Ikebana International Johor Bahru Chapter 235: NEWSLETTER No. 4

Message from Our President

“Arranging a bowl of flowers in the morning can give a sense of quiet in a crowded day – just like writing a poem or saying a prayer.”

Dear Members,

Our Annual Lunch in March with Mr. Bernard Tay’s “Small & Miniature Ikebana” at The Gallery was a success. The demonstration and the side displays mesmerized all our members and guests. The lunch served was delicious too.

I was glad that the last minute switch to the annual lunch from our nursery trip outing did not disappoint.

The workshop of a miniature flower arrangement in a cone on a cardboard frame was well received too. All present went back with a lovely gift.

In the month of April, I set off to “Hawaii of Japan” – Okinawa for our 11^th Ikebana International World Convention. On arrival I met our 5 other members, namely Datin Shirley, Vickie, Serena, Yock Chong and Rina who also signed up for the Convention. All of us took part in the exhibition at the Convention. Personally my self esteem was raised immeasurably during the convention as my arrangement was singled out for feature and I was interviewed by the national TV station.

This Convention had the largest number of delegates in its history. Although most of us thought this convention was not as good as previously, the spectacular demonstrations by masters from six ikebana schools spanning over 2 days made up for the short comings.

Come May will be our Annual General Meeting. Please mark in your diary, Friday, 26^th May at 10 a.m. at the Mutiara Hotel Ballroom to be followed by a sumptuous buffet lunch at the Coffee House.

I am looking forward to a good attendance at the coming Annual General Meeting as I have some important announcement to make that will interest all.

Till we meet at the AGM.

Friendship through Flowers

Datin Ong Kid Ching

President

Past Events

“Small and Miniature Ikebana” – a demonstration by Bernard Tay

Date : Tuesday, 21st March 2017

Venue : The Gallery

Time : 11 am - 2:30 pm

Instead of the usual Annual Ikebana Exhibition, the Chapter Board decided to hold a lunch and showcase Small and Miniature Ikebana which many people are not familiar with.

To introduce members and guests to this unique style of ikebana, there was a side display put up by some members.

The highlight of the morning was a demonstration by Mr. Bernard Tay, who holds a Riji Master in the Sogetsu School of Ikebana. Bernard has an extensive porfolio in exhibitions, demonstrationsand workshops in and around this region in his almost 40 years of ikebana practice.. He was handpicked to accompany the late Iemoto of the Sogetsu School - Hiroshi Teshigahara- on his European demonstration in the '80s. Bernard is a good friend and supporter of II JB. He has been advisor for our Annual Exhibition a number of times and members always look forward to his demonstrations.

Using mostly garden flowers and foliage, Bernard showed his artistry in his arrangements, which thoroughly enthralled all present. His containers ranged from small ceramic cups and lipstick cases to drinking straws.I shall not endeavor to describe the arrangements but let you appreciate their beauty from the photos themselves. Our sincere thanks to Bernard and also to his assistant Pn Kamisah Hassan.

After lunch, Datin Ong Kid Ching conducted a workshop where each participant was shown how to constuct a small container for an ikebana arrangement, using japanese paper, black cardboard and styrofoam. The final product was quite amazing and everyone was happy to have something beautiful to take home.

Mrs. Lira Tan then took over for the Raffles Draw..

The support from members and friends for this program was most encouraging and was a fitting close to a successful year!