Los Altos, CA – The Second Annual Ikebana Flower Show sponsored by the Los Altos History Museum will return April 21-23 in the main gallery. Last year more than 700 people attended the two-day show to view the beautiful arrangements created by Katsuko Thielke and her students.
The Ikebana Flower Show has been extended by one additional day in response to the overwhelming popularity of this event. Visitors can learn the art of Ikebana by attending a different live demonstration each day at 1pm. Admission is free. Museum hours are noon to 4pm.
Ikebana flower arranging is loved around the world because it creates beauty that reflects the maker’s feelings. It can be made by anyone with any kind of material. The public is invited to learn how ikebana can help show the beauty of nature and flowers. Katsuko Thielke is a master of Sogetsu Ikebana, having learned from an early age how to interpret her own inner sense of self- expression in flowers, leaves, plants, weaving and teaching others in this artistic endeavor.
Katsuko Thielke was born in Tokyo, she developed her love of flowers as a small child, hiking in the mountains with her father who encouraged her interest in nature. She began Sogetsu lessons in 1962, earning her Sogetsu teaching degree in 1969. She visited the USA in 1970 as a cultural exchange student and lived with a family in Los Altos. There she met her future husband, Leo. They married and have two sons and seven grandchildren.
She resumed her Sogetsu studies under the guidance of Shuko Kobayashi and Shoka Narimatsu and now holds the rank of Soomu, 1st grade (Master Teacher). Katsuko is in great demand as a demonstrator and exhibitor. Her work has appeared in San Francisco’s De Young Museum’s Bouquets to Arts over fifteen years. She holds classes in Los Altos, Mountain View Adult Education, Santa Clara Mission College and in her home. She has also taught classes at Filoli Gardens in Woodside, CA. In addition, Thielke does professional arrangements for many local businesses and restaurants.
She is the author of four beautifully illustrated books on the “Art of Sogetsu” focusing on her specialities: weaving techniques with leaves and grass, palm fronds, using bamboo, and dried lotus leaves. They will be on sale at the 3-day Ikebana Show.
“I love teaching Sogestu Ikebana, but I get so much joy from what my students teach me,” observed Thielke.
The Los Altos History Museum began in 1977 with the opening of the J. Gilbert Smith House historic farmhouse, built in 1905. In 2001, the Los Altos History Museum opened its modern building next door, which houses the Museum’s collections, permanent and changing exhibits, store and administrative offices. The Museum and its collections are owned by the City of Los Altos and are managed by an independent nonprofit organization, whose staff and volunteers are responsible for all programs and operations.
The Museum and J. Gilbert Smith House are open Thursday through Sunday, from noon-4pm. Admission is free. The gardens, outdoor agricultural exhibits and picnic area are accessible beyond Museum hours. For more information, go to www.losaltoshistory.org, email hello@losaltoshistory.org, or phone 650.948.9427 x14
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Media Contact: Marketing@losaltoshistory.org
Los Altos History Museum: Crystal Taylor, 650.948.9427 x14, ctaylor@losaltoshistory.org
