Name: Introductory Ikenobo Ikebana Workshop (In-Person)
Start: 2026-04-19T14:30:00-05:00
End: 2026-04-19T16:30:00-05:00
Location: Japanese Culture Center

Introductory Ikenobo Ikebana Workshop (In-Person)

Join us for this Introductory Ikebana Workshop in the Ikenobo style of Ikebana.
About this Event

Workshop Information

Date: APR 19
Time: 2:30-4:30pm
Location: Japanese Culture Center
Number of Students: 10 Students
Number of Classes: one workshop
Length: 2 hours
Cost: $80.00
Registration Deadline: Two weeks prior to workshop date.
If the 10 student minimum is not met, registration will be moved to the next workshop

Please take this information into consideration when registering: This class has a minimum number of 10 students. If this minimum is not met by one week prior to the first class date, the class will need to be cancelled. We will reach out to confirm if the class will be taking place or cancelled one week prior to the start date. If we do need to cancel this class, we will keep a credit for the amount you paid on file for the next class taking place. We will not be able to provide refunds for this class.

The workshop fee is $80 which includes flowers, and an arrangement to take home after its completion.

*REGISTRATION WILL CLOSE TWO WEEKS PRIOR in order to obtain all the materials for the workshop.*

Workshop Description

Students will learn a brief history of the Ikenobo school of Ikebana, and partake in a freestyle arrangement workshop. If so inclined, students may then register for the 6 week Ikebana introductory course where they can more formally train in this beautiful art form.

Materials (Provided):

Container
Flowers
Ikebana shears (hasami) will be provided for each student to use while creating their arrangement.

Each student will take home the arrangement they create.

Instructor Information

Professor Charles Harris has assisted with and organized major Midwestern ikebana exhibitions at the Chicago Botanic Garden, conducted flower demonstrations at Columbia College, the University of Iowa, the Art Institute of Chicago, Northeastern University and Loyola University. At the request of Senior Professor Ikka Nakashima, he assumed leadership of the Chicago Chapter of the Ikenobo Ikebana Society. Upon the death of Professor Nakashima, he assumed the responsibility of curating and donating the extensive collection of Japanese items in her estate. That collection now resides at the Japanese Culture Center. The future of ikebana and the Ikenobo School is strong with a new generation of leadership embodied by Headmaster Designate Senko IV. Professor Harris is committed to guiding the Chicago Chapter by maintaining the classical standards of his predecessor while introducing the modern Ikenobo curriculum and forms to a new generation.

Ikebana originated with Ikenobo, beginning in Kyoto, Japan, as a Buddhist floral offering. Passed down through generations of the Ikenobo family and from teacher to student, Ikenobo has spread throughout Japan and around the world. The Chicago Chapter is one of hundreds worldwide that study and teach the art of Japanese flower arranging, Kado, as taught by the Ikenobo School of Kyoto, Japan. In 2013, they celebrated their 550th year of written history and 1,000 years of oral tradition. The Chicago Chapter was founded over 50 years ago by Senior Professor Ikka Nakashima. She is the second woman ever to receive the highest honor given outside the Imperial family, The Order of the Rising Sun, Gold and Silver Rays. The Emperor of Japan personally presented her with this award in Tokyo for her tireless service in promoting Japanese arts and culture.