Our chapter celebrated its 55th anniversary in December with a luncheon where honored guests included the new Consul General of Japan Kojiro Uchiyama, his wife, Karen Uchiyama and Donald Jenkins, curator emeritus of Asian art for the Portland Art Museum.

II Chapter #47 joined the cultural scene in Portland in 1961, supported by a spirit of healing following World War II. The motto of Ikebana International is “Friendship through Flowers.” For 55 years, the Japanese art of flower arranging has brought artists and appreciators of the art together in friendship.

Mr. Jenkins shared his memories of the long relationship between Ikebana International, the Japanese Garden, and the Portland Art Museum. He began with an inspiring replica of a Japanese Garden installed in the interior court of the museum. Mr. Jenkins had specialized in Western Art History, but was drawn to Asian Art after that installation and redirected his career. He was a great friend of Portland’s II Chapter and recognized the art of flower arranging as an integral aspect of Japanese art and culture.

Consul General Uchiyama noted that once, in a cost-cutting effort, the Japanese government abandoned its tradition of giving beautiful, large-scale calendars with photos of ikebana arrangements as gifts. There was such an outcry from people who wanted the calendars that the government resumed the tradition the next year. The Uchiyamas have been very interested in and supportive of Ikebana in Portland.

Thirty-four people attended the luncheon, and many created miniature ikebana for the holidays in a program presented by the Sogetsu School. Two guests from the Tacoma WA Chapter #147, Marcia Mahaffey, president, and Betty Gebhardt, past president, were in attendance.

Special thanks to members of the steering committee who planned this special celebration: Helen Chadsey, Judy Jensen, Ruby Warren, Diane Sayrizi and Nana Bellerud.  And, thank you to Michiko Kornhauser for her photos of the event.