We are honored to welcome Stephanie English to our meeting. Don’t miss this opportunity to learn from one of the foremost educators and advocates of Ikenobo Ikebana in the United States.

Stephanie will be joining us live to demonstrate and to discuss the following topic:

- Introductory Program

Stephanie explores the use of everyday materials (no special containers or tools required) to showcase the beauty and simplicity of floral designs

-Tatehana Ikenobo

This session explores Tatehana, one of the earliest forms of ikebana. Originally created as floral offerings to Buddha, these arrangements are characterized by their light, airy and refined aesthetic.

-Freestyle Ikebana for Art in Bloom

Stephanie shares her creative process for designing freestyle ikebana arrangements that harmonize with the color, texture, and form of featured artworks—blending floral design with visual art in a dynamic and expressive way.

Join us in February for a delightful program featuring charming miniature ikebana arrangements!
This creative idea was first introduced by Kasumi Teshigahara, the second Sogetsu Iemoto. Instead of simply making small ikebana pieces, the concept encourages arranging botanical elements in tiny vessels—an opportunity to let your imagination shine. These petite designs are all about ingenuity and having fun with the art of ikebana.

Before our February meeting, 15 volunteers will have the special opportunity to work with Faye virtually to create these miniature arrangements. With Faye’s guidance, each participant’s originality will shine as they train their hands, eyes, and hearts. This is a wonderful opportunity to experience the spirit of Sogetsu and deepen your ikebana journey—no matter which school you belong to!

Faye has served as President of the New York State Capital District Sogetsu Study Group since 2022. Previously, Faye held roles as President and Treasurer of Rochester Chapter 53 of I.I. She is also an associate member of the SoMA Sogetsu Branch, Orlando Chapter 132 of I.I., and the Sogetsu Florida Branch. Faye actively exhibits, leads workshops, and teaches both in-person and virtually across New York State and Florida.

This is the season to celebrate traditions, light, and thepure wonder on a child’s face during the holidays. It’s a time to gather with family and friends—both new and cherished. In my demonstration, I’ll share creative designs to honor the season using items you already have at home.
Enjoy!”
Sensei Margy Metzler embarked on her Ikebana journey in Okinawa, Japan, studying

under Master Sensei Keiko Nakajima Robins, a revered Japanese National Living

Treasure. Through years of dedicated practice, Margy earned her Sensei certificates and

achieved the esteemed Nihon Sokatoku the highest rank in the Kado Sensho Ikenobo

school.

With over 15 years of teaching experience in Japan and the United States, Margy infuses

her Ikebana arrangements with a rich background in art and design. Her work is deeply

inspired by the philosophy and traditions of the Urasenke Chado Tea Ceremony, which

she also practices, creating a seamless fusion of cultural and artistic expression.

An active educator, Sensei Margy offers classes, workshops, and demonstrations to foster

appreciation for Ikebana. In 2023, she was honored with the prestigious Mindori

Tanimune Teaching Scholarship from the Iwaya Fund for her excellence in teaching. In

April 2024, she received the distinguished Doorplate from Iemoto Yoriko Moroizumi,

recognizing her as a high-ranking Professor in the Kado Sensho Ikenobo school. This

accolade authorizes her to establish the first official branch of the school in the United

States, marking a significant cultural milestone.

For many of us the beautiful poinsettia with its lovely red leaves is the hallmark of the holidays. Indigenous to Mexico, poinsettias grow wild as tall, colorful shrubs in their native habitat.

Join Lidia Villalobos, Second Master of the Ohara School of Ikebana, as she curates a collection of exquisite vases from her native Mexico. To these regional containers, she marries stunning arrangements using poinsettias. Learn how they grow, how to properly condition them, and how these special blooms can elevate your floral art. Lidia identifies each variety, giving you the opportunity to seek out individual cultivars for their own designs. This event offers a rare glimpse into the beauty of Mexico, the elegance of Ohara Ikebana, and the captivating charm of the poinsettia at its finest.

Lidia will be joining us live from her native Mexico with further information and a Q&A after the video.

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