Ikebana, the traditional Japanese Way of Arranging Flowers, has its origins in Shinto, where arrangements were made as shrine offerings. Kalapa Ikebana, initiated by Chögyam Trungpa Rinpoche, mixes the traditional teachings of Ikebana and contemplative meditation practice. Training in joining heaven, earth and human beings is very explicit in Ikebana: one is dealing with space and form and the three main elements which can be put together in different variations. After rigorous training in these forms, one is then introduced to freestyle. By creating an environment which allows us to pay attention to our sense perceptions in a non-aggressive way, we are connecting with sacred world.
This workshop is offered by two authorized Sogetsu Ikebana teachers from the Halifax Kalapa Ikebana group, Liza Mathews and June Crow. They will demonstrate two types of arrangements and we will each create our own under their guidance.
What to Bring: Flowers and branches will be provided, and your arrangements can be taken home. Please bring clippers and kenzan (called “frogs”, which are needle-pointed flower holders) if you have them. We will provide some containers for your flower arrangements, but if you want to take the arrangements home, please bring one shallow container (about 8-12″ wide and 1 – 3″ deep) and one which is tall and narrow.
Lunch: Also we are having pot luck lunch so please bring a dish you can share, or bring your own lunch if you prefer.
Registration: It’s important to register in advance so we will have materials for you, and there is a limit to the number we can accomodate. Please click on the Registration button on the upper right. Note that you are not able to pay the $45 fee during the registration process. See Donation section below. If you get a message that the program is full, please send us an email at [email protected] so we can add you to the waiting list.
Location: The workshop will be at the Granville Ferry Community Hall, 5352 Granville Road. Parking is available in the rear and on the street. The front entrance is wheelchair accessible. We will have access the fully equipped kitchen for lunch.
Donation: The fee for the workshop is $45. This includes the Friday night talk, 7pm at the Hall. The fee can be paid with cash or cheque (to ASMG) at the door, or e-transfer using “Workshop” in the message and sent to [email protected].