Woman arranging white flowers in a woven basket surrounded by houseplants

Ikebana workshops & private lessons in Vancouver

Seasonal workshops
Hosted through local creative collaborations and through the Vancouver Ikebana Association (V.I.A), Emily hosts ikebana workshops throughout the year.

(Price varies)

Private workshops & group lessons
Private beginner workshops, or private group lessons are available for private and corporate gatherings with a qualfied instructor.

(1hr, $75 CAD / person+)

Private ikebana introduction (1:1)
This bespoke session is designed to introduce you to the basics of ikebana, you’ll create two unique floral arrangements with legitimate, qualified instruction.

This session can be customized to your preferences and can also offer introduction to intermediate or advanced ikebana mentorship.

(2+ hrs, $200 CAD+)

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The 5 core tenets of Sangetsu arranging:

1. Arrange flowers naturally

2. Arrange quickly, to not sacrifice the vitality of materials

3. Arrange with harmony

4. Arrange as if you are painting a picture

5. Arrange with joy, and bring joy to others through flowers

Two women arranging flowers together in a kitchen, with yellow curling branches and a floral centerpiece.
Black-and-white portrait of a young Japanese man wearing traditional kimono and hakama beside a flower arrangement

What is Sangetsu ikebana?

Since ikebana’s introduction to Japan in the 6th century, thousands of schools of thought formed around the various approaches to ikebana. Today, there are over 3,000 ikebana schools in practice.

The Sangetsu school of ikebana is a highly naturalistic and intuitive ikebana philosophy founded and practiced by master arranger and founder of Atami, Japan’s Museum of Art (MOA) Mokichi Okada in the early 20th century. The Sangetsu School of Flower Arranging was officially registered on June 15, 1972, by his successors. The name “Sangetsu” means "mountain moon". The name was taken from the beautiful teahouse, Sangetsu-an, constructed in the gardens Okada created surrounding the Hakone Art Museum in Gora, Japan.

Sangetsu philosophy teaches that the earth and all of nature is alive, and that the most important focus is to arrange flowers, branches and leaves in keeping with the dynamic life forces, growth patterns and inherent beauty of the natural world.

In Sangetsu ikebana, the highest rank one can achieve, and the highest form of arranging is known as “kohrinka”; rings of light. A kohrinka arranger lets rules and teachings fall away, and the artist communes directly with nature to form a co-designed composition.

Your first ikebana lesson:

No experience is required to take an ikebana lesson, or to arrange flowers at home.

Intro lessons are meant to provide the curious with an inclusive environment to engage with the core teachings of ikebana gathered from formal study, with deep respect for its teaching traditions.

Foundational design rules will be taught, but the goal is to leave with a ikebana composition that brings you joy.

People engaged in an ikebana workshop at a modern boutique store with display shelves and clothing racks.
Colorful beginner ikebana floral arrangement with yellow and red flowers, green vines, and dark foliage in a black planter on a wooden pedestal
Person arranging ikebana white lilies and pink flowers in a wicker basket beside a smartphone.
Person photographing a beginner ikebana flower arrangement in a glass vase at a beginner ikebana workshop inside a gallery.
Woman photographing a beginner ikebana with her smartphone in a boutique at an ikebana workshop event.
Ikebana workshop flyer featuring a sculptural floral arrangement with green hosta leaves and white spherical flowers; Sunday, October 19 at 6 PM with artist Emily Matick.
People arranging colorful flower arrangements on a long table in a brick-walled room
Three friends socializing at an ikebana workshop by a brick-framed window overlooking historic buildings
Ikebana teacher Emily Matick giving an ikebana lesson at a private studio
Rustic wicker basket floral arrangement with yellow flowers and decorative dried seed pods on a wooden pedestal
People arranging flowers at a workshop table inside a clothing boutique with colorful track lighting and clothing racks.
Ikebana-style floral arrangement with pink pompom flowers and green blooms in a black bowl on a wooden table
Person photographing a flower arrangement on a wooden stepladder in a bright gallery room with track lighting.
White chrysanthemums in a vase beside an open window and exposed red brick wall
Two floral arrangements of white chrysanthemums and yellow flowers displayed on a table in front of clothing racks.
Home workspace with potted plants, black shelving, desk, scissors, water bottle, artwork, and pendant light
Four people create floral arrangements with flowers, greenery, and tools around a table indoors.
Sunlit brick-walled room with a large window, covered tables, and potted floral arrangements

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