Ikebana International (I.I.) is a worldwide, nonprofit organization dedicated to the promotion and appreciation of ikebana. The Chicago Chapter of Ikebana International was founded in 1959.

Ikebana Day was established by Japan Ikebana Arts Association in 2021 based on the ancient Japanese concept that June 6 is a good day to start any traditional art lessons. Ikebana practitioners and enthusiasts have celebrated this special day around the world. In 2022, the Chicago Chapter held a very successful Ikebana for Kids workshop at the Chicago Botanic Garden.

In 2023, we are celebrating Ikebana Day June 10-11 by inviting Ohara School of Ikebana Master Jose Salcedo from Los Angeles to conduct two workshops and a demonstration open to the public. This year we extend participation to all ages for Beginner Workshop, and Advanced Workshop for practitioners to all schools. Workshop space is very limited. Don't miss this great chance to attend the master classes! Mr. Salcedo's demonstration will be free and open to the public to show the beauty of Ohara School.

• Beginner Workshop Sat. June 10, 10 am-11:30 am, Learning Center Rm #2, Chicago Botanic Garden. $65 (A ceramic container and a kenzan included in the fee.) See attached CBG map for location #5.
• Advanced Workshop Sat. June 10, 1 pm -3 pm, Learning Center Rm #2, Chicago Botanic Garden. $65 (A suiban and 3 standard kenzans required but NOT included in the fee. 12" suiban preferred. 10"-14" suibans acceptable.) See attached CBG map for location #5.
• Demonstration free and open to the public, Sun. Jun 11, 10:30 am-12 at noon, Alsdorf Auditorium at the Regenstein Center, Chicago Botanic Garden. See attached CBG map for location #7. *Regular parking and Garden admission fees apply for non-garden members. ** Last day to request a workshop cancelation and refund : 5/31.

REGISTRATION:  https://www.eventbrite.com/e/ikebana-day-2023-tickets-567372736127

Jose Salcedo bio

Jose Salcedo is an Ikebana rarity!

He recently retired as a NASA Senior Software engineer. He has mastered ikebana with high ranks in two major schools. A well-respected sensei and a sought-after Ikebana demonstrator in the Ikebana community. Mr. Salcedo, 1st Term Master of the Ohara School, began studying the Ohara School of ikebana in 1988 with Reiko Kawamura. At the same time, he began studying Ikenobo with Mrs. Sakahara and achieved the rank of Senior Professor: Saiko-shoku, Fukusokatoku, in 2020. He has taught both Ohara School and Ikenobo School for over 25 years and recently added virtual classes in both schools.

He is active in ikebana organizations, serving as President of Ikebana International Los Angeles Chapter No. 4 in 1993-95 and in 2015-17. He is a member of the Ikebana Teachers Association of Southern California. Mr. Salcedo has exhibited annually since 1990 in II exhibitions and at the Nisei Week Festival. A sought-after demonstrator, he demonstrated at the 18th North & Central American Region Conference in 2019 and for II Chapter No. 1 in 2015. Mr. Salcedo is a native Californian. He graduated with a B.A. degree from Occidental College and received an M.S.E.E. from the University of Southern California. He retired as Senior Software engineer from the Jet Propulsion Lab, NASA, after 16 years in 2000.