Programs and Events
2025–2026 Programs
Ikebana International Naples Chapter #160
Our 2025–2026 season offers a rich variety of demonstrations, hands-on workshops, and community-building opportunities for members of all experience levels from November through May.
Most meetings will be held at the Naples Botanical Garden in Kapnick Hall—a beautiful, spacious setting ideal for exploring the art of Japanese floral design.
Members are warmly encouraged to attend these free monthly meetings (which include free Garden admission for attendees), where you'll enjoy:
Live Ikebana demonstrations by experienced teachers and guest artists
Interactive workshops to expand your technique and creativity
Our popular Members' Ginza, where you can buy or sell Ikebana containers, tools, books, and floral-related treasures
Informal opportunities to connect, learn, and share with fellow Ikebana enthusiasts
A full schedule of dates, topics, and presenters is listed below. Please check our website and email announcements regularly for updates.
Featured Event:
Annual Ikebana Luncheon
March 24th, 2026
10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Location: Quail West Golf & Country Club
2025–2026 Program Schedule
Unless otherwise noted, all programs take place at Naples Botanical Garden – Kapnick Hall
Programs begin at 9:30 AM
Free for all current members and guests (including entrance to the Botanical Garden)
Wednesday, November 5, 2025 | 9:30am – noon
Demonstration: Incorporating Wood into Your Ikebana Design
Longtime Naples Chapter member and exquisite designer Loris Dallal shared creative techniques for integrating natural wood into Ikebana arrangements. She demonstrated how to use branches, driftwood, and carved forms to add structure, movement, and depth to our Ikebana work.
Our members enjoyed a free workshop following the demonstration to experiment with using wood in their
arrangements.
Wednesday, December 3, 2025 | 9:30am – noon
“Iron Chef” Holiday Competition & Workshop
We celebrated the season with creativity and a workshop at our December Ikebana Program! Our talented club Senseis had a friendly Iron Chef–style challenge, each crafting a unique holiday arrangement using the same set of materials, in the style of their specific school. Our members then took part in a free hands-on workshop,creating their own arrangements using the same materials.
Wednesday, January 7, 2026 | 9:30am – noon
Speaker: Ellen Kelley+ Outreach Workshop Discussion
Our club welcomed Ellen Kelley as the featured speaker for our January program. Ellen led a thoughtful conversation on expanding the reach of Ikebana throughout the greater Naples community. She also demonstrated how to create a simple arrangement in a coffee mug. Participants had the opportunity to practice this arrangement during the workshop so that more of us can share practical ways to bring Ikebana into public spaces.
February 2026
This month, we pause our regular meeting for the Annual Exhibition, February 6–8.
Join us as an exhibitor or visitor at this remarkable Ikebana event.
Learn more here.
Wednesday, March 4, 2026 | 9:30am – noon
The Shared Artistry of Ikebana and Bonsai
Join us for an inspiring program exploring the shared artistry of Ikebana and Bonsai, hosted by Richard Owens and Dorothy Demarest, members of the Bonsai Society of Southwest Florida. We will also enjoy arrangements and a discussion from our own esteemed Sensei, Stephanie English, who will share her thoughts, as well.
We will learn how these Japanese art forms share harmony, balance, and philosophy. Our Program will also feature a live demonstration on the process of creating and caring for a Bonsai.
Wednesday, April 1, 2026 | 9:30am – noon
The Language of Flowers
Workshop and Lecture by Mimi Gallo, The Chair of Asian Art and History at ARTIS Naples.
The fascinating history of the symbolism of flowers will be presented using medieval tapestries to Dutch still lifes, and ending with Manet and Van Gogh.
From the earliest times, flowers have held a special place in our hearts and lives. The lotus flower is one of the most ancient symbols to appear in Asian and Egyptian art. Flower motifs adorn churches and temples, are incorporated into jewelry, and decorate everything from fabric to furniture. Flowers have played a vital role as a means of expression since time immemorial. As a declaration of love or as a gesture of thanks, or an offer of sympathy or congratulations, flowers are often the most eloquent and direct means of communication.
Mimi Gallo is the founder of Art Partners, Inc. a non-profit company that customizes art appreciation programs to fit academic curriculum. For the past 29 years she has taught classes at the Chautauqua Institute in Chautauqua, New York and has lectured for Renaissance Academy, Florida Gulf Coast University as well as art organizations and Road Scholars. She is currently the chair of Asian Art and History at ARTIS Naples and was fortunate to travel with the Cleveland Museum of art to China this past May.
There will be a free hands-on workshop following Mimi's Lecture. Members should bring a container, a kenzan, and Ikebana scissors to participate. Flowers and foliage will be provided so you can explore the ideas presented.
Wednesday, May 6, 2026 | 9:30am – noon
Demonstration + Workshop: Found Objects in Ikebana
Demonstration + Workshop: Found Objects in Ikebana
Presenter: Kristi Perrow
Naples Chapter member Kirsti Perrow will guide us through a delightful demonstration exploring the use of found objects in Ikebana. From shells and stones to recycled materials and unexpected treasures, discover how to incorporate personal, meaningful elements into your designs.
A workshop will follow the demonstration.
Please bring:
A container
A Kenzan
A few of your favorite "found" objects
Flowers will be provided.
Friday – Sunday, January 16 – 18, 1:00pm – 5:00pm
Artful Arrangements
Many of our Ikebana members participated in the Annual Artful Arrangements event in the Naples Art district, which pairs an artist’s work with an Ikebana arrangement. Our Sensei Margy Metzler hosted a demonstration on the opening day that highlighted three pairings for a delighted audience.
The gallery below is a sampling of the “masterpieces.”
