Sherway Gardens Presents Ikenobo Ikebana Japanese Floral Show - September 20 & 21 September 19, 2008

Discover a traditional Japanese art form as Sherway Gardens (Hwy 427 & the QEW) presents the Ikenobo Ikebana – Japanese Floral Art Show on Saturday, September 20 from 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. and on Sunday, September 21 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. in the Sherway Square. For additional information call 416-621-1070, or visit www.sherwaygardens.ca.
Many interesting and intricate arrangements ranging from traditional to modern styles will be on display at Sherway Gardens throughout the weekend. Learn the ancient Japanese art of floral arrangement from experts in traditional Japanese dress from Ikenobo, the school of Ikebana who will be providing demonstrations and teaching some techniques for creating artistic floral arrangements. Also available is The Living Art of Ikebana DVD, an easy-to-follow instructional DVD on how to create striking flower arrangements in the Japanese tradition.

Ikenobo Ikebana Demonstrations:
Saturday, September 20 1:00 p.m. & 3:00 p.m.
Sunday, September 21 2:00 p.m.
“It’s living art,” states Emily Wu, show organizer and professor of Ikenobo Ikebana. “Everyone can enjoy this centuries old tradition! Come to Sherway Gardens and experience the ancient art form of Ikenobo Ikebana. Watch demonstrations and get some tips on making your own artistic floral arrangements.”
Ikebana is distinguished from other ornamental flower arrangements with its asymmetrical form, precision and harmony between plants and container. Using branches, leaves and seasonal flowers such as roses, orchids and camellia, Ikebana artists create floral arrangements that are at once intricate and uncomplicated. Ikebana arrangements are popular home decoration pieces, as the simple and subtle lines of this ancient art fits flawlessly with the high tech style that is popular today.
Westeners emphasize the amount of flowers and vast array of colours that fit inside a vase. This provides more attention to the beauty of the blossoms. Meanwhile, the Japanese emphasize the linear aspects of the arrangement by including the vase, stems, leaves, branches and the flowers. The structure of the Japanese flower arrangement create three points in one form of arrangement – Sho ka, that symbolize heaven, earth and humankind. Seasonal variations are appreciated and the majority of trees and flowers are underlined with specific meanings.

Official Website: http://www.sherwaygardens.ca