Past events
PAST IKEBANA EVENTS 2012 – 2010
Johor Bahru Chapter 235
presented ‘A Hawaiian Valentine Celebration’ on 11 February at the Blue Wave Hotel.
Members from Singapore Chapter were warmly welcomed for an afternoon of fun friendship and fashion.
JB members modelled the fine modern Batik clothes by “Pink Jambu”.
Members and guests were treated to a scrumtious high tea, entertained with life music, a fun competition where each table chose a ‘victim’ to be dressed up as hula dancer, flowers and all. The afternoon concluded only too quickly and President Serena was presented with one of the beautiful Valentine’s decorations which adorned the tables. A fun afternoon was had by all.
A Date with Spring
On 2 February II members shared a splendid Date with Spring at the Sogetsu Association Lunar New Year Celebrations at the Grand Hyatt Hotel. A Floral Demonstration by Mrs Tsng Bee Lan was followed by traditional Lo Hei and lunch. The mini exhibition by Sogetsu members, inspired by the Lunar New Year, was enjoyed by members and guests. Ang Baos were handed out by the God of Fortune and a Dragon Dance completed a very successful event.
Peranakan Chinese New Year Celebrations and Flower Exhibition
‘A Thousand Peonies Blossom’
The new Lunar New was celebrated in style on 11 January at the Imperial ballroom of the Mandarin Hotel. A very informative and inspiring demonstration by Dr Leonard Lim, President of the Ikenobo Ikebana Society Singapore Chapter was followed by the traditional Lo Hei and a scrumptious Perankan lunch. During lunch we were entertained by the Peranakan Singers. Prizes were given to the ladies with the best Peranakan theme inspired dresses. Members put up a mini exhibition reflecting the theme. A great time was had by members and friends.
Dr Lim also presented a demonstration and exhibition at Suntec City mall which was enjoyed by passers by as well as II and Ikenobo members.
Afternoon Tea with Sara Taseer
On 14 Decmber, members and guest were invited by our member Sara Taseer to an afternoon with flowers and retail therapy at Sara’s Fine Jewellery boutique at the Hilton Hotel.
Our very talented member Peggy Loh inspired with her designs for Christmas.
A wonderful afternoon tea spread was enjoyed by all and the early shopping spree benefitted ”In Her Shoes” for Children’s Cancer Foundation.
A Blessed Ikebana Christmas
A joined celebration between II Singapore Chapter and the
Singapore Sogetsu Association
On Friday Dec 02, Ikebana members and friends enjoyed a superb demonstration by Mrs.Kazue Kato Kim, founder and President of the Singapore Sogetsu Association
This was followed by a scrumptious Christmas buffet enjoyed by more than 200 members and friends of both associations. Proceeds went to “In her Shoes” – a charity working in collaboration with the Children Cancer Foundation. Volunteers from ‘In her Shoes’ entertained the guests with their musical performances.
A mini exhibition celebrating the holiday season was displayed in the foyer of the Gallery at Hyatt, showcasing the talents of our members.
World Orchid Conference,
Ikebana Floral Art Competition and Exhibition
10 – 20 November 2011
Chapter Exhibit
Ikebana International was privileged to participate in the wonderful World Orchid Conference with a competition and exhibition.
We are pleased to announce the results of the competition as follows:
1) Class 201 Window
1st & Gold Medal & TROPHY – Jayr
Higuit Villalobos
2nd & Silver Medal – Bernadette Lim
3rd & Bronze Medal – Wu Jian Feng
2) Class 202 Pedestal
1st & Gold Medal – Watchara Yong
2nd & Silver Medal – Vickie Yap
3rd & Bronze Medal – Sylvia Wei
3) Class 203 Standing
1st & Gold Medal – Bernard Soh Hai Siong
2nd & Silver Medal – Bernard Tay
3rd & Bronze Medal – Christiane Duckworth
Congratulations to the winners and all registrants. You were indeed
promoting the art of Ikebana to the public. The feed back has been very favourable and our President conveys her hearfelt thanks to all who participated in the competition and exhibition and everybody who contributed to make it such a wonderful section of the WOC.
Johor Bahru Chapter 235
Ohara Workshop, 25 October
New member of Singapore Chapter, and Membership Chairman and Past President of JB, presented a wonderful instruction on basic Ohara. members from Singapore Chapter joined Chapter members of JB in making a origami container and ohara design. The event took place in a Japanese restaurant which served delicious food. What a wonderful way of spending an afternoon.
Singapore Chapter members
Newcomer Tea
19 October, Daum Boutique, Paragon
II members were invited by the world famous ‘Daum Boutique’ to create designs in their exquisite containers. This was a wonderful opportunity to welcome many of our new members to see our long term member, Mr David Lim demonstrating and admire the many designs which our members created the evening before. Singapore Chapter was privileged to have this opportunity to showcase the art of Ikebana to a wider public combining the beauty of flowers with the beauty of the Daum christal creations; truly art as the ultimate luxery .
DAUM showroom with demonstration design
Vice President Viola Yong with three new members
FDSS “Makeover… techniques, materials and more”
Ikebana members attended a demonstration and workshop organised by the Floral Disigners Society (Singapore) at the Raffles Town Club on Sunday, 16 October 2011. Two local designers Christina Pang and Thong Weng Seng as well as Jakarta member and Ikenobo master Lily Santoso, enthralled the audience with their design ideas and designs inspired by nature.
ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING
The AGM took place on 22 September 2011 at the Japanese Association Singapore. After the official business was taken care off and members of the New Committee were introduced, Vice President Viola Yong enthrolled members and guests with her inspirational designs, ably assisted by Peggy Loh and Komon Bernard Tay. The demonstration was followed by a delicious Bento Lunch and a chance to renew friendships.
President Anna Kwan is presenting token of appreciation to Viola Yong
Johor Bahru Chapter 235
Singapore Chapter Member, Kelvin Tan, was the demonstrator at the first event of the season for the Johor Bahru Chapter on 13 September at the newly renovated Grand Blue Wave Hotel. His demonstration was entitled ‘Golden Autumn’. Kelvin had everybody spellbound and his demonstration was very much enjoyed by all as was the mini exhibition by members and the scrumptious High Tea.
SINGAPORE SOGETSU ASSOCIATION
The 45 Annual Charity Floral Exhibition took place on 12 and 13 August and concluded with a Gala Dinner on 13 August at the Grand Hyatt Hotel. Ikebana Internation members, many of whom are also members of the Singapore Sogetsu Association, supported this very worthwhile fundraising event in aid of CARE Singapore.
Demonstration by Viola Young and Peggy Loh
at Opening of Elephant and Coral, 23 July
Ikebana members were invited to the Opening of Elephant and Coral at the
Mandarin Galleries in 333a Orchard Road #03-03
II Singapore Chapter Birthday Celebrations
The 42 birthday celebrations took place on 29 June 2011 at the home of Ambassador of Japan.
60 + members were welcomed to the home of our Patron, HE Mr Suzuki by his gracious wife and honorary member, Mrs Suzuki.
Accompanied by Koto music, members enjoyed ikebana demonstrations by Mrs Hiroko Prado (Sogetsu) Mrs Momoko Emmott (Ryusei-Ha), Mrs Kazuko Okawa (Ikenobo). They were ably assisted by Bernard Tay, Harijanto Setiawan and Christopher Lim respectively. Each demonstrator enthralled the audience with two designs. It was enchanting to see how they used the same plant material in such different ways.
The ikebana demonstration was followed by a demonstration on “How to wear a Kimono” giving us an insight in the intricate details of this beautiful traditional Japanese attire.
After the cutting of the beautiful birthday cake, members were invited to a scrumptious afternoon tea. Everybody thoroughly enjoyed the wonderful hospitality.
Election Meeting, 25 May
The election meeting of the elected officers took place at the Function Room of Ardmore Park.
Marvina Low, the Nomination Chairman, welcomed members and opened the meeting.
After the official business, our President thanked all for the many contributions made for the Exhibition which was dedicated to our friends in Japan.
The donation boxes were opened and happy members counted the donations which netted S$12,000 plus which was handed over to the representative of the Embassy of Japan.
President Anna Kwan, Momoko Emmott who organised the Origami session handing over the donations to Yuko Kusaka from the Japan Embassy
Members enjoyed a delicious afternoon pot luck tea followed by a workshop. It was another successful and enjoyable afternoon with friendship through flowers.
Ikebana Exhibition at Paragon, 13 – 22 May
The following comes from posters displayed during the exhibition which very much convey the feeling of the exhibition and exhibitors.
Some of our members made hundreds of origami cranes which were sold to raise money for the Japan fund. The exhibition was a great success and admired by the public and the many shoppers passing through the Paragon Shopping Mall
IKEBANA TODAY
Here at the Ikebana International Singapore Chapter, we are proud to share with you our passion for the delicate Japanese art of flower arrangement. Nobly disciplined yet beautifully creative, Ikebana is far more than mere floral decoration. Steeped in history for centuries, Ikebana is an art form with its roots in the philosophy of developing a close relationship with nature.
Fuelled by our love for flowers, we are pleased to represent Ikebana International in Singapore in its dedication to the promotion and appreciation of Ikebana across the globe and building bridges following our motto ‘friendship through flowers”.
The arrangements around you clearly express that Ikebana today has come a long way from the traditional art it was centuries ago. From its humble beginnings on the altars of temples in Japan, Ikebana Today is a popular art form with many schools teaching Ikebana, internationally. The style of Ikebana has evolved over the centuries becoming more creative and liberal to suit modern materials and spaces and at the same time respecting the guidelines laid down by traditional schools. Ikebana Today is an expression of the creator and considered a reflection of one’s emotions and moods.
Today, for Ikebana lovers, creating an Ikebana arrangement is a life enhancing ritual that gives meaning and Joy to Urban Living.
“FRIENDSHIP THROUGH FLOWERS”
Ikebana International is a unique platform for not only sharing our love for flowers and creativity but to bond across borders. Our flower arrangements convey a heartwarming message which crosses all borders of nationality and language. Here we find friends who through the art of Ikebana not only share their joys but lessen the burden of our sorrows.
In its 42 years of history in Singapore, the Chapter has raised funds through this beautiful art form and donated to many charitable causes. Contributing generously towards rebuilding of Japan after the recent tragedy in Japan in March 2011 is an example of the organization’s humanitarian side. The Chapter continues to raise funds through various activities to support this Cause.
This Exhibition is dedicated to the victims of Japan. Our flower arrangements displayed here are not only about raising awareness about Ikebana amongst the general public but are also to support Japan in our unique way.
BE OUR FRIEND – If you loved our story of friendship and got enchanted by the beauty of arrangements around you, we would appreciate if you donate generously to rebuilding Japan directly through the Embassy of Japan.
Your generosity is truly a beginning of “FRIENDSHIP THROUGH FLOWERS”
Paragon Mother’s Day Exhibition including Ikebana
From 22 April to 8 May the Paragon was adorned with beautiful Ikebana arrangements by
Datin Ong Kid Ching, Ohara School
Dr Leonard Lim, Ikenobo School,
Harijanto Setiawan, Free Style,
Kelvin Tan, Free Style,
Bernard Tay, Sogetsu School,
The exhibits received much attention. Many thanks to our participants.
Table Settings with Geoffrey Delhaye of Degrenne, Paris, iwannagohome,
Great World City, April 27th
40+ members and guests enjoyed a demonstration on how to set different styles of tables, from the stylish breakfast table to an informal dinner table, an Asian dinner table and formal dinner table combining French and English styles. Geoffrey explained the reasons behind variations on a theme. The table settings were complemented with suitable floral designs by chapter members. The demonstration was followed by afternoon tea, curtesey of iwannagohome.
Design for an Asian table setting by Momoko Emmott Ryusei-Ha School
Design for a breakfast table by Peggy Loh, Sogetsu School
Casual Table setting with Anju Bhardwaj, Ichiyo School arranging the flowers
Formal table setting in the French and English manner
Flowers by Christiane Duckworth, Western style
Spring Celebration Charity High Tea, 13 April
Members and guests enjoyed a wonderful afternoon with a flower demonstration by Harijanto Setiawan and a fashion show by designer Astrie Sunindar at the residence of our member Mrs.Afrah Al Faddhagi, who graciously opened her home and treated everybody with a most delicious high tea.
It was an exiting event with entertainment, lucky draw prizes and food galore. With the theme’In Love With Flowers, a total of $52,120 was raised for te Japan Disaster Fund and handed over to the Japan Embassy of Singapore.
A big thank you to all the sponsors, donors, contributors, members and friends for their generosity and kind-heartedness and particularly to Mdm Afrah, wife of the Kuwait Ambassador for her hospitality and generosity
Origami Workshop, 23 March
Our member, Mrs Momoko Emmott, conducted a very enjoyable Origami workshop. She demonstrated designs of the Ryusei-Ha Schools and then proceeded to show us how to create cranes – the symbol for peace - paper lanterns and paper hanging. We concluded with adding our good wishes to the ‘wishing tree’ for all the people of Japan who are affected by the terrible earthquake.
II Johor Bahru Chapter,
22 February 2011 Flower Demonstration – ‘Love is in the Air’
Our Vice-President, Viola Yong, was invited to demonstrate at our sister chapter’s first event of the New Year. Twenty one members from our chapter crossed the border to give support to Viola. JB President Tunku Shahariah and JB members extended a very warm welcome to all. This was yet another wonderful celebration of ‘Friendships through Flowers’.
Chinese Celebrations – ‘In the mood for Tradition’
Mandarin Hotel Orchard, 26 January, 2011
The Year of the Rabbit was ushered in in style with a scrumptious lunch and a wonderful demonstration by our own internationally renowned floral designer and a Komon of the Sogetsu School, Mr Bernard Tay.
Members and guests were inspired by the wonderful CNY designs by our members which adorned the large ballroom. Duringlunch, which included the traditional Lo Hei, we could also admire Chinese acrobats, dances and mask performances.
Flower Demonstration
Bukit Timah Community Club, 23 January, 2011
Peggy Loh and Momoko Emmott represented our Chapter at a community event to promote the art of Ikebana. There beautiful arrangements were well received by the Organisers as well as the public.
Christmas Celebrations – ‘In the spirit of Christmas’
Shangri-La Hotel, 1 and 2 December, 2010
The Shangri-La Hotel ballroom came alive as members and guest, dressed in Christmas splendour, came to celebrate the ‘Spirit of Christmas’. Beautiful Ikebana creations could be viewed while listening to the Choir from St Bernard Church and watching the antics of mime artists. The main event was a demonstration by visiting 1st Grade Riji Master, Mrs Nakano Rika from Fukuoka who created breath-taking designs.
This was a glamorous event but the less fortunate of society were not forgotten. Members donated to a collection of old and new toys for underprivileged children and a large donation was made to DAWN (Dedicated Aids/HIV for women and children needs).
On 2 December, members and guests attended a workshop with Mrs Nakano Rika. Everyone enjoyed her instructions and went away happily with their own designs. What a wonderful way to enter the Christmas season.
II Johor Bahru Chapter
‘Christmas Colours’, a gift wrapping workshop, 23 November, 2010
Our Vice-president, Viola Yong, led another large group of Singapore Chapter members across the Causeway to participate at a gift wrapping workshop with Vice-President Benny Gui. As always, Benny was eager to share his knowledge and impressed everybody as he transformed mundane packages into beautiful gifts.
JB President, Tunku Shahariah, personally selected the delicious Christmas tea. The afternoon concluded with lucky draw and gift exchange putting us all into the mood for Christmas.
It was with great sadness that we learned that Benny lost his fight against cancer and passed away on 31 January, a great loss to his family as well as the floral art community.
II Johor Bahru Chapter
Hari Raya Celebrations and demonstration 5 October, 2010
A large group of members, including our Vice-President Viola Yong, helped celebrate Hari Raya with our sister chapter in Johor Bahru. Mr Gilson Chong, Advisor to the Penang Sogetsu Association, creatively blended Sogetsu Ikebana with Malaysian culture in his very inspirational demonstration. The Hari Raya festivities were enjoyed by all.
New Members Welcome Tea
The Glass House, Four Seasons Park Apartment, 20 October, 2010
38 members, including 14 new ones were able to enjoy a fun filled afternoon including a hands-on demonstration and workshop conducted by our member Mrs Anju Bhardwaj, Ichiyo School. Committee members prepared a pot luck spread of delicious food. Everybody appreciated this wonderful opportunity to get to know each other better.
AGM – Demonstration ‘In “Q” with Autumn’
27 September, 2010 at the China Club
After the accounts were confirmed and accepted and the new Committee was introduced, members adjourned to one of the dining areas of the China Club for a scrumptious Chinese Banquet.
During lunch, our own member, floral art teacher and Sogetsu expert, Mr Kelvin Tan, enthralled 82 members and guests with his designs interpreting Chinese folklore.
11 ASIAN REGIONAL CONFERENCE, MANILA,
22 – 26 September
Ten Singapore Chapter members accompanied by two Past Presidents of Johor Chapter travelled together to Manila to a most enjoyable Regional Conference. Four Filipino chapters, Manila, Cebu, Davao and Cagayan de Oro hosted the conference at the Shangri-La Hotel, Manila.
A very colourful Opening Ceremony was followed by a delicious dinner accompanied by various entertainment programmes by cultural groups from the many different regions of the Philippines. An exhibition of exquisite floral displays by members of the 26 chapters which were representing countries from as far away as America, Russia, Germany, was just one of the many highlights over the five days, including an aw-inspiring demonstration by the Iemoto of the Ichiyo School, Mr Akihiro Kasuya who was assisted by his son. A Splendid Gala Dinner with a handover to the New Delhi Chapter which will host the next Asian Regional Conference in 2012 concluded the days of Friendship through Flowers.
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IN LOVE WITH IKEBANA
Demonstrations and workshop with Iemoto Rishi Otsuka of Koryu School.
Japanese Creative Centre, 14 – 17 September.
In celebration of Singapore Chapter receiving an achievement award from Japan Ministry of Culture and Arts, Ikebana HQ sent the Iemoto of the Koryu school to grace the occasion with demonstrations and a workshop. This was combined with an exhibition by our members, showcasing floral arrangements from various Ikebana schools.
SINGAPORE CHAPTER BIRTHDAY CELEBRATIONS AND CONFERMENT CEREMONY
Residence of our Patron HE Yamanaka, Ambassador of Japan, 31 August 2010
Singapore Chapter was honoured with a Commendation by the Japanese Foreign Minister in recognition of our contribution in promoting Japanese culture. To commemorate this award we were invited to combine our 41st birthday celebrations with a Conferment Ceremony at the residence of our Patron, HE Mr Yamanaka, the Ambassador of Japan and our Honorary Member, Mrs Yamanaka.
The event was graced by Mrs Yu-Foo Yee Shoon, (Ministry of Community Development Youth and Sports), the outgoing International President, Mrs Nakayama, Our Honorary Member Mrs Kim, Mrs Anchulee Gunavibool, wife of the Thai Ambassador, founder member Tan Sock Khee and many of our Past Presidents.
The evening ended with a gift presentation to our gracious hosts who were leaving Singapore for a new posting. It was a wonderful evening of Friendship through Flowers.
SINGAPORE JEWELLERY SHOW 2010
Marina Bay Sand Conference Centre, 29 July – 1 August
Our Chapter was invited to participate in the International Jewellery Show at the newly opened Marina Bay Conference Centre. Four of our teachers interpreted the Four Seasons one on each day of the Show. Mrs Kim, Sogetsu master and our Honorary Member, had the honour at the Opening Ceremony with an interpretation of Summer. Mrs Hiroko Yasuda, Kozan School, delighted us with Autumn, Dr Leonard Lim, Ikenobo, enthralled with Winter and Anju Bhardwaj, Ichiyo School brought us back to Spring. Viola Yong was the compere as well as provider of much of the plant material from her lovely garden.
The high standard of Ikebana art was well received by II members, supporters of the various schools as well as the public.
