Header image SOGETSU Vancouver Branch  
 
 
   
 

SOGETSU VANCOUVER BRANCH

The Sogetsu Vancouver Branch (SVB), founded by Mrs. Kiyoko Boycott in 1985. SVB has a growing membership who learn and enjoy the Japanese art of Ikebana together in Vancouver. Throughout the year members participate in a number of exhibitions in the Greater Vancouver area. Our major exhibitions are: Vancouver Ikebana Association Spring Show, Steveston Salmon Festival, Powell Street Festival, Chrysanthemum Shows, and the Autumn Moon Festival at Sun Yat Sen Classical Chinese Gardens. Members love not only the experience of exhibiting in a gallery type setting, but also to learn more about kado ( the Japanese way of flowers).

SVB has general meetings four times a year, with each meeting including a demonstrations or workshop. Our meetings are held on the third Saturday in January, March, May and September. We also take pleasure with our social gatherings throughout the year.

General meetings are held Saturday mornings at 10:00 a.m. in the Steveston United Church, Broadway and 2nd Avenue, in Richmond, B.C.

We welcome all new members - come and join us at a meeting, visit us at an exhibition or begin your study of Ikebana. For further information on studying with us, please see our lessons section for further information or contact us directly at info@sogetsuvancouver.com.

 

 

FOUNDING OF BRANCH

Sensei Kiyoko Boycott at one of our meeting workshops1963 - Kiyoko Boycott first began teaching classes in Canada with strong support from Sogetsu Headquarters.

1964 - First Vancouver Sogetsu Study Group established.

1964 - Mrs. Boycott is one of the 3 founding members of the Vancouver Ikebana Association, an Association of five active Ikebana schools in the Lower Mainland.

1985 - Sogetsu Vancouver Branch officially established.

Mrs. Boycott holds the highest Sogetsu teaching degree of Riji. She obtained this status in 1985. Sogetsu Headquarters has honoured Mrs. Boycott with many awards over the years including the Mohansho Award acknowledging her as a model student (1974), Sofu Award for recognition as an outstanding teacher (1978) and the Eiyo Award for Honourable Distinction awarded to a select 127 Riji Teachers worldwide (1997). The Government of Canada and Prime Minister Mulroney awarded Mrs. Boycott a Certificate of Merit for recognition for her contributions to the community (1988).