Ikebana of AZ
Ikebana of Arizona is another ikebana club in the Phoenix area that was established in 1973. The club meets at various times during the year for demonstrations and workshops. The place, time, and cost vary from program to program. I or A supports the Ikenobo, Sogetsu, and Ohara Schools. For more information on the club and their upcoming events, go to www.ikebanaofarizona.org.
Sonoran Desert Sogetsu Study Group
The Sonoran Desert Sogetsu Study Group (SDSSG) is a certified study group from the Sogetsu School of Ikebana in Tokyo, Japan. Upcoming events in Phoenix, AZ: 10/13/19 Double Take with Wanda Collins; 11/10/19 Expecting the Unexpected with Susan Allen; 12/8/19 in conjunction with Ikebana of AZ: Holiday Workshop with Master Riji Soho Sakai; 2/1 & 2/2020 SDSSG Japanese Friendship Garden Exhibition.
Ikenobo Ikebana Society of Arizona
The Arizona Chapter of Ikenobo Ikebana was founded in 1964 and was officially chartered in 1974. It promotes the study of Ikenobo ikebana, the origin of ikebana and the oldest school of ikebana, dating from the 15th century. Today Ikenobo teaches three styles: rikka, shoka, and free style, all stressing the inherent nature of plants. For more information on this group, go to www.ikebana-ikenobo.com.
Japanese Friendship Garden of Phoenix
The Japanese Friendship Garden of Phoenix is an authentic 3.5-acre Japanese Stroll Garden with tea garden and tea house. This tranquil and beautiful setting features more than 1,500 tons of hand-picked rock, stone footbridges, lanterns and more than 50 varieties of plants. As you stroll the path, you will enjoy flowing streams, a 12-foot waterfall, and a Koi pond with over 300 colorful Koi fish. The garden is located at 1125 N. 3rd Ave., Phoenix, AZ 85003. For upcoming events, go to their website www.japanesefriendshipgarden.org.
AZ Matsuri
The Arizona Matsuri (Festival) in Phoenix, Arizona celebrates the arts and traditions of Japanese culture. The two-day free cultural event is held at Heritage Square Park, 115 N 6th St. in Phoenix, AZ. Highlights of this popular festival include kendo exhibitions, kyūdō archery, artistic exhibits, bonsai displays, Anime and Manga cosplay contests, J-Pop musical acts, drum circles, karaoke, folk dances, lion dances and delectable Asian cuisine. Go to their website www.azmatsuri.org for the date and time of this event.
AZ Asian Festival
The annual Arizona Asian Festival is held at the Scottsdale Civic Center Mall| (3939 N 75th St, Scottsdale, AZ). A family-friendly celebration of Asian culture and heritage, the three-day event features authentic cuisine showcasing the continent’s diverse range of flavors and dishes as well as an arts & crafts marketplace, taiko drumming performances, art demonstrations, cultural dances and music, a fashion show with traditional Asian garb, martial arts demonstrations, tai chi workshops and more. The Children’s Wonderland offers Japanese and Taiwanese paper crafts and kid-centric entertainment. For more information search for “AZ Asian Festival” on your preferred search engine.
Bon Odori
Bon Odori (Dance) is a summer event held at the Arizona Buddhist Temple, usually during the month of June. The evening of group dancing is one of the most popular of the Buddhist observances known to non-Buddhists. Obon is an observance dedicated to the departed, but it is a joyous remembrance gathering where participants (both Buddhist and non-Buddhist) dance in a circle to popular Japanese songs. Although not required, many participants dress in traditional kimonos and/or pseudo Japanese wear. For more information, go to www.azbuddhisttemple.org/obon/.
ikebana167az.org 