A Grand Conclusion for the Annual Floral Show!
The Nature and Life Floral Exhibition, which was organised by FGS South Island and Ikebana of Christchurch, wrapped up for year 2009 on 6th December. The final two demonstrations saw Fo Guang Yuan Art Gallery Christchurch fill up with over 100 flower admirers.
Once again and for the last time, the President of the Ikebana Association Mr. Fred Hollingworth, former President Ms. Ray King, Secretary Ms. Wendy Johnson, member Ms. Wang and guest presenter Ms. Leslie demonstrated the different styles of Ikebana floral arrangements.
During the show, the tutors from the three factions expressed their delicate and unique skills. Mr. Hollingworth presented two rather humorous arrangements; one being a simple arrangement on a cabbage base, and one with kiwi fruit vines wrapped around tubes of glass.
Ms. Wang expressed the elegance of Ikenobo as she gracefully arranged flowers to the contemporary Soka style. Ms. Johnson added variety by demonstrating a different style of Ikebana arrangement. She also thanked former president Ms. King for her valuable guidance and the help the veteran florist offered in bringing her skills to new heights.
Christchurch Ikebana invited guest florist Ms. Lyn Leslie to demonstrate the Western style of floral arrangement, and in doing so, highlighted the cultural differences between the Japanese and Western style of floral arrangement.
The organisers held a special tea party to celebrate the three-day event’s success, and invited all the staff, guests and visitors present that day to share their experiences with each other over delicious vegetarian refreshments and drinks prepared by the Temple.
Christchurch’s Japanese Ambassador Mr. Shoichi and wife Mrs. Kaori Kawai congratulated the event organisers on the success of the event, and on behalf of Ikebana, Mr. Hollingworth thanked everyone’s patronage over the three-day event and expressed his gratitude to FGS South Island for providing them such an elegant and solemn space for them to let their true colours shine forth.