This 3-day, 2-night dynamic program will embrace what Sogetsu ikebana school founder, artist Sofu Teshigahara encouraged in his distinctive approach to ikebana: that it could be practiced Anytime, Anywhere, by Anyone. Coming together in the midst of summer, in the mountainous meadows surrounding Fallingwater and its sculptural form, we welcome creative practitioners and students in fields of art making, architecture, interior design, landscape design, product/industrial design, graphic design, education, etc. to join us in an exploration of material, form, and collaboration driven by the principals and techniques of modern ikebana and in response to the distinctive setting of Fallingwater and its surrounding natural resources. The program will culminate in ‘living sculptures’ to be placed onsite at Fallingwater.
A series of interrelated activities led by Sogetsu Pittsburgh will include in-depth demonstrations that focus on ikebana techniques and composition; hands-on workshops that build both individual skill and a collaborative approach; curated hikes and foraging for ikebana materials; visits to the historic home and grounds for inspiration and site selection; and discussions including ikebana historical context and methods. Preparation of small and large scale Sogetsu style arrangements by diverse participants and the lead teachers will be placed on selected exterior locations of the house and surrounding natural settings that include a vantage point of the architectural wonder of Fallingwater.
This program is generously supported by the Ikebana Iwaya Fund as a recipient of the 2025 Iwaya Fund Innovation Grant and Ikebana Iwaya Educational Scholarships. The Ikebana Iwaya Fund is committed to promoting and supporting ikebana related activities as they foster interactions among multiple ikebana organizations, and the dissemination of ikebana to the public at large.
https://www.ikebanaiwaya.org
FEATURES:
- Exceptional access to Fallingwater, an international landmark included on the UNESCO World Heritage List, including special evening access
- Creative activities led by Sogetsu Pittsburgh, including demonstrations, focus on techniques and composition, hikes and foraging for materials, and discussions including ikebana historical context and methods.
- On-site housing at Fallingwater Institute’s educational facility, High Meadow
- Studio activities take place at the Cheteyan Studio at High Meadow
About the Instructors
Reiko Nakajima
Sogetsu Ikebana Sensei
Reiko Nakajima’s lifelong commitment to the Sogetsu school of ikebana began in 1980 with study in Kyoto, Japan where she first became an instructor. She returned to Tokyo in 1984 studied under Mrs. Senso Onaka for four years. After moving to the United States, she continued teaching and founded the Sogetsu Pittsburgh Study Group in 1990 which she still heads today. She has led countless students through the Sogetsu curriculum with her in-depth expertise and intuitive approach. Reiko received the prestigious Sogetsu School ‘Overseas Award’ in 2007 and 2017 and served as President of Ikebana International Pittsburgh Chapter #25 from 1996 to 1998. She is the Exhibitions Chair for the organization, overseeing exhibits at Phipps Conservatory and other cultural institutions. She has developed and featured Sogetsu demonstrations, special workshops, and exhibitions throughout the region.
Atsumi Sewell
Sogetsu Ikebana Sensei
Atsumi Sewell has studied and shared Sogetsu Ikebana for over 50 years and served as an assistant teacher at the Japanese Consulate in Perth, Australia from 1996 to 2000 before coming back to the United States. She has been co-chair of Sogetsu Pittsburgh since 2001, guiding students and artists at beginning and advanced levels with her distinctive artistry and expert eye. Atsumi served as President of Ikebana International Pittsburgh Chapter #25 from 2004 to 2006 and led workshops for the Canton, Ohio Chapter through 2022. She has exhibited, collaborated with, and offered demonstrations at numerous private galleries, public settings, and academic and cultural institutions.
Sogetsu Pittsburgh
Sogetsu Pittsburgh is a collective of ikebana practitioners dedicated to studying and sharing the modern art of Sogetsu ikebana through workshops, special projects, and exhibitions. Founded in 1990, the group introduces the practice to the public and community through collaborations with various organizations and artists. They have worked closely with the Andy Warhol Museum, Phipps Conservatory, Cleveland Botanical Gardens, Carnegie Mellon University, and others. Recent major projects include Gei 芸: The Beauty of Ephemeral and Eternal, a 2024-2025 multidisciplinary group exhibition with select artists at Contemporary Craft, one of the country’s premier art and craft spaces and Elements of Balance, a 2023 Fallingwater Institute residency and curated installation throughout the historic house, terraces, and grounds. The collective continues to be led by Nakajima and Sewell as principal instructors and is active with Ikebana International Pittsburgh Chapter #25, established in 1959 by Kay McKenna of Greensburg, cultivating the appreciation of ikebana in the region.
Facilities
Participants will stay on the property at High Meadow, the Fallingwater Institute’s residency facility designed by AIA Gold Medalist architect Peter Bohlin, who is the founding principal of the firm Bohlin Cywinski Jackson. This property is situated adjacent to Fallingwater, and includes eight bedrooms, each with a private bath. This secluded site is surrounded by an amazing view of the Bear Run Nature Reserve – the 5,100-acre natural area that is home to Fallingwater.
Studio activities are held at the Cheteyan Studio at High Meadow, and on site at Fallingwater. This is a casual and natural learning environment where daily activities can inspire great things! All meals are provided.
Eligibility
You must be at least 18 years old to participate. Creative practitioners and students in fields of art making, architecture, interior design, landscape design, product/industrial design, graphic design, education, and related fields are welcome to apply.
This program is not designed for experienced ikebana students or teachers. If you have some experience with ikebana, please describe it in the application.
Program Sessions
Insight/Onsite: Sogetsu Ikebana Summer Studio at Fallingwater Institute
August 22 - August 24, 2025
$500 per person, plus 6% service fee. Tuition includes lodging, meals, art materials, studio supplies, tour tickets, and exceptional access to Fallingwater.
Application
The application deadline for Insight/Onsite: Sogetsu Ikebana Summer Studio is May 25, 2025. All applications will be reviewed and evaluated together, regardless of submission date. Applicants will be notified of acceptance status by June 1, 2025. Applicants should accept or decline (if plans have changed) by June 15, 2025.
Two Ikebana Iwaya Fund Educational Scholarships are available to selected participants based on need and/or merit. If you would like to be considered please indicate this on your application. Please note, your interest in the scholarship does not impact your eligibility for the program.
Please complete our application form.
Tuition is $500 per person, plus 6% service fee. Tuition includes lodging, meals, art materials, studio supplies, tour tickets, and exceptional access to Fallingwater.
For more information, contact fallingwaterinstitute@paconserve.org.
Cancellation and Refund Policy
If you cancel your registration for a one-day workshop any time up to 30 days before the day of the program, you will receive a refund minus a $25 processing fee.
If you cancel your registration for a multi-day program (residencies, Insight/Onsite, etc.) any time up to 30 days before the first day of the program, you will receive a refund minus a $50 processing fee and a $150 cancellation fee.
If you cancel less than 30 days before the first day of a Fallingwater Institute program, refunds are not available.