
17th Annual Ikebana Exhibit
EVENT
February 7th & 8th, 10 AM - 5 PM
(last admission at 4 PM)
The Japanese Friendship Garden of Phoenix invites you to our 17th Annual Ikebana Exhibit, presented by Phoenix Sogetsu Ikebana.
This year’s theme is Adventures in Ikebana
Ikebana is the art of Japanese flower arrangement. Sogetsu Ikebana promotes the practice of Ikebana by everyone, everywhere, for every occasion, and using all kinds of natural and unnatural materials.
Our local artists will showcase:
-
Traditional styles using natural branches and flowers
-
Exotic works using local desert materials
-
Unusual materials such as plastics, metals, and fabrics
-
Anime-influenced designs
Admission:
General $20 / $22 at Gate
Youth 7-17: $18 / $20 at Gate
Member $15 / $17 at Gate
Please note that there is no general admission on February 7th & 8th General admission is included with event ticket purchase.
Reserve Tickets:
Event Schedule
Programming
Ikebana Information Booth by Phoenix Sogetsu Ikebana
10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Headquarters for all things Ikebana: Learn about lessons, the Sogetsu School, Phoenix Sogetsu Ikebana, and Ikebana International
Free Scavenger Hunt: Pick up a list, identify flowers, objects, and anime characters among the arrangements, and return it to win prizes
Anime and Ikebana
Saturday & Sunday: 1:00 – 4:00 PM
Learn how the ancient Japanese art of Ikebana contributes to anime! Includes live examples, handouts, and anime stickers
Manga and Ikebana
Saturday & Sunday: 1:00 – 4:00 PM
Learn about the popular Japanese art style that is related to Ikebana from local artist Ehsa Murray, and start your own comic page with her.
Pottery Art by Ping Wei
Meet Ikebana and pottery artist Ping Wei at his booth to purchase his specialty hand-crafted vases for flowers.
Live Demonstrations:
Saturday
-
11:00 AM: Live Group Ikebana Demonstration by Carol Brecker’s Studio Team – Adventures in Ikebana
-
1:30 PM: Live Group Ikebana Demonstration by Carol Brecker’s Studio Team – Road to 100th Birthday of Sogetsu Ikebana
Sunday
-
11:00 AM: Live Ikebana Demonstration by Ping Wei and Nick Benefield
-
1:30 PM: Live Ikebana Demonstration by Sandy Ehler and David Spry.
Activities
Make and Take Miniature Ikebana
Saturday & Sunday: 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM and 2:00 – 4:00 PM
Cost: $10 for a 30-minute lesson
Visitors can enjoy a hands-on experience, creating their own miniature Ikebana arrangement with live branches and fresh flowers to take home. The $10 ticket includes a mini demonstration, detailed instructions, materials, and a photo opportunity.
Vendors
Floral Pottery Art by Ping Wei
Meet Ikebana and pottery artist Ping Wei at his booth to purchase his specialty hand-crafted vases for flowers.
Photography Art by Larry Brecker
www.BreckerArts.com
Meet Dr. Larry Brecker, Featured Resident Artist 2023–24 for the Town of Paradise Valley. His photography interprets the beauty of nature and gardens, inspired by his wife, Carol Brecker's Ikebana and gardens. Available for purchase: floral wall art on metal, tabletop designs, notecards, and the art book Desert Inspired.
Pottery Art by Stephen Bunyard
www.stephenbunyardartist.com/ceramics.html
Discover the ceramic works of Stephen Bunyard, featuring thoughtfully crafted pottery that highlights natural textures, balance, and functional beauty. Select pieces will be available for viewing and purchase.
Himeji SisterCity Committees Information Booth
Learn more about the Himeji–Phoenix Sister City relationship, including cultural exchange programs, community activities, and upcoming events. Committee members will be available to answer questions and share information.
.jpg)


.png)