You will recall that the Embassy of Japan hosted a virtual exhibition ‘Drift Away’ that featured arrangements constructed outside and displayed on September 26, 2020 in three Ottawa locations and one Gananoque location. The Embassy constructed a virtual exhibition and ‘tours’ were conducted and subsequently available to view. These images have been placed in a gallery in the menu called Drift Away Exhibition – 2020. In addition to the lawn arrangements, members submitted other arrangements which were included in the Exhibition and are shown here also. The Embassy also featured many summitted arrangements on their Facebook page and these also are included in the Gallery.

The Embassy of Japan in Ottawa has posted our 2020 Exhibition, most of it from a drive-by event of large arrangements that was held in Ottawa and Gananoque on September 26. Please go to https://www.ca.emb-japan.go.jp/itpr_en/Virtual_Ohara_Ikebana_2020_main.html

Also, on Facebook, go to Embassy of Japan and see daily entries of arrangements at their website.

Two Ottawa members exhibited (see below) in this wonderful collection that you can find by clicking or inserting this site: https://youtu.be/xRTkjI2SWmk

The following is a Radial Form by Nancy MacLeod with: Magnolia, Curly Willow, Daffodils, Muscari “Blue Grape” Hyacinth, and Lady’s Mantle Foliage.

The following is a Realistic Landscape Moribana by Helen Westington with: Japanese Quince, Pasque Flower, and Cotoneaster

Mariefrance Toffin has sent an excellent display from New York City that you can access by clicking here: Lewis Miller Design Flower Flash NYC_

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.