Glass in Bloom Opening Programming

Commemorating joint exhibition between Ikebana International and Museum of Glass

March 22 | 10am-5pm (Ribbon-cutting ceremony at 11am)
March 23 | 10am-4pm

Glass in Bloom: An Ikebana Exhibition is an upcoming Museum of Glass installation featuring works from the Museum’s Permanent Collection that are suited to provide inspiration to ikebana (Japanese flower arranging) artists. In preparation for this collaborative show, Museum of Glass curators identified 103 pieces that they believed best resonated with the ikebana art form. From this, the Ikebana International exhibition team chose 18 for display in Glass in Bloom. These glass pieces will be on view in the Museum Grand Hall March 19 – April 6.

The art of ikebana makes use of natural materials, including branches, stems, leaves, and blossoms to create living art that shows the unique beauty of the outdoor natural world. Ikebana creates a unique harmony when coupled with glass. Both art forms incorporate the fundamental elements and principles of design in ways that reveal and enhance the essential qualities of the materials and engender a deeper appreciation of their beauty. This exhibition aims to celebrate the synergy between the two art forms.

On March 22 and 23, Ikebana International Seattle Chapter No. 19 and Tacoma-Olympia Chapter 147 members will showcase 44 ikebana floral arrangements alongside the Permanent Collection pieces. These ikebana artists and arrangers have taken inspiration from the works of glass and the parallel expressions found in the two mediums. Please join us for the ribbon-cutting ceremony of this joint installation at 11am on March 22! Additionally, ikebana demonstrations by master-level ikebana teachers are scheduled in the Museum theater on March 22 and March 23 from 1pm-3pm. All events are included with Museum admission.

About Ikebana International

Ikebana International (I. I.) is a non-profit cultural organization dedicated to the promotion and appreciation of Ikebana, Japanese flower arranging. Its motto is “Friendship through Flowers.”  The organization, founded in 1956, also promotes the study of related Japanese/Asian cultural arts. I. I. is headquartered in Tokyo, Japan, with 137 chapters and 6,351 members worldwide.

This collaborative exhibition acknowledges the 65th anniversary of I. I. Seattle Chapter 19 and the 55th anniversary of I. I. Tacoma-Olympia Chapter 147 and celebrates their shared commitment to promoting “Friendship through Flowers” throughout our region.