The Tucson Museum of Art is pleased to announce a three-day special exhibition, Garden in the Galleries, presenting ikebana flower arrangements located throughout the museum’s art galleries. Ikebana, or “living flowers,” is a Japanese ancient art dating back to the 7^th century when offerings of flowers were made at altars. By the 16^th century, this art form became integrated into Buddhist and Shinto religions. Over the centuries, ikebana has grown into 1000 schools and can be practiced by anyone interested in learning the discipline. Based on strict ideas of shape, line, and form found in nature, ikebana strives for balance and harmony. Blooms, stems, and leaves each play an important role, representing heaven, earth, and humanity.

Different schools and styles of ikebana are represented in this exhibition, integrated within the permanent collection galleries. Ikebana artists Ping Wei, JoAnn Hyde, and Yume Japanese Gardens of Tucson founder Patricia Deridder will contribute arrangements to this exhibition. During the run of the exhibition, artists will share their knowledge of this unique art form by offering demonstrations of how to make the arrangements. Lectures related to ikebana, Japanese culture, and hands-on activities will also take place throughout the weekend.

Saturday, April 7:
11:00 PM: Ikebana demonstrations with certified Sogetsu artist, Ping Wei
2:00 PM: A lecture on Buddhist aesthetics with the University of Arizona’s Dr. Takashi Miura

Sunday, April 8:
Ongoing: Art-making activities in conjunction with Second SundAZe Family Day @ TMA
11:00 AM: Guided origami classes

Local woodworking artist Patricia Reddeman will be selling her handmade ikebana arrangers all weekend long during a trunk show hosted by the Museum Store.