Since 1996 she has been an international committee member
for all of Ikebana International's World Conventions held every five
years in Japan.
For more than forty years Sharon has taught and demonstrated
ikebana in England, Canada, America, and the Caribbean.
In June 2010 Sharon introduced Ohararyu ikebana to Saaremaa,
Estonia at the Mihkli Talu Museum. She has since given workshops
and demonstrations at Kadriorg Museum and Adamson-Erik
Museum in Tallinn.
She has participated in ikebana exhibitions in Japan, Jordan, Taiwan
and India.
From 2000 - 2012 she taught ikebana at ROM (The Royal Ontario
Museum) in Toronto.
In 2012 Sharon Koor received The Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee
Award for her ikebana endeavours.
In 2017 Sharon was one of the eight overseas members invited to
demonstrate at the 11th Ikebana International World Convention in
Okinawa, Japan. More than 1,000 members from around the world
attended this convention.Sharon Koor is a First Master of The Ohara School of Ikebana.
She is a founding member of The Toronto Ohara Chapter
and Vice President of The Toronto Japanese Garden Club.
From 1995 -1997 Sharon was President of Ikebana International
Chapter 208 in Toronto.
She has given ikebana lessons on Breakfast Television and Michael
Enright's CBC Radio Program "Sunday School".
Irene Foulkes :: Ikenobo School
Born: Irene Toshiko Nakamura Slocan, British Columbia
1964: Began study of Ikenobo Ikebana at the Toronto Buddhist Temple with Sachi
Kawaguchi
1970: Studied daily for 1 year at Rokkakudo temple, the headquarters of the Ikenobo
school in Kyoto, Japan with senior Professor Ueno,
1980: Again, a year’s study in the practice hall at headquarters, this year also adding
rikka to my studies with senior Professor Fujii, a rikka specialist.
I was very privileged to study under these two professors who held special life-time
positions within Ikenobo headquarters.
1989: Studied again for a year at the new headquarters of the school in the international
class taught by Senior Professor Miura. She had been Professor Fujii ‘s special
assistant since 1970.
1985: (Around this time) Started teaching at the Toronto Buddhist Temple giving weekly
classes for 6-7 months of the year. I continue to do this. I hold the certificate of Senior
Professor of Ikebana 3rd Grade.
Presently, I am a vice-president of the Hamilton Ikenobo Society and a board member
of the Toronto Japanese Garden Club.
I have displayed arrangements and given workshops and demonstrations at various
locations in Ontario.
2018 activities:
- Gave a presentation of Ikenobo ikebana to the Niagara Garden Club
- Demonstrated at the Chinese Artistic Orchid Show
- Participated and helped organize (particularly the mini display) the 50th Anniversary
Hamilton Ikenobo Ikebana Society show
- Gave a workshop on the iris shoka arrangement to members.
- Participated and helped organize the Japanese Garden Club Morning Glory
Show(Aug.) and will co-chair the Chrysanthemum show. (Oct.)
Personal note: married to Frank Foulkes and have 2 sons, Bryan and Michael, and 2
wonderful grandchildren. Live in the Riverdale area.
Marcia Lenglet :: Misho School
I was one of the last two people to join the Misho school. I met with Mrs. Tamara on a weekly basis for a long period of time. She had total command of all forms in the Misho school and was also.gifted at creating free form arrangements. I have continued arranging flowers in the Misho style since her death. Ikebana has brought peace to my life.
