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INTRODUCTION TO THE
OHARA SCHOOL OF IKEBANA

This course is designed to introduce the student to the Ohara School of Ikebana, an approach rooted in classical Ikebana but with modern and naturalistic elements. The 19th century founder of the Ohara School, Unshin Ohara, created a low bowl container to display plants and materials. As an artist devoted to nature, he was inspired by mountain side and meadow landscapes and thought they would be interpreted best in a vessel which provided more surface of water. The design became known as “moribana” and is now included in the curriculum of most schools of Ikebana. Prior to this time Ikebana was primarily displayed in tall vases. The Ohara School is most distinguished for its beautiful scenic arrangements. In this class students will learn to construct a basic beginning arrangement using 7 stems including flower and branch material. This arrangement will reflect characteristics that make an Ohara arrangement uniquely Ikebana. A founding principle of this school is to observe nature and the way plants grow.

Fees: Member $49, Non-Member $59

All programs are subject to change. Pre-registration through our website is required.

Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden strives to be a Garden for all and we are committed to offering diverse adult learning opportunities that are inclusive and accessible to all learners. If you would like to request an accommodation to support your participation in an adult learning opportunity at the Garden, please contact [email protected] or call 804-262-9887 x320 and we will make our best effort to help.

Register Member $49

Register Non-Member $59

Date:
Friday, January 24, 2025
Time:
10:00 am - 12:00 pm
Event Details

All floral materials provided. Please bring a pair of flower cutting scissors, small clippers for cutting branch material, a bucket for taking home plant material, phone for photographing final arrangement, pad for note taking.

GES: FD, 2, elective*

*This class offers 2 hours of elective credit toward the Garden Education Series: Floral Design Certificate. Non-certificate students are welcome. All levels welcome.

About the Instructor

Initially attracted to the art of Ikebana through her interest in Japanese culture, Judy Sheldon has practiced Ikebana for almost 20 years. She explored different schools before being drawn to the Ohara School, a naturalistic approach that began in the late 19th century and is distinguished by its moribana landscape arrangements. She has been a member of Ikebana of Richmond (IOR) since 2004 and maintains memberships in Ikebana International, Ohara School of Washington DC, and the Southeast US Ohara Chapter. She regularly attends workshops and seminars sponsored by these organizations. As a certified instructor in the Ohara School, she is a member of the North American Ohara Teachers Association holding the rank of Fourth Term Master. Judy has held many positions in IOR including serving as president in 2019-2021. Currently she, serves as outreach chair and coordinator of Ikebana pop-up. She enjoys connecting people with Ikebana by placing arrangements in public spaces, such as banks, libraries, offices, and the LGBG Garden Shop. Through the years Judy has demonstrated and exhibited at Maymont, Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden, the National Arboretum in Washington DC, and has participated in Fine Arts and Flowers at the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts. She especially enjoys introducing young students to the art of Ikebana and recently has led classes at public elementary schools in Richmond and Chesterfield County.