Membership is open to anyone interested in the art of ikebana and the ideals of Ikebana International and who is willing to contribute to the growth and operations of our Chapter. No previous experience is needed.
Below is a short description of the benefits available to our members.
Chapter Meetings
Chapter Meetings for members only are held quarterly. They provide one or more demonstrations by various schools of ikebana or related arts by local artists. Members participate in important Chapter business, meet new members and exchange ideas. Ginza (sale) and lunch are offered.
Luncheon/Demos
Three times a year, headmasters of Ikebana Schools or notable teachers from the U.S. and abroad present 1-2 hour demonstrations showcasing their creative and inspiring designs. A social hour precedes the demonstration, and an elegant lunch follows. These events also feature silent auctions and raffles of valuable ikebana items and materials. Guests are welcome. Members receive discounted pricing to attend.
Hands-on Workshops
Our luncheon demonstrators frequently offer workshops on the days following their demonstrations. Only members are eligible to participate in these workshops with preeminent ikebana artists. Ticket prices include the cost of materials used in the workshops.
Ginzas
A variety of ikebana materials, including containers by local potters, are offered to members at very reasonable prices. At least once a year, a special Members Only Ginza is held where members sell items they no longer use at reduced prices, especially benefiting new members and students.
Exhibits
Once a year, usually in the Spring, Chapter member teachers and students from the various Schools of ikebana participate in our Annual Exhibition at the U.S. National Arboretum. The exhibition is free and open to the public, providing a wide audience for our members’ talents. Free demonstrations by senior teachers are offered, which are also open to the public. Additional opportunities to exhibit are available throughout the year to meet requests received by the Chapter.
Publications
Regular members receive three issues of the Ikebana International publication annually. This is a high-quality magazine, printed on glossy paper, richly illustrated with color plates of ikebana arrangements from multiple schools and other cultural arts of Japan.
Sakura News is a quarterly newsletter from I.I. Headquarters that keeps members informed of chapter activities around the world and at I.I. Headquarters. All past issues of I.I. newsletters are viewable online through the Japan Headquarters website.
All Chapter members receive the bimonthly Chapter Newsletter, informing members of activities, upcoming events, reports on demonstrations and other ikebana news.
Area Workshops
All Chapter members are eligible to join an Area Workshop. These are organized by geographical proximity and encompass members of different schools while allowing our members to meet in smaller groups of 15 – 40 people. While the workshops are similar, each organizes their own programs. Area workshops usually meet once a month and present a program which can be a demonstration, hands-on workshop focused on a particular holiday or technique, lectures, parties, picnics, or outings to gardens. Members learn about different schools and Japanese-related subjects (history of Washington’s cherry blossoms, kimonos, origami, etc.)
Study and Teach
Chapter members have access to information on how to contact certified teachers in different schools of ikebana that belong to the Chapter. Introductory demonstrations are offered to new members. Teachers can gain students and be listed on the Chapter’s and the North/Central American Region’s register of certified teachers. Additional opportunities to demonstrate and teach are offered to member teachers to meet requests received by the Chapter.
Conferences
All regular members are eligible to attend the Ikebana International World Convention in Japan and various Regional Conferences held in different parts of the world. These conferences feature demonstrations by several headmasters of Ikebana Schools, hands-on workshops with the masters and senior teachers, and exhibitions by members of the attending chapters. They also provide opportunities to exchange ideas about ikebana and to enjoy the spirit of our motto, “Friendship Through Flowers,” by making new friends around the world.
Join Other Chapters Around the World
All regular members are eligible to join any of Ikebana International’s 143 chapters worldwide as Associate members at a discounted rate and participate in the chapter’s activities. In addition, I.I. membership is transferable from one chapter to another anywhere in the world.
Our business year is from July 1 to June 30. Annual membership dues are from July 1 to June 30.
Ikebana International Chapter No. 1 Washington, D.C. 