Central Ohio Ohara Ikebana invites everyone to discover the beauty and artistry of Ohara Ikebana.
Through engaging classes and innovative outreach, we inspire creativity, personal growth, and community connection by sharing the elegance and therapeutic benefits of Japanese flower arranging.
Joe Rotella, the Founder of the Central Ohio Ohara Ikebana group started taking Ohara Lessons after seeing an exhibition at Franklin Park Conservatory offered by Ikebana International Chapter #84.
Partnered with Asian American Community Services (AACS) to deliver Ohara Ikebana classes as part of their service offerings. Partnered with the Yokoso Center to offer classes in their beautiful culture center.
Started offering lessons twice each month, beginning with Hana-isho arrangements, continuing with Moribana arrangements. Joe Rotella featured in 614 Refined (pages 22-24) magazine. Recipient of the Iwaya Fund Innovation Challenge Grant.
On November 1, 2024, Headmaster Hiroki Ohara granted us permission to organize the Central Ohio Shibui Study Group of the Ohara School of Ikebana in OH, USA for the term started on November 1, 2024 to October 31, 2026.
We aim to raise awareness and engagement in Ohara Ikebana, providing opportunities for personal growth, healing, creativity, and community building, by offering lessons, workshops, lectures, demonstrations, and exhibitions.
Leveraging partnerships with local organizations and employing innovative outreach strategies, we work to remove barriers to participation and promote Ohara Ikebana across diverse audiences.
