Garden club members celebrate the art of Ikebana
By Rachel Haynie

The art of flower arranging, Ikebana, was celebrated during an exhibition and tea for its 50th anniversary at the Garden Club Council headquarters. Host Chapter 182 in Columbia chose Living Flowers as the theme. Chapter members dedicated the tea to their late friend Joy Stoefen.

Ikebana, living with flowers or in the way of flowers, is a centuries- old form of three- dimensional artistic expression. Following the traditions handed down, flowers, leaves, and other natural materials are arranged aesthetically.

Chapter members create arrangements for display in several categories: living flowers, miniatures, and small zen gardens, which may be landscapes or seascapes. Additionally, one table is dedicated to education; the highlight of the annual event is the demonstration.

This year the demonstration/lecture was made by Li Huang who, three years ago, read in The Columbia Star that Columbia had an Ikebana chapter. She came to an anniversary meeting held at Ft. Jackson and has been active in the chapter since.

In accepting the invitation to demonstrate the art form of her native country, Huang featured Ikenobo, one of the forms of Ikebana.

Forming Ikebana chapters beyond Japan was intended as an extension of friendship and has been called the country's Gift to the World. The idea of allowing the ancient flower arranging technique to inspire a world- wide bond was Ellen Gordon Allen's.

For Chapter 182, Hideko Rainey is the liaison to Japan; she also teaches the art.

Nancy Schmidt is chapter president, exhibition chairs were Lee Sipe, and Beverly Brooks, and Betty Lott coordinated the tea table with Cheryl Martino. Ida Belle Barker organized the Japanese San Gardens.

Chapter members were involved in an array of responsibilities in carrying out this event of outreach.

The next meeting will be Sept. 19. Call 787-4824 or 699-0545 for more information.