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

His Excellency Ambassador Ishikane opened the “Discover Ikebana” Exhibition at the Embassy of Japan on Saturday, October 13. Ambassador Ishikane and Mrs. Ishikane enjoyed the exhibition with the guidance of Exhibition Chair Marie-Eve Fuki Coupal and exhibitors including Sub-Grand Master Mitsugi Shinran Kikuchi. Nearly 600 guests attended and for the first time were able to try out ikebana at a “discovery table.” The exhibits were stunning, with three large driftwood arrangements prominent on the stage, backed with sumptuous gold screens. A gallery of exhibits will be forthcoming.

Our Exhibition “Discover Ikebana” is coming up fast! The inspiration for this title is the desire of the Exhibition Chair and board members to introduce ikebana as an art and a practice to visitors. Visitors will be introduced to the process of making an arrangement with the hope that some may follow up with the introductory workshop or classes with a teacher. An introductory workshop will be held at the McNabb Centre the following Saturday, October 20, at 2:30. 

As usual Cliff Byrnes and his students, with exhibitors from the Ottawa Chapter, put on a very attractive and imaginative exhibition at the Carveth Care Centre in Gananoque. With most exhibitors taking advantage of seasonal wild and garden flowers and foliage and even herbs and vegetables, visitors were intrigued with the variety of arrangements and the art of the exhibitors.