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.
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
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. The group, founded in 1990 by Reiko Nakajima and Joan Walter, introduces the practice to the public and community through collaborations with various organizations and artists. Past events and partners have included the Carnegie Museum of Art, Phipps Conservatory, the Andy Warhol Museum, the Cleveland Botanical Garden, Ohio University Eastern and more.
Sogetsu Pittsburgh was a 2023 Fallingwater Institute Artist-in-Residence, with members presenting Elements of Balance, a curated installation throughout the historic house, terraces and grounds. The collective continues to be led by Nakajima and Atsumi 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. Sogetsu is a school of ikebana founded in Japan in 1927 by artist Sofu Teshigahara on the premise that traditional ikebana – originally intended for altars, the tokonoma and tea ceremonies – could be expanded and be created “anytime, anywhere, by anyone.” Sogetsu incorporates influences including modern sculpture, abstract art, architecture, and design while honoring custom and particular techniques.
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.
ApplyApplication
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.