Ikebana International
Dallas Chapter #13
"Friendship through Flowers"
Ikebana International Dallas Chapter #13
Established in 1958
Ikebana International Dallas Chapter #13
Our History
Ikebana International Dallas Chapter 13 was organized on May 19, 1958. Mrs. B. A. McReynolds was teaching Oriental flower arranging to a group of ladies when contacted by Mrs. E.W. Hays representing the Washington D.C. Chapter 1.
The Gealy Group of Dallas
They gave such an interesting report of the study of Japanese art in Washington that our chapter was immediately formed with the name of “The Gealy Group of Dallas".
Mrs. Mildred Gealy was the first Oriental art teacher in Dallas, and she had spent several years studying in Japan. She was bestowed the first life membership in the Dallas chapter. A charter was applied for, and the group voted to have only six officers’ names on the charter.
The First Officers of the Gealy Group:
President – Mrs. B. A. McReynolds (Anna)
1st Vice President – Mrs. Lavere Brooks (Bette)
2nd Vice President – Mrs. U. E. Meyer (Kay)
Secretary – Mrs. T. M. Montgomery (Ruby)
Treasurer – Mrs. R. E. Byers (Poppy)
Historian – Mrs. R. J. Littlefield (Grace)
Activities
Our Chapter is
Dynamic, Different and on the Move...
Dynamic, different and definitely on the move! That’s what Dallas Chapter 13 is all about. Every month, September through May, we either demonstrate a school of ikebana, or we have a presentation on something that is related.
Dallas Chapter 13 generally meets the third Thursday of each month, September through May. There are also several meetings on Sunday afternoons. Our programs feature a speaker demonstrating a school of ikebana or a related area of Japanese art or culture. Some programs also include a workshop.
In addition to our regular meetings and programs, members and guests visit local gardens and cultural sites through Explorers on the Go. These tours are announced at the meetings and in the newsletters.
Most of our members study in one of the schools of ikebana; some do not. Some pursue other art forms and find that ikebana enhances their work. Join us at an upcoming meeting and learn more about ikebana and what Ikebana International is all about.
The Chapter's Future
Our motto: "Friendship through Flowers"
Under the guidance of successive boards and many volunteers, the chapter has prospered. The shared knowledge and abilities of the many teachers of ikebana and related arts have helped chapter members grow, flourish, and mature. The future of the chapter is unlimited, as it looks forward to new opportunities in sharing the art and friendship of ikebana.
What is Ikebana
What is Ikebana
Ikebana is the Japanese art of arranging flowers. It is a tradition that dates back over 1500 years. By focusing on lines, shapes and forms, this art focuses more on individual flowers rather than on the bunches of blossoms that we are often accustomed to and explores more of the natural beauty with a human touch.
Please join us, Ikebana International Dallas Chapter 13, at one of our upcoming events to explore and enjoy this amazing ancient form of art, a talent that has been developing all over the world for centuries and growing in Dallas for decades.
What is Ikebana International?
Our motto is "Friendship through Flowers"Ikebana International is a worldwide organization founded in Tokyo, Japan, in 1956 by the late Ellen Gordon Allen. Its members are dedicated to promoting the mutual understanding and friendship between Japan and other countries through ikebana and other related arts of Japan.
Ikebana International (I.I.) is a non-profit cultural organization in Japan, and today boasts over 6,000 members with chapters in more than 50 countries.
What is the North and Central American Region?
The North and Central American Region (NCAR) is the largest region of seven regions within Ikebana International, reaching from Canada to the Panama Canal. Its Regional Advocate Committee seeks to strengthen relationships with the 68 NCAR chapters – through engagement, communication and knowledge sharing – to enhance chapter and school vitality.
© 2022 Ikebana International Dallas Chapter #13