SSG Board Members:
Front Row: L to R: Dorcas Walton, Soho Sakai, Cora Metivier, Rachel Johnson
Back Row: L to R: Yoni Mayeri, Takako Miyashita, Neuza Lake, Keiko Kubo, Neaera Baer, Veronica Pang
• Soho Sakai: Chairperson
• Dorcas Walton: Co-chairperson
• Cora Metivier: Secretary
• Rachel Johnson: Program Co-Chair
• Keiko Kubo: Program Co-Chair
• Takako Miyashita: Hospitality
• Yoni Mayeri: Historian/Photographer
• Neaera Baer: Membership
• Neuza Lake: Auditor
• Veronica Pang (Yuk Sim Leung): Treasurer
• Dorcas Walton: Website Coordinator
• Rob Harrison: Webmaster
Soho Study Group, founded on October 1, 1997 by Soho Sakai, Riji, and her students, provides continuing study of Sogetsu School’s curriculum and concepts. Soho Sakai, is a renowned master teacher and artist; her students number in the hundreds. Many of her students have graduated to become strong and devoted teachers of Sogetsu School.
We host workshops for our members, and present flower shows, demonstrations and displays at various community locations. In 2023, we hosted a 2 day flower show at the Orinda Community Center to celebrate the 25 year anniversary for Soho Study Group. In October 2007, we presented a 2-day Sogetsu 80th Anniversary celebration at the Oakland Museum of California, featuring Floral Sculptures in the Gardens of the Museum.
We are a dedicated group of individuals who continue our study of Japanese flower arranging with workshops and educational meetings. Geared to expanding the membership’s knowledge and understanding of the principles of Sogetsu Ikebana, and encouraging their creativity and artistic abilities, the meetings offer an opportunity to exchange ideas and grow as Ikebana designers.
With over 160 current members, more than 100 of them hold a teaching certificate, Soho Study Group represents a significant force in the contemporary Bay Area Ikebana community.
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Ikebana Reflects The Person Who Arranged It
The de Young Museum’s Bouquets to Art presents a virtual demonstration and lecture by esteemed Sogetsu Ikebana Riji, Soho Sakai.
Soho Sakai
Well-respected international ikebana teacher Soho Sakai began practicing the ancient Japanese art and discipline of ikebana in 1957 in Kumamoto, Japan. As a longtime Bouquets to Art exhibitor and presenter, Sakai discusses the relationship between ikebana, nature, and the floral designer, exploring how the designer creates beauty with feelings.
Soho Sakai received the Sogetsu Encouragement Award for her unwavering teaching and promotion of Sogetsu students. She received this award in 2008, 2017, and 2023.
