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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:
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Traditional styles using natural branches and flowers
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Exotic works using local desert materials
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Unusual materials such as plastics, metals, and fabrics
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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
Cost: Free (timed tickets every 15 minutes)
Learn how this ancient Japanese art contributes to anime! Includes live examples, handouts, and anime stickers
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
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1:30 PM: Live Group Ikebana Demonstration by Carol Brecker’s Studio Team – Adventures in Ikebana
Sunday
11:00 AM: Live Ikebana Demonstration by Ping Wei with Students – The Art of Sogetsu Ikebana
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1:30 PM: Live Ikebana Demonstration by Ping Wei with Students – The Art of Sogetsu Ikebana
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
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.
RoHoEn Market
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Exquisite Japanese teas & sweets
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Authentic Japanese sake and beers
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Selection of drinks and snacks
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Vintage market
Special Edition Ikebana Workshop by Ping Wei
Date: Saturday, February 7th Time: 9:30 am – 11:30 am
Check-in: 15 minutes before the event
Collaboration with Nature This Special Edition Ikebana Workshop is offered exclusively as part of a bundle ticket, which includes admission to both the workshop and the Annual Ikebana Exhibition. Inspired by the Sogetsu philosophy— “Anyone can enjoy Sogetsu Ikebana anytime, anywhere, using any material…” this unique program invites participants to explore ikebana as a creative dialogue between nature, space, and self. Held indoors, participants will enjoy a focused, hands-on workshop while also having the opportunity to visit and experience the Annual Ikebana Exhibition in the garden, making the experience both immersive and inspiring. Led by Ikebana teacher Ping Wei, this special edition emphasizes creative freedom, aesthetic awareness, and mindful connection with natural materials, offering a unique perspective inspired by the exhibition.
Workshop Highlights:
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Introduction to the core principles of Sogetsu Ikebana, with a focus on creativity and composition
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Live demonstration using seasonal materials and exhibition-inspired arrangements
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Hands-on creation of your own ikebana piece
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Interactive review and discussion by Ping Wei sensei, providing insights on balance, harmony, and personal expression
This workshop is a rare opportunity to deepen your understanding of ikebana while complementing your visit to the Annual Ikebana Exhibition.
Fee:
$70 General
10% off for members
Includes: Admission to the Annual Ikebana Exhibition
To purchase tickets for the Saturday workshop please select "Ikebana Wksp Bundle" on the event page below:
