Maker's Studio: Ikebana – The Art of Japanese Floral Arrangement

Maker's Studio: Ikebana – The Art of Japanese Floral Arrangement

Join us for the fourth workshop in the 2026 Maker’s Studio series: a beginner-friendly introduction to Ikebana, the Japanese art of arranging flowers and branches.

The workshop will be led by two certified Ikebana teachers, or Sensei, representing two distinct schools: Kado Sensho Ikenobo and Ohara. Each Sensei will demonstrate her school’s foundational style and explain how line, balance, depth and color shape an Ikebana arrangement.

Following the demonstrations, you’ll choose the style that speaks to you and create an arrangement of your own. Your Sensei will guide you through the process step by step, then offer feedback on your finished work as part of the traditional Ikebana learning experience. You’ll take your arrangement and materials home so you can continue practicing.

Tickets include wine, light bites and all materials, including a suiban, or low bowl, a kenzan flower holder, flowers, branches and other floral materials.  Doors open at 5:30pm and the workshop begins promptly at 6pm.

Please bring: Garden or floral clippers and a bucket or other container to transport your completed arrangement safely.

MEET YOUR SENSEI

Elizabeth Biddle, Sensei – Kado Sensho Ikenobo

Elizabeth began studying Kado Sensho Ikenobo in Okinawa, Japan, under Keiko Nakajima Robins, head of the Okinawa Seika Branch. After returning to the United States, she continued her studies under Sensei Margy Metzler. She is now an Instructor Level III and a founding member of the Kei-Ran Chapter in the United States.

Elizabeth teaches monthly classes in Richmond and has presented Ikebana demonstrations, workshops and exhibitions throughout the eastern United States. An active member of Ikebana of Richmond and Ikebana International, she has held several leadership positions and has shared Ikebana and Japanese culture at Anime USA since 2023.

Marty Jones, Sensei – Ohara School of Ikebana

Marty began studying the Ohara School of Ikebana in 2019 under Sensei Alice Buch of Arlington, Virginia. She currently holds the rank of Fourth Term Master and continues her practice through regular classes in Richmond and Arlington, as well as seminars presented by other Ohara chapters.

Marty began teaching in 2026, introducing new students to the principles of Ikebana and the distinctive style and traditions of the Ohara School. She serves as workshop chairperson for Ikebana of Richmond and secretary of the Southeastern Ohara board. In October 2026, she is coordinating a three-day seminar featuring Sensei Jose Salcedo of Los Angeles.

Maker's Studio: Ikebana – The Art of Japanese Floral Arrangement
Tue, November 10 2026 06:00 pm - Tue, November 10 2026 09:00 pm
Price: $90.00
Seats Remaining: 30
Participant Acknowledgment and Release:
I understand that this workshop involves the use of sharp tools, including scissors, shears, and other cutting materials, and that participation may involve a risk of injury. By registering for and participating in this workshop, I voluntarily assume the risks associated with these activities and agree to release and hold harmless The Branch Museum of Design, its employees, representatives, and instructors from claims arising from my participation in the workshop, to the extent permitted by law.