About Me
From the beginning, I have been involved in both eastern-style and western-style arranging, with a goal of doing creative design. I began my ikebana studies in 1981. My B.S. in biology and M.A.T. in teaching provided a good foundation. I hold the highest rank, Riji, in the Sogetsu School of Ikebana where I am an active teacher of Japanese flower arranging. I am also an Accredited Master Judge and a Flower Show School Design and Procedure Instructor for Judges in the National Garden Clubs, Inc.
As a member of Ikebana International, I work with North & Central American Region (NCAR) to promote ikebana by offering classes on Zoom to members around the region.
Exhibiting in ikebana and garden club shows gave me experience as a designer. I joined Creative Floral Arrangers of the Americas (CFAA) where I developed as a demonstrator. CFAA has invited me two times to give programs at their seminars in Florida. I’ve given programs and workshops in all of New England and in New York, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Florida and in Quito, Ecuador.
I have chaired several Standard Flower Shows which have won National Awards and have won numerous top awards for my design entries.
With many friends from Master Gardener training, I founded a Garden Club in Schenectady, NY, called Garden Explorers. In Boston, I am a member of The Garden Club of the Back Bay and Noanett Garden Club. I enjoy demonstrating western flower arranging as well as ikebana for garden clubs. My favorite activity is sharing creative moments with other designers and students.