Discover the beauty, balance, and mindfulness of Ikebana, the centuries-old Japanese art of flower arranging.
Rooted in tradition, yet alive with creative possibility, Ikebana invites us to see nature with fresh eyes, finding harmony in line, color, and space.
In this multi-week course, explore two of Ikebana’s most influential schools: Ohara and Sogetsu. The journey begins with two sessions exploring the Ohara style, focusing on on naturalistic arrangements celebrating the changing seasons. Then, enjoy two sessions exploring the Sogetsu style, where contemporary materials and free-form creativity expand Ikebana’s expressive potential. The course concludes with a Maze-zashi class, integrating principles and techniques from both schools into a single, cohesive design.
Location
The Grove Studio 108
Certificate Information
This course is a core component of our Floral Design Certificate.
Instructors
Cres Motzi, Chung Kim, Ann Perry
Cres Motzi AIFD is a graduate of Longwood Gardens Certificate of Merit in Floral Design and an internationally trained floral designer. She was inducted into the American Institute of Floral Designers in 2010. Having graduated from Boerma Institute in Holland with diplomas in professional and advanced Dutch design, Motzi has been a full-time designer who now works as a freelancer for events and weddings. She is a floral design demonstrator and has written tutorials and articles for By Design, a quarterly publication of GCA. Her works have been published in Green Scene, a publication of the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society; Flower Arranging the American Way; International Floral Art Annual 2010/11; the Jubilee Edition of International Floral Art 2014-15; Asian Allure; and Artistic Floral Design 2020. She has successfully completed a European Masters Certification program with Tomas de Bruyne of Belgium in May 2012, received her certification in September 2013, and is now an AIFD Certified Floral Evaluator/Judge. Motzi is a 3rd-grade Sogetsu Ikebana teacher.
Ann Perry is a student of the Ohara School of Ikebana. She was introduced to Ikebana in 1968 while living in Tokyo, Japan, and was fortunate to have studied with several Masters of the Ohara School. After receiving her masters, she returned to the US where she continues her study. She has demonstrated, taught, and has exhibited at the Philadelphia Flower Show, the Philadelphia Museum of Art, and Longwood Gardens.
Chung Kim has been a dedicated student of the Ohara School of Ikebana since 2002, blending traditional Japanese floral art with contemporary expression. She currently serves as President of the Delaware Valley Chapter of Ohara Ikebana (2016–2020, 2024–present), where she promotes the appreciation and practice of this elegant art form. Her work has been featured in prominent exhibitions, including the Philadelphia Horticultural Society Flower Show (since 2012), Shofuso Japanese Culture Center (since 2015), Swarthmore College (since 2016), Longwood Gardens (since 2017), and the Delaware Contemporary Museum (2019). Chung has also shared her expertise through live demonstrations at major cultural events, such as the Philadelphia Flower Show, Swarthmore College, Longwood Gardens, University of Pennsylvania cultural day, and numerous garden clubs.
Materials
All containers and kenzans will be provided. Please bring floral scissors, pruning shears, and a carton or box for transporting your containers/arrangements.
