September Program Meeting
The September 30th Program Meeting kicked off the 2019-2020 year with the new format which will culminate with a members only Annual General Meeting in June.
Program Director, Nana Bellerud opened the meeting, by reviewing the new meeting agenda consisting of brief announcements, the program and lunch/socializing. Nana also took the opportunity, on behalf of the chapter, to thank Heida Bruce for her services as president, whose resignation was accepted by the board.
Membership Director, Helen Chadsey, introduced three guests and six new members. Each new member was presented with a red rose and invited to say a few words.
Julie Nakao, Webmaster, introduced Ceci Cheung and Miki Shew to talk about a new program, Ohana Kai, which offers ways for members to get together to socialize. Ceci and Miki, themselves, new to the chapter, described the periodic announcement which would be distributed via email to the membership listing time, place, and date of the events. The first announcement was expected to be sent within a week after the meeting.
Phyllis Danielson, head of Ohara Seattle, presented a program on a relatively new style called “Sculpture Ikebana.” Perhaps, it can best be summed up as, when is ikebana not ikebana? Phyllis described her perplexity about using sculptural shapes without containers or vessels e.g., something to hold water for plants. She questioned such principles or guidelines. Her candor gave insight into the process of change, itself.
Origami flowers and greenery for the table centerpieces were done by Nana Bellerud, who was prepared to conduct a quick origami hands-on session, if time permitted. Hopefully, there will be an opportunity at one of the remaining program meetings during the year to learn how to fold such striking flowers.
Click here to view the centerpieces and the display of arrangements by Carolyn Alter (Ohara Portland), Heida Bruce (Ikenobo), and Nana Bellerud (Sogetsu).