single, carefully chosen leaf. Bring your flowers of choice. Leaf materials will be provided.
65th Anniversary Exhibition
January 29-31
Annual Ikebana Exhibition
"Language of Flowers"
at Westminster Suncoast in the Quak Center building.
Open to the public on 1/30-31, 10 am to 4 pm
Working With Split Bamboo
February 22
Demonstration by Ric Carrasco, Laurel Fooks and Aimee Jackson.
All Chapter workshop, implementing what was learned in the morning.
65th Anniversary Luncheon
Kyoko Petersen
March 23 - 24
Demonstration by Kyoko Petersen, Ikenobo Senior Professor at St. Petersburg Yacht Club on 3/23. Workshops at West Community Library on 3/24. Workshops are for I.I. members only. The public is welcome to attend the luncheon.
Chapter #65 is 65!
April 10
Let's relax and celebrate our founding 65 years ago this month with a social dinner at Green Pagoda and an outing to the garden setting of Duncan McClellan Hot Glass Studio where we can enjoying our creations derived from workshops earlier this year.
Hanging Arrangements
May 17
We'll be hanging around with each other as we create hanging arrangements. Demonstrations by each school. All Chapter workshop in the afternoon
International Ikebana Day
&
65th Anniversary Retrospective
June 6
Via Zoom, we will take a stroll down memory lane celebrating ikebana and our Chapter's history
Recent Programs Gallery
September 2026 - This Is Ohara - Susan Thorpe
