Ikebana, the art of Japanese flower arranging, has been practiced for more than 500 years and was originally a part of Buddhist altar decorations. Today, ikebana maintains its connection to traditional arranging but also engages with flowers using modern styles that enable a wide range of expression by the practitioner. This course, led by multimedia artist Brian Mikesell, will explore several modern styles, with historical information provided to contextualize the modern practice within the tradition in this series on Fridays, April 4 through 25, from 1 to 3 p.m. In addition, we will learn about kado, "the way of flowers," which engages the arranger’s approach, attitudes, and appreciation as part of the practice of ikebana. Apart from the satisfaction of creating a beautiful floral composition that can be shared and appreciated as an artistic expression, Ikebana can contribute to individual wellness through mindfulness, enhanced creativity, connection to nature, and appreciation for imperfection, minimalism and humanity. The registration fee includes a beginner supply set (kenzan, vase and ikebana scissors), as well as flowers for each class.

Brian Mikesell (he/him), an ikebana artist who also works in other media, began his study of ikebana in 2007 and currently holds the rank of Sokakan in the Ikenobo lineage. He is a past President of the New York Tachibana chapter of Ikenobo and has exhibited his ikebana works at the Metropolitan Museum of Art and the Kitano Hotel in New York City as well as at galleries in Western Massachusetts and upstate New York. He has given demonstrations for numerous garden clubs and other groups in the region and teaches ikebana workshops for the New York Tachibana chapter, an ikebana course at Bard College at Simon's Rock, as well as private and small group lessons. In addition to his teaching and study of ikebana, Brian is a gardener and therapeutic horticulturist. Currently, Brian is the program manager for the Center for Food and Resilience at Bard College at Simon's Rock.