The Lansing Chapter of Ikebana International was established in 1967 by a group of about 20 women who were interested in studying Japanese floral design. The group incorporated as an official chapter with the international organization in 1969, and celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2019. The Chapter’s first teacher, Adda Babcock, learned the art of ikebana while living in Japan and was given permission to teach in the USA when she returned to the states. Our chapter currently has certified instructors in the Ichiyo and Ohara schools of ikebana.

 

Ikebana, one of the traditional arts of Japan, has been practiced for over 600 years. It is a disciplined art form steeped in the philosophy of developing a closeness with nature. The art of Ikebana allows for creative expression within certain rules of construction. There are currently over 2,000 different schools of Ikebana registered with the Japanese Ministry of Education, each with its own style, patterns, and rules for arranging of floral and plant materials. There are chapters of Ikebana International throughout the world who meet to learn about Japanese culture and arts, and to experience the international organization’s motto: “Friendship through Flowers.”