One workshop featured various forms of renka, where arrangers work cooperatively to create arrangements. For example, a team of three people may make arrangements using some common design element, perhaps the same flower or materials of the same color. Another form of renka involves a larger group of people creating individual arrangements which are then linked together in some way to make one large arrangement.

Ms. Fukushima's demonstration, held at Portland's famous Japanese Garden, showed her skills and creativity, as she created arrangement after arrangement that caused ikebana students and invited guests to gasp in appreciation. She is a master of large arrangements, skillfully using wire and nails as mechanics to hold branches (and, in one case) an entire tree together. She taught us to think beyond the obvious, and use materials in unconventional ways to create beautiful ikebana.

Ms. Fukushima's visit inspired us as individual arrangers and showed us new ways to enjoy working with our ikebana colleagues.