“Hello Spring!” Sogetsu Ikebana Exhibition by The Wasetsu Group

The Nippon Club is pleased to present the exhibition “Hello Spring!” Sogetsu Ikebana Exhibition by The Wasetsu Group. (President: Judith Setsuko Hata)

The Sogetsu School of Ikebana, established in 1927 by Sofu Teshigahara which emphasized flower arrangement as an expression of oneself. Head Master Teshigahara’s idea has been carried on by his daughter Kasumi, his son Hiroshi, and his granddaughter Akane as Head Masters of the school.

Judith Setsuko Hata, Riji rank teacher of the Sogetsu School, has been teaching Ikebana in the Sogetsu style for more than 50 years in the Metropolitan New York area, Pennsylvania, all over the US and abroad. Students in her Wasetsu Group range from those with many years of experience to beginners. They studied basic styles with natural material (flowers and plants, then expanded to use non-organic material following the school’s philosophy that “Ikebana can be done at any time at any place with anything”). “Hello Spring!” will be the 11th Wasetsu Group Exhibition featuring 30 participants presenting their interpretation of the show’s title. One of the highlights is a collaboration with Taisan Tanaka’s humorous Japanese Calligraphy. Please enjoy the spring at The Nippon Gallery.

Judith Setsuko Hata

Appointments/Positions/Activities:
Ikebana International, New York Chapter
President: 1993-5, 1978-79.
51 Consecutive Years – active board positions held since joining membership in1965.
Sogetsu School
Founder and Appointed Director of Sogetsu New York Branch, 1970-91.
Horticultural Society of New York
1985-88 – Board of Directors
1986-88 – New York Flower Show Committee

Honors / Awards:
2016 “Sogetsu Sunlight Award” given to Sogetsu teachers who are 90 years or older for their long career in teaching Sogetsu Ikebana. Sunlight Award
2014 Consul General’s Commendation
Nippon Club – “Certificate of Appreciation for Contributions to Nippon Club and Students”

Sogetsu School:
• Mohansho – Leadership
• Korosho – Effort
• Sofusho – Iemoto Sofu’s Recognition
• Sogetsusho – Sogetsu Headquarter’s Award
• Eiyosho – Iemoto Akane’s Recognition for Continued Excellent Work, 2006