OPA "Ceramic Showcase"

Sixteen members of the Sogetsu School, Portland Branch, created arrangements and did demonstratons for the Oregon Potters Association "Ceramic Showcase" at the Oregon Convention Center in April 2008.

The Branch was invited to participate in this year's Showcase to coincide with the visit of 15 potters from the Hokkaido Pottery Society, whose works were on exhibition at the Showcase.

Branch members created 15 arrangements in the Lobby of the Portland Convention Center, using ceramic pieces made by the Oregon potters. Three members, plus three kuroko, presented a Main Stage demonstration to show the relationshp between pottery and ikebana.

In the Sculpture Garden, Portland Sogetsu members did ten demonstrations during the three-day event, using containers made by both the Oregon and Hokkaido potters. Many of these members had never done a demonstration in public before, and discovered the joy of sharing their love of ikebana with strangers. It was fun and challenging to use containers they had never seen before. All agreed that it was a wonderful community service event and provided good exposure for our Branch.