

The Art of Japanese Flower Arranging
Ikebana International Harrisburg, PA Chapter #18
What is Ikebana?
The Ikebana is the art of Japanese flower arranging. Universally loved for its meditative qualities, ikebana is an art and nature is its medium.
The art form began almost 600 years ago when Buddhist monks brought floral offerings into temples. Today, there are many schools of ikebana ranging from the ancient and classical Ikenobo to the ultra-modern Sogetsu. Think about the different movements in visual arts. Does realism or abstraction speak to your heart? There is a ikebana school for for every sensibility!
Learn more about Ikebana and Harrisburg chapter 18 of International Ikebana by viewing a virtual illustrated lecture with our President, Amy Huck - Ikebana: International Influence and it's Local Agency : II Chapter #18 Harrisburg. The virtual illustrated lecture was hosted by The Friends of Fort Hunter on March 13, 2024
About Us
Ikebana International Harrisburg Chapter #18 has been growing in south central Pennsylvania since 1958. We teach and learn ikebana but, we do so much more! We are active in the larger arts community. We work in tandem with garden clubs and educational institutions and support our sister disciplines such as Bonsai.
Our motto is: Friendship through Flowers. You can be a part of us with no experience at all. That's our mission; we teach you.
Ikebana International
Ikebana International, our parent organization, was founded in 1956 by the late Ellen Gordon Allen. Her dream was to create an association uniting the people of the world through their mutual love of nature and enjoyment of ikebana.
Today, that dream has spread to over 50 countries with 143 chapters and a membership of more than 6,300. Click here for more information about Ikebana International.
Ikebana International North & Central American Region (NCAR)
NCAR MISSION
Enabling Ikebana International Chapters in the North & Central American Region to expand the Art of Ikebana through communication and action
- Working to develop programs that will attract new and younger members
- Ensuring a legacy into the future
- Finding ways to inspire new ikebanists to join this global organization
Visit the NCAR website for Chapter Member resources, ideas on teaching current students and a whole lot more.
Our Future
Ikebana is spreading in new and exciting ways. You may have noticed its growing infusion in anime. Ikebana and anime have Japanese origins. Both of these art forms display a deep respect for nature and share goals for a more sustainable planet. Look for ikebana at your next Otakon Convention!
Our future... is YOU!
Membership
Membership Benefits
Monthly Chapter Meetings | Multiple Ikebana Schools | Ikebana Lessons | Meditative Art | Exhibitions | Teacher Listings | International Network | Associate Membership | Transferability of Membership | Ikebana International Magazine |
How do I become a member?
If you're interested in becoming a member of the Ikebana International, Harrisburg Chapter, please complete one of the forms below.
Ikebana Membership Application Form
Upcoming Programs/Events
Beginning March 12th, 2025 the Chapter will meet at Christ Presbyterian Church, 421 Deerfield Rd, Camp Hill, PA 17011 . Meeting are usually on the first Wednesday from September through June at 9:30 am unless otherwise noted.
September 4, 2024
Talks & Demos from Ikenobo, Sogetsu and Sensho Schools 10 am Meeting Fellowship Hall ,Trinity Lutheran Church
Nancy Rider, Ikenobo School
Jane Smigel, Sogetsu School
Ellen Kelley, Sensho Ikenobo School
,Snacks: Seward & Debra R.
October 2, 2024
Demonstration & Workshop 9 am Ginza 10 am Meeting Fellowship Hall, Trinity Lutheran Church
Reiko Royston
Freestyle demonstration followed by hands-on workshop.
Snacks: Donna M. & Paulette K.
October 13-17, 2024
19th Ikebana International North and Central American Region (NCAR) Conference Philadelphia, PA
https://www.ikebanancar.org
October 30, 2024 Board Meeting 10 am - 11 am
Christ Presbyterian Church
421 Deerfield Road
(Allendale subdivision)
Camp Hill PANovember 6, 2024
Freestyle Demostration using sticks/wood 10 am meeting Fellowship Hall, Trinity Lutheran Church
Shelia Advani
see flyer
Snacks: Nancy R & Ellen K.
December 4, 2024
Japenese Crafted Christmas Ornament & Lunch 10 am Meeting Fellowship Hall, Trinity Lutheran Church
Lunch at Sapporo East.
January 29, 2025 Board Meeting 10 am - 11 am
Christ Presbyterian Church
421 Deerfield Road
(Allendale subdivision)
Camp Hill, PA
January 31, 2025
The Beauty of Ochrids at Hershey Gardens Conservatory Friday, January 31, 2025
Meet at 1:45 pm Orchid Display Room
Tour 2:00 - 3:30 pm
RSVP REQUIRED NO LATER THAN FRIDAY JANUARY 20, 2025
TEXT MESSAGE RSVP TO: Dolores McGee | 717 756-0503 | Text your NAME and ATTEND or NOT ATTEND.
Walter Mweshanka
Private 'members only' tour & talk.
February 5, 2025
Ikebana in Clear Glass with Mary Jane Risch 9:30 am Meeting Fellowship Hall, Trinity Lutheran Church
RSVP REQUIRED NO LATER THAN FRIDAY JANUARY 31, 2025
TEXT MESSAGE RSVP TO: Dolores McGee | 717 756-0503 | Text your NAME and ATTEND or NOT ATTEND.
MEMBERS ARE TO BRING:
- 1 clear glass cylinder at least 6" tall and with an opening your fist can easily fit into
- 1 clear glass bowl with incurving sides (picture attached) -- the height should be about 5" with an 8" opening.
- Flowers for both containers but only a few are needed as the flowers are not the focal point.
( 4-5 small to medium yellow mums/Alstroemeria are appropriate -- lilies and large flowers are not appropriate.)
- standard Ikebana tools to include a pair of scissors for cutting rope.
- $10 - $15 cash for additional provided materials.
Snacks: Betty B & Michele S.
March 12, 2025
Potting Orchids Workshop 9:30 am Meeting Christ Presbyterian Church, Camp Hill
Walter Meshanka
Bring orchids to be re-potted - orchid soil will be provided.
Snacks: Linda D. & Betty Ann P.
April 2, 2025
Workshop
9:30 am Meeting Christ Presbyterian Church, Camp Hill
Snacks: Barbara P.& Polly D.
April 30, 2025 Board Meeting 10 am - 11 am
Christ Presbyterian Church
421 Deerfield Road
(Allendale subdivision)
Camp Hill, PA
May 2 - 4, 2025
Exhibition at Fort Hunter Garden Faire
June 4, 2025
Trip
Possible Longwood Gardens for private tour of the new Bonsai garden and exhibit.
Tentative soft opening date of May 16, 2025.
KINEN NICHI NO OIWAI
ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION
Honoring the 65th Anniversary
of Ikebana International #18 Harrisburg
Wednesday, September 6, 2023 at 11 am
West Shore Country Club, Camp Hill, PA
Join us for a demonstration and luncheon to honor the history and support the future of
our chapter. Ikebana International North & Central American Region Advocate Elizabeth
Biddle will create artistic Kado Sensho Ikenobo arrangements. This school supports a
quick and simple Ikebana that complements the modern lifestyle, using only natural plant
materials to enhance their beauty.
Tickets
Legacy Ticket $65
Reserved Seating, commemorative floral arrangement, listing in Program Book,
acknowledgement during remarks, Lottery Ticket, demonstration & lunch.
Regular Ticket $45
Open seating, demonstration and lunch
Lottery Tickets $10 each, 3 for $20
All arrangement materials and floral décor will be awarded via lottery.
Tickets are available online at: eventbrite.com OR
Make Check Payable to IKEBANA INTERNATIONAL #18
Send to: Michele Saul, 3519 Beech Run Lane, Mechanicsburg, PA 17050
Deadline is Register is September 1, 2023.
Payments may be taken at the door if Pre-Registered by deadline. To pre-register, Contact Michele Saul at: gardenfly56@gmail.com
Questions contact Amy Huck at akhuck@comcast.net or 717-480-1180.
Connect with Us!
We would love to hear from you! We are ready to answer any questions you might have about ikebana or our chapter.Feel free to submit your contact information below or email us at:
© 2021