Imagine being able to create a beautiful flower arrangement. At ACC you can learn the art of ikebana (Japanese flower arranging) with Chieko Hirai-Brim. Chieko says that ikebana is not just the art the Japanese flower arranging; it is also a great stress reducer. “You can really relax while you are doing it. You can put your emotions, how you feel, into your arrangement.”
Chieko, who was born in Japan, started doing Ikebana in high school. At first, she was not interested at all and only learned ikebana because it was a requirement. “But after a couple of classes, I loved it!” she says, continuing, “I got an ikebana instructor license in Japan. In 1996 I came to the US. It was my biggest dream to teach ikebana in the US.”
Chieko has to continue learning new skills and so found an instructor. Her instructor said she should contact ACC about teaching. That was back in 2015 and Chieko’s class at ACC has been steadily growing. She also teaches at the Buddhist Church of Sacramento
There are many different schools of Ikebana, each with different styles. Chieko teaches Ikenobo, the oldest school of Ikebana. In her class, she teaches shoka (based on natural styles) and freestyle.
Volunteer and ACC Board member Jean Shiomoto has been Chieko’s student since the spring of this year. Jean says, “It’s fun and relaxing, and I’m learning a lot. Before I took this class, I didn’t know anything, and now I know the forms and elements of an arrangement.”
When I spoke to her, Jean had her latest creation in front of her, a beautiful array of lavender chrysanthemums, ferns, and leaves. So, if you are thinking of getting in touch with your creative side in 2020, consider the art of ikebana.
