In recent years, there has been a great deal of interest towards Oriental Cultures and of these, IKEBANA – the art of Japanese Flower Arrangement – is by far the most popular. The interest towards this art has spread to such an extent that it would be difficult to find a major city in North America or Europe that does not have some type of activity.

Although a number of instructors in the Vancouver area have been teaching for some years, there had been no organized activities until they got together in October 1965 to form the Vancouver IKEBANA Association. The purpose of the Association is to introduce Ikebana to the public at large through coordinated activities while at the same time, members can enjoy the friendship and stimulation by getting to know students and instructors of schools other than their own.

Purpose of the Vancouver Ikebana Association

• To promote the awareness and appreciation of Ikebana in British Columbia
• To encourage its study in the individual schools
• To help spread the knowledge of Japanese culture through the art of Ikebana

When the Association is called upon to organize exhibitions, each member is encouraged to display their own creation. Recent venues include Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Garden in Vancouver’s China town; the Point Grey Chrysanthemum Association’s shows at VanDusen Garden and Mandeville Garden Center; the birthday celebration of the Emperor of Japan, hosted by the Consul General of Japan; and various other promotions and events.