Ikebana Interest Grows In Samoa

“We can see many opportunities here for youth entrepreneurs, florists, church groups, accommodation providers and restaurants to utilise their new skills to enhance their service offerings and community obligations” – Seumanutafa Dr. Malcolm Hazelman
According to Nynette Sass, information officer for the Informal Gardeners Group, … This year again, with support from Samoa’s Ambassador in Japan, … hotels and restaurants, the Savai’i Samoa Tourism Association on Savaii.
People living in Samoa who are interested in Ikebana now have a chance to learn more about it.
Ikebana is the Japanese art of flower arrangement. It is more than simply putting flowers in a container. It is a disciplined art form in which the arrangement is a living thing, where nature and humanity are brought together.
“It is steeped in the philosophy of developing a closeness with nature,” according to Ikebana International.
According to Nynette Sass, information officer for the Informal Gardeners Group, it was 2016 when Samoa experienced the creative art-form during a limited number of Ikebana workshops held at Oloamanu Center.
“Ikebana for me is subtle, gentle, elegant and not so busy. It is amazing what one can do with the everyday fronds when arranged in a tasteful and chic way, simply emulating nature,” she said.
This year again, with support from Samoa’s Ambassador in Japan, Fa’alavaau Perina Jacqueline Sila-Tualaulelei,  the partnership of the Oloamanu Centre for Professional Development & Continuing Education of N.U.S., the Horticulture Certificate Programme N.U.S., Samoa Federated Farmers Incorporated, and the Informal Gardeners Group have teamed up to offer another series of Ikebana classes for the public, from August to October.
Yourie Inoue, the wife of Samoa’s Honorary Consular in Japan, is now in Apia and will be delivering the next series of trainings.
Photo: Participants from a previous Ikebana training — Tu’utu’ulima Leuluai, Leataataoletaeao Blakelock and Shorley Mariner — with trainer, Yourie Inoue (second from left), who is back to deliver more Ikebana training.
 
(Source: Samoa Observer 25 August 2017)