Introduction to Ikebana: The Art of Japanese Flower Arrangement

Course Dates: March 13, 20 & 27

Sogetsu Ikebana is much more than Japanese flower arranging – it is a modern form of the ancient art of sculpture with living materials. Students will learn the aesthetic discipline and traditional principles of the art form, as well as the ability to creatively capture, express, and enhance natural beauty.

Materials needed:

Please bring a pair of gardening clippers to all classes to cut small branches, flowers, and greens.

The $60 registration fee will cover the cost of a Kenzan flower frog pin holder and an 11” Ikebana flower container that each registrant may keep after the class ends.

The floral materials will be supplied for the first class only. If you would like the instructor to bring the floral materials for you – as opposed to bringing your own – for the second and third classes, you will need to provide the instructor with a $20 materials fee prior to each class.

About Shizue Pleasanton

Shizue Pleasanton was born in Japan and has been studying classical Ikebana since 1967. Following her marriage in 1975, she continued her studies in the United States. She has achieved the Eighth Level Degree International Sogetsu Riji, the highest level of certification in the Sogetsu School of Ikebana.

Shizue exhibited her artwork at the Japanese Embassy in London, Trinity Church, and at numerous floral shows during her brief time in England. In the United States, she has given lectures and demonstrations for many organizations including the New York Botanical Garden, Christie’s Auction House, and the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

Shizue is the current Sogetsu Study Group Vice Chairman of Connecticut and a Sogetsu Ikebana instructor at the Silvermine School of Art in New Canaan, Connecticut.

Important information about Verso University classes:

• Classes are usually structured as a consecutive series.
• Class size is often limited.
• Most series have a one-time fee registration fee, covering all classes in the series.
• Registration is mandatory.
• The Westport Library wants to ensure that all interested students are able to participate in Verso University courses. If the registration fee is a barrier to entry for you, please contact [email protected].

Verso University is the Library’s lifelong learning and education initiative, serving up year-round offerings of classes, workshops, and lectures designed to further education and learning. Offerings run the gamut of educational opportunities, ranging from one-time lectures to ongoing courses to classes that meet weekly or perhaps monthly.

Verso University programs are made possible by the generous support of the Nancy J. Beard Lifelong Learning and Education Fund.

Host or Publisher The Westport Library