Four creative, instructive, and stimulating workshops were held at St. Columba Anglican Church Hall in Ottawa on Friday and Saturday, September 27 and 28, 2019. Fully booked, they provided an excellent opportunity for beginning as well as advanced students. Many members were involved in the extensive preparation, including the planning and preparation of materials, assisting with the workshops under the direction of Cliff Shinju Byrnes, and translating instructions. It was a most pleasant and productive two days.

Landscape

Morimono

One Row

One of the Shohinkas

Grand Master Marcel Vrignaud performed a lavish demonstration of Ohara School Ikebana on Tuesday, September 24, 2019 at Meridian Theatres @ Centrepointe in honour of the 30^th Anniversary of the Ohara School of Ikebana, Ottawa Chapter. A gala reception followed. You can see a gallery of photos from the demonstration here.

Mr. Vrignaud studied with Third Headmaster Houn Ohara in the mid-60s, and founded the France Chapter. He has been a Grand Master for over twenty years and received the Award of Honor from Ohara School. He also holds: the Kôrô Shô, a Japanese diploma of merit, the National Order of Merit for his promotion of ikebana in France and the Meiyo Ichijikin award of honour for his services in teaching and promoting ikebana in Europe.

Cliff Shinju Byrnes, his students, and Ohara School guests from Ottawa had a wonderful exhibition in Gananoque on Sunday, August 18, 2019. It was held at the Carveth Care Center and attended by appreciative visitors from Ottawa, Kingston and Gananoque as well as residents of Gananoque.

Derek Jusen Kitchen, with the assistance of other members including Patty McLaughlin, presented an impressive arrangement in prime viewing space at Nordstrom for Mothers’Day weekend, May 11-12. There was considerable interest in Ikebana expressed by shoppers, and promotional materials were taken. A few new students have attended lessons, following up on the teacher information provided on our Chapter postcards. We look forward to a fall presentation at Nordstrom and interested members should contact Marie-Eve Coupal who will be co-ordinating efforts. This a great learning opportunity, and excellent publicity for the Chapter. Thanks to all!

We have been given a wonderful opportunity to exhibit from time to time at Nordstrom in the Rideau Centre. Marie-Eve Fuki Coupal and Wendy Juka Batson set up arrangements on Friday, February 1 and displayed them for several days in a very visible, open area. The exhibits were very well received and we plan to do more in the future. If you would like to take part, please contact Marie-Eve.

Thanks to all who made the Exhibition such a success, and appreciation to Peter and Lindsay McKercher for managing the photography. You can see the gallery by clicking here or going to the Galleries on the menu and selecting Discover Ikebana Exhibition 2018.

An Introductory Ikebana workshop by the Ohara School of Ikebana will be held on Saturday, October 20 from 3:00 to 5:00 pm at the McNabb Community Centre, 180 Percy Street, Ottawa. Second Term Master Marie-Eve Fuki Coupal will instruct. For more information consult her at Laurence_place@hotmail.com  Don’t miss this opportunity! Get your ticket now ($25) at Eventbrite