Ikebana is the ancient Japanese art of flower arranging, which originated centuries ago in Buddhist 
temples. Although it originally served a religious purpose, today it is also a secular art form recognized around the world. Yet it is not simply used for decoration, but embodies a meditative process that allows the designer to appreciate the beauty and harmony found in nature, thus increasing inner peace.
The workshop sessions will be led by Yoshie Takahashi, an expert senior professor with more than 40 years of experience in the Ikenobo School, one of the oldest of the ikebana schools, or styles, of flower arranging. She began studying ikebana in Japan, and continued after moving to the U.S., where she has led demonstrations, conducted workshops, and exhibited her arrangements at venues such as the Metropolitan Museum of Art and the Asia Society in New York City, as well as Hofstra University, the Planting Fields Arboretum, and the Japanese Stroll Garden here on Long Island.
Two ikebana workshop sessions are being offered, one at 11 a.m. and one at 1:30 p.m. The sessions include an introduction to ikebana, a demonstration by Takahashi, and a hands-on workshop in which participants will be able to create their own arrangements to take home.
To register or for more information, contact Ann Rodenburg at Farmingdale Village Hall at 516-249-0093. Seating is limited; register by Oct. 5.
