Virtual Ohara Ikebana Exhibition: Drift Away
2020/12/10
From November 14 to 29, the Embassy of Japan held a virtual Ohara Ikebana Exhibition in collaboration with the Ohara School of Ikebana Ottawa Chapter. The theme of this year’s exhibit was “Drift Away”. The Ohara School’s annual exhibition has been held at the Information and Culture Centre for many years, but this year, due to the coronavirus pandemic, the exhibition was held virtually and enjoyed by many viewers.
In his video greeting, Ambassador Kawamura touched upon his participation in the outdoor exhibition organized by the Ohara School of Ikebana Ottawa Chapter in September. He mentioned that he was impressed with the members’ creations and that he was able to feel the charm of ikebana during his visit. In addition, he noted that he wanted this virtual exhibition to provide the opportunity to take our mind off of the coronavirus and to peacefully enjoy the beauty of ikebana.
On November 19 and 26, Ms. Michelle Barron, a member of the Ohara School of Ikebana Ottawa Chapter presented virtual tours of the exhibition. The tours offered explanation and background information for a total of 32 pieces that were created by the members. These guided tours helped promote interest and deepen understanding of ikebana and Japanese culture. Throughout the tours, many questions from the participants were also asked and answered. An ikebana piece commemorating the passing of Mrs. Aline Chrétien, spouse of former Prime Minister Jean Chrétien, was also on display in the virtual exhibition. Mrs. Chrétien, who loved ikebana and contributed tremendously to the promotion of ikebana and Japanese culture through ikebana, passed away in September.
In his video greeting, Ambassador Kawamura touched upon his participation in the outdoor exhibition organized by the Ohara School of Ikebana Ottawa Chapter in September. He mentioned that he was impressed with the members’ creations and that he was able to feel the charm of ikebana during his visit. In addition, he noted that he wanted this virtual exhibition to provide the opportunity to take our mind off of the coronavirus and to peacefully enjoy the beauty of ikebana.
On November 19 and 26, Ms. Michelle Barron, a member of the Ohara School of Ikebana Ottawa Chapter presented virtual tours of the exhibition. The tours offered explanation and background information for a total of 32 pieces that were created by the members. These guided tours helped promote interest and deepen understanding of ikebana and Japanese culture. Throughout the tours, many questions from the participants were also asked and answered. An ikebana piece commemorating the passing of Mrs. Aline Chrétien, spouse of former Prime Minister Jean Chrétien, was also on display in the virtual exhibition. Mrs. Chrétien, who loved ikebana and contributed tremendously to the promotion of ikebana and Japanese culture through ikebana, passed away in September.
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Ambassador Kawamura in his video greeting
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Mrs. Marie-Eve Coupal, President of the Ohara School of Ikebana Ottawa Chapter in her video greeting |
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| Virtual Ohara ikebana pages |
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| Mrs. Marie-Eve Coupal, President of the Ohara School of Ikebana Ottawa Chapter’s ikebana piece |
Ikebana piece commemorating the passing of Mrs. Aline Chrétien |
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| Ambassador Kawamura giving his welcome greeting at the virtual Ohara ikebana tour |
Virtual Ohara ikebana tour by Ms. Michelle Barron |