About Us
Who we are?
Ikebana International (I.I.), our parent organization, is a worldwide organization founded in Tokyo, Japan in 1956 by the late Ellen Gordon Allen.
I.I. is a nonprofit cultural organization in Japan and today boasts over 7000 members in 44 countries, with 138 chapters. Ikebana International New York Chapter is its seventh chapter.
Ikebana International New York Chapter #7 (I.I.N.Y.), numbered in order of founding, was incorporated as a non profit organization on October 21, 1957.
The motto of the association is “Friendship through Flowers” and any person or organization accepting that objective is welcome to join us as a member of Ikebana International.
I.I.N.Y. does not teach or endorse any single type of Ikebana. It is an association that encompasses many different schools. The members are people who enjoy and practice Ikebana and have interests in other traditional Japanese art forms.
Some schools stress classical styles; others focus on free style, and some a blend of both. Our members gain the opportunity to learn about Ikebana of many different schools – their inspirations, styles, philosophy, history, and techniques – We benefit from those interactions through meetings, demonstrations, exhibitions and other events.
Membership is open to people who are interested in the art of Ikebana and the ideals of I.I.N.Y., regardless of their previous experience or association with any Ikebana Schools.
For more information about the Ikebana International Headquarters, please visit: https://ikebanahq.org
I.I.N.Y.'s Special Recognition Funds
Carola Meller Educational Funds
In April 2012, the New York Chapter board voted to establish the Carola Meller Educational Fund to perpetuate the memory of a longtime member dear to our Chapter.
Carola had served as the second International president of Ikebana International ans was a fervent supporter of Ikebana International New York. A member of the Ikenobo Society, she was an inspiration to many.
The aim of this fund is to promote Ikebana and provide cultural educational programs. To this end, the fund supports our Outreach Program, among others. Ikebana International New York Chapter 7 allocates 10% of the proceeds from the Ginza Bazaar and Auction to this funds. We deeply appreciate your support and as we are a nonprofit organization, your donations are tax deductible.
Judith S. Hata Funds
The “Judith S. Hata Flowers are … East and West Exhibition Fund” was established in 2018 to honor I.I. New York Chapter #7’s past president and Advisor Emeritus, Judy Hata. It recognizes her lifelong passion for Ikebana as well as her many years of work for the overall good of the New York organization on whose board Judy has actively served for more than five decades. The 2017 announcement of the Order of the government in the name of the Emperor cited her commitment to promote mutual cultural understanding between Japan and the United States through Ikebana.
The Fund was created with the intent of becoming an endowed fund to biyearly support projects (once per 2-year board term) for furthering the educational impact of an exhibition. New donations are accepted at any time.
In the inaugural year, the Fund provided additional support needed to expand the spring exhibition in honor of the presentation of the Order of the Rising Sun, Gold and Silver Rays award to incorporate different study group and regions.
Frequently Asked Questions
1.
How many styles of Ikebana are there?
Today, there are more than 3,000 Ikebana schools. Different schools teach various styles. Click on the "Ikebana Schools" link for more information on those represented in the NY area.
2.
Are artificial flowers ever used?
Dried materials, vegetables, and fruits could be used in free style or some modern arrangements. Additionally, inorganic materials such as paper, glass, metal, or other synthetic elements can be incorporated into modern arrangements.
However, artificial flowers are not used in Ikebana arrangements.
3.
Do men practice Ikebana?
Yes, they do. Historically, Ikebana was predominantly practiced by men, particularly within the realm of Buddhism. Women started taking Ikebana lessons more widely during the Meiji era (1868–1912) when Japan underwent significant modernization and cultural shifts. Since then, Ikebana has become increasingly popular among both men and women, with many schools and styles emerging to accommodate different preferences and aesthetics.
4.
At Ikebana flower shows, why don't ikebana arrangements rarely win awards?
While individual arrangers may submit their works in an Ikebana exhibit, arrangements at Ikebana flower shows are to be admired, enjoyed and contemplated.
5.
Can Ikebana arrangements be purchased?
Because of their construction, arrangements are difficult to transport and materials may be fragile. The ethereal nature of the arrangements is part of the allure of the Japanese approach to flower arranging. Ikebana enthusiasts may be willing to do their work either gratis or for a fee, but usually on site or by special arrangement with the designer.