Based in the Hudson Valley of New York, we are a chapter of the Ikenobo school of ikebana, the traditional art of Japanese flower arranging.
Current President Brian Mikesell and founder Prof. Toshiko Alden
Our founder, Professor Toshiko Shindo Alden, is well known on the East Coast for her expertise in ikebana and also for her knowledge of Japanese arts. She began her professional career as a registered nurse, but left her position as head nurse at St. Luke’s Hospital to devote herself full time to her second career as a teacher of ikebana and an ambassador of Japanese culture. She has studied at the Ikenobo Arts Center in New York , Ikenobo Headquarters in Kyoto , and twelve times at Chuo Kenshu Gakuin, the highest floral art institute in Japan. She also received a Certificate of Commercial Flower Arrangement in 1988 from the New York Botanical Garden. Professor Alden has been teaching since 1977, notably at New York Botanical Gardens, several community colleges and through private lessons. She has also performed numerous demonstrations. Her arrangements have been exhibited in the New York Botanical Garden and in the Metropolitan Museum.
Our members come from across the Hudson Valley and from all walks of life. We share a love of flowers and Japanese culture. You don’t have to be Japanese or speak the Japanese language to enjoy ikebana, it’s a wonderful art form that is accessible to everyone. 
Some of our members with a visiting professor
If you’re interested in learning more about ikebana or New York Tachibana, please contact:
Brian Mikesell
P.O. Box 214
Mill River, MA 01244
mikeselb@gmail.com
If you would like to join the member, please download the membership application form here.
Last Updated Tuesday, January 17 2012 @ 09:32 PM EST|3,113 Hits 
