Amira Matsuda, an expert in the Japanese form of flower arranging known as Ikebana, will be offering two workshops at the 29th Annual Texas Bamboo Festival. There will be a Beginners Workshop and an Advanced Workshop. Workshop will be two hours. Each workshop will be limited to ten students, so sign up early to reserve your space.
Ikebana profile of Amira Matsuda
Started her Ikebana study 1995.
Got first teaching Diploma in 1999 and began teaching the same year.
Served as President of Ikebana International Dallas Chapter #13 in 2002-2004.
Served 3 terms as Director of Sogetsu School of Ikebana Dallas Branch, coordinated and Partnered with the Dallas Arboretum to build two large sculptures at the Dallas Arboretum gardens with the help of 3 guest artist from Japan as well as local sogetsu members.
Served as the President of International women club of Dallas 2004-2006.
Participated in a numerous Ikebana Flower Exhibitions locally and internationally, performed more than 100 demonstrations, workshops at many locations including Tramel Crow Museum of Asian Art, Dallas Arboretum, New Mexico, Arkansas, San Antonio, local Schools, Garden Clubs, University of Paris in France, Performed a major roll in local and International festivals, cultural programs. Latest overseas participation was the 100 Annual Sogetsu Exhibition in Tokyo Japan, in March and November of 2019 .
Traveled with Japanese cultural group from the sogetsu foundation to France, Spain and Andorra, the mission of this group is to spread the Japanese art and culture to other nations and create bridges of friendships with people worldwide.
In 2015 Invited and Coordinated a Texas size Cultural Event, first of its kind in North Texas, in Partnership with the City of Plano and Japan America Society DFW, 32 high ranking Artists from Japan were involved over 3 days condensed schedule of activities, such as Tea Ceremony, Calligraphy, Origami Folding Art, giant Bamboo Outdoor Sculpture, Live Demonstrations, Workshops as well as Open to Public FLower Exhibition. All activities were held at the Courtyard Theater in Downtown Plano. More than 100 volunteers were involved and over 1000 people participated in this event.
Started the tradition of Exhibiting Ikebana Flower arrangements during the annual JASDFW Otsukimi and Mochii-Tsuki Events.
Awarded by Japan America Society ( JASDFW )2010 for 10 years volunteering services and actively making a deference in the community.
Awarded by the Tramel Crow Museum of Asian Art in 2015 for spreading the asian Art in the North Texas and making a deference in the community.
Actively participated in Ikebana International world and regional conventions, France, Taiwan, Middle-east Japan, and several within the US.
Taught Ikebana to all ages, more than 30 students graduated with teaching diplomas from Ikebana 4U School and successfully active in the community.
In 2018 received overseas Award from Akane Teshigahara the headmaster of sogetsu school of Ikebana.
In February, 2022 was promoted to RIJI, the highest rank the sogetsu foundation can offer and the first ever given in Texas.
Amira Matsuda, Experienced Ikebana Instructor since 1995
Teaches Ikebana classes for Level 1 - Level 5, as well as Teachers Level. Beginners are welcome too. Certification can be available to those who may wish to be certified.
Offering Several Classes held monthly in Plano TX on weekdays / weekends at home, the Oak Point Recreation Center 6000 Jupiter Rd. Plano, TX 75074 and once a month at the San Antonio Garden Center from 10am - 2:30pm at the following location:
3310 N. Braunfels, San Antonio TX 78209
Zoom classes are available for special cases.
Class duration is approximately 2 hours. Reservation is required before attending, to enroll in class please contact Amira Matsuda for class application at : 214-202-7640 or email to:
Questions? Call or text 512-906-8250 or send email
What is Ikebana? Ikebana is the art of Japanese flower arrangements. It is an artistic expression composed of flowers and plant materials to enhance their beauty. The techniques of Ikebana emphasize one's character, discipline, and appreciation for Mother Nature. What sets Ikebana apart from any other type of flower arrangement is the fact that everything has a rule. From the style of the containers, to the lengths and angles of each stem, to the usage of open space, everything must be placed with meaning and depth. There are 2 basic forms of Ikebana styles; Moribana, & Nageire.
Another form of Ikebana is Sōgetsu, which typically uses either a tall, narrow vase such as one made from bamboo, or a flat, open dish in which the flowers and branches are fixed in a hidden spiked support.