As part of part of the DesignTO Festival, the University Club of Toronto would like to invite you to join us for Living Art: Sogestu Ikebana.

Immerse yourself in the captivating world of Sogetsu Ikebana at the University Club of Toronto, a historic landmark in the heart of Toronto on February 1, 2025, from 2:00pm-4:00pm. This unique event offers a rare opportunity to experience the beauty and creativity of this contemporary Japanese floral art in a historic venue.

The exhibition features a stunning array of floral arrangements, each carefully crafted to express the essence of Sogetsu Ikebana, a modern interpretation of traditional Japanese flower arranging. Through the skillful use of flowers, branches, and other natural materials, these arrangements transcend simple decoration and become living works of art. From bold and expressive to delicate and minimalist, the exhibition offers a diverse range of compositions, each telling its own unique story.

A live demonstration by renowned artist Yvonne Leung碧君 – a celebrated Sogetsu Ikebana instructor known for her ability to transform nature into striking compositions – will take place at 2:45pm.

Yvonne will guide attendees through the principles and techniques behind this fascinating art form, providing insight into the creative process and the underlying philosophy of Sogetsu Ikebana.

Whether you’re an experienced flower arranger or simply a lover of art and beauty, this exhibition and demonstration will leave you inspired by the elegance and innovation of Sogetsu Ikebana. Join us for an afternoon of artistic discovery and floral creativity.

About Yvonne Leung碧君

Yvonne Leung is a passionate Ikebana teacher from the Sogetsu School, known for blending traditional techniques with modern flair. As the 41st President of Ikebana International Toronto Chapter, she champions Ikebana’s therapeutic benefits for stress management and emotional well-being. Yvonne actively participates in community events, including doing demos on Mother’s Day at the Royal Ontario Museum, “Get the Jump on Spring” at the Toronto Botanical Garden, the Peony Festival in Oshawa, and at Union Station which was invited by the Consul General of Japan in Toronto. Her leadership and creativity make her a vibrant advocate for this ancient art form. She creates engaging social media content that highlights the art form’s aesthetic appeal and delves into its rich history and cultural importance. Her goal is to increase awareness and generate interest in ikebana among a broader audience.

Presented as part of DesignTO Festival

DesignTO is a non-profit arts and culture organization that believes design can create a sustainable, just, and joyful world. DesignTO organizes the annual DesignTO Festival, celebrating its 15th birthday in January 2025. It is Canada’s largest celebration of design, forming Toronto’s design week.