Our History
The Miami Valley Ohara Chapter was officially recognized by the Ohara School of Ikebana on February 27, 1987, but its roots trace back even futher. The spark came in 1984, when the Ikebana International chapter in Dayton sponsored a demonstration by Ohara Grand Master Matsu Tomita. Five in attendance were inspired to start their own Ohara chapter in the Miami Valley.
Those founding members - Alice Barnett, Louise Bennet, Georgia Johnson, Pat Trapp, and Betty Weaver - quickly learned that the Ohara School required five members at the Instructor level or above to start a chapter. At that time only one met that requirement.
They traveled across the country, earning credits and working toward their Instructor certificates. Within 3 years all five had qualified and the Miami Valley Chapter was born. The early chapter was active, hosting visiting professor Reiko Kimura only months after becoming a chapter. They hosted workshops by Professor Tomita himself in 1992, 1993, and 1995.
The Miami Valley Chapter is a key component of Ohara Ikebana in southwestern Ohio. We hold regular monthly meetings to learn and study. Chapter members attend seminars throughout the United States. Some members visit Japan, bringing back new knowledge from the Ohara School headquarters.
How to Join
Annual membership dues are $25. Consider joining our chapter if you enjoy fresh flowers and creating beautiful arrangements with your own hands. The art of Ohara Ikebana may surprise you and improve the quality of your daily life!
Contact us at OharaMVC@gmail.com for more information.
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