Unlike simple flower arranging, ikebana is a disciplined Japanese art form in which nature and humanity are brought together and represented with the use of living branches, leaves, grasses, and blossoms. An asymmetrical form and the use of empty space are essential features of the composition, and a sense of harmony among the materials, the container, and the setting is crucial.
YuMei Montalvo, First Jonin Somu (professor) of the Sogetsu School of Ikebana, will provide a short history of ikebana, the Japanese art and philosophy of flower arranging. As she demonstrates the creation and composition of several arrangements, she will explain the relationship of the materials being used and the importance of their placement within the arrangements.
Contact event host City of Sugar Land Cultural Arts Manager, Lindsay Davis to reserve a seat.
YuMei Montalvo
Mrs. Montalvo, born in Taiwan and married to an Ecuadorean, has been practicing the Sogetsu style of flower arrangement for over 20 years. A member of the Teachers of Ikebana Association, Tokyo, Japan, Mrs. Montalvo has taught ikebana in Singapore and Ecuador. In addition to serving as President of the Quito Chapter of Ikebana International, she also served as director of floral decorations for Quito's J.W. Marriot International Hotel.
Mrs. Montalvo established the Houston Sogetsu Group in 2014 after moving to Houston. While Houston is now home, she travels regularly to Ecuador and across the U.S. conducting workshops and exhibitions.