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Ikebana International Ninth World Convention Report
Location: University of MA – Waltham Center, 240 Beaver St., Waltham, MA
Date: November 28, 2006
Enthusiastic attendees of the Ikebana International Ninth World Convention reported on their experiences at the November 28, 2006, general meeting.
Seventeen Boston Chapter #17 members attended the convention in Tokyo. Over 900 members from 37 countries and 92 chapters were represented. The convention commemorates 50 years of I. I. With the theme, “retracing the footsteps of Ikebana…lighting a path to the future”. The Japan post issued a commemorative stamp in honor the 50th anniversary of I. I.
The focus of the convention is primarily educational programs, outstanding demonstrations of different Ikebana schools and exhibits of Ikebana floral arrangements. Exhibitors included 33 Ikebana headmasters, plus 12 master teachers, ambassador’s wives and many I. I. Members. Among the latter were our own Boston chapter members: Kaye Vosburgh, Jean Mangiafico, Gilbert Moore and Bernice Allison whose exhibits were on display. Several of us attended cultural workshops on bamboo craft, calligraphy and washi paper mask making.
The I. I. Motto, “friendship through flowers”, was exemplified throughout the convention, giving us the opportunity to renew old friendships and form many new ones. It was delightful to be with Kazue Hatano and Elaine Dichiara once again and to make new friends as we gathered in the Friendship Room or took a culture class with a new friend from Jamaica on one side and another from Australia on the other. To quote Her Imperial Highness Princess Takamado, “the larger this circle of friendship, the better place this world, for flowers bring out our gentle, loving side and send out messages of joy and goodwill”.
Our Japanese hosts were hospitable and kind, seeing that every detail was covered. All of us felt very special and privileged to have been apart of this inspirational experience.
Japan is a beautiful country with a rich history and some of the most beautiful gardens in the world. To our delight, the post trip to Kyoto gave us an opportunity to explore these gardens further. It is said that Japanese gardens are an oasis of serenity in a crowded land, the Japanese garden invites contemplation and calms the soul.
Topics and speakers at the meeting were as follows:
l. Introduction of speakers: Kaye Vosburgh
2. I.I. history and business meeting: Tomoko Tanaka
3. Regional conference exhibit in Singapore: Joanne Caccavale
4. I. I. Exhibit: Jean Mangiafico
5. Culture program bamboo craft: Antoinette Drouart
6. I.I. friendship room: Keiko Thayer
7. I. I. Exhibit continued: Jean Mangiafico
8. Welcome dinner: Seiko Hori
9. Demonstrations: Dora Lee
10. Group photos, Sogetsu post convention & Sogetsu Boston tour group: Kaye Vosburgh
11. Nara: Merle Schlesinger
12. Moss garden: Nancy Stadtlander
13. Japanese gardens: Gilbert Moore
14. Kurashiki: Bernice Allison
Please note: In January we will begin to receive information concerning the 16th North American I. I. Regional Conference 2008 in Monterrey, CA, May 11-15, 2008. Even though it is early, we need to give the conference attendance some thought, for some issues need to be addressed by April 2007.
Date: November 28, 2006
Photos
Description
Boston Chapter members who attended shared their experiences with slides and flowersEnthusiastic attendees of the Ikebana International Ninth World Convention reported on their experiences at the November 28, 2006, general meeting.
Seventeen Boston Chapter #17 members attended the convention in Tokyo. Over 900 members from 37 countries and 92 chapters were represented. The convention commemorates 50 years of I. I. With the theme, “retracing the footsteps of Ikebana…lighting a path to the future”. The Japan post issued a commemorative stamp in honor the 50th anniversary of I. I.
The focus of the convention is primarily educational programs, outstanding demonstrations of different Ikebana schools and exhibits of Ikebana floral arrangements. Exhibitors included 33 Ikebana headmasters, plus 12 master teachers, ambassador’s wives and many I. I. Members. Among the latter were our own Boston chapter members: Kaye Vosburgh, Jean Mangiafico, Gilbert Moore and Bernice Allison whose exhibits were on display. Several of us attended cultural workshops on bamboo craft, calligraphy and washi paper mask making.
The I. I. Motto, “friendship through flowers”, was exemplified throughout the convention, giving us the opportunity to renew old friendships and form many new ones. It was delightful to be with Kazue Hatano and Elaine Dichiara once again and to make new friends as we gathered in the Friendship Room or took a culture class with a new friend from Jamaica on one side and another from Australia on the other. To quote Her Imperial Highness Princess Takamado, “the larger this circle of friendship, the better place this world, for flowers bring out our gentle, loving side and send out messages of joy and goodwill”.
Our Japanese hosts were hospitable and kind, seeing that every detail was covered. All of us felt very special and privileged to have been apart of this inspirational experience.
Japan is a beautiful country with a rich history and some of the most beautiful gardens in the world. To our delight, the post trip to Kyoto gave us an opportunity to explore these gardens further. It is said that Japanese gardens are an oasis of serenity in a crowded land, the Japanese garden invites contemplation and calms the soul.
Topics and speakers at the meeting were as follows:
l. Introduction of speakers: Kaye Vosburgh
2. I.I. history and business meeting: Tomoko Tanaka
3. Regional conference exhibit in Singapore: Joanne Caccavale
4. I. I. Exhibit: Jean Mangiafico
5. Culture program bamboo craft: Antoinette Drouart
6. I.I. friendship room: Keiko Thayer
7. I. I. Exhibit continued: Jean Mangiafico
8. Welcome dinner: Seiko Hori
9. Demonstrations: Dora Lee
10. Group photos, Sogetsu post convention & Sogetsu Boston tour group: Kaye Vosburgh
11. Nara: Merle Schlesinger
12. Moss garden: Nancy Stadtlander
13. Japanese gardens: Gilbert Moore
14. Kurashiki: Bernice Allison
Please note: In January we will begin to receive information concerning the 16th North American I. I. Regional Conference 2008 in Monterrey, CA, May 11-15, 2008. Even though it is early, we need to give the conference attendance some thought, for some issues need to be addressed by April 2007.