About Us

L.to R. Yoni Mayeri, Neuza Lake, Rachel Johnson, Dorcas Walton, Soho Sakai, Laura Brainin-Rodriguez, Keiko Kubo, Veronica Pang, Takako Miyashita.

About Us – Soho Study Group (SSG)

•  Sensei Soho Sakai: Chairperson                •  Dorcas Walton: Co-chairperson
•  Laura Brainin-Rodriguez: Secretary            •  Rachel Johnson: Program Committee Co-Chair
•  Keiko Kubo: Program Committee Co-Chair        •  Takako Miyashita: Hospitality
•  Yoni Mayeri: Historian/Website/Photographer   •  Neaera Baer, Membership
•  Neuza Lake, Auditor                           •  Veronica Pang (Yuk Sim Leung), Treasurer

Soho Study Group, founded in 1997 by Soho Sakai, Riji, and her students, provides continuing study of Sogetsu School’s curriculum and concepts. Soho Sakai, is a renowned master teacher and artist; her students number in the hundreds. Many of her students have graduated to become strong and devoted teachers of Sogetsu School

We host workshops for our members, and present flower shows, demonstrations and displays at various community locations. In October 2007, we presented a 2-day Sogetsu 80th Anniversary celebration at the Oakland Museum of California, Floral Sculptures in the Gardens of the Museum.

We are a dedicated group of individuals who continue our study of Japanese flower arranging with workshops and educational meetings. Geared to expanding the membership’s knowledge and understanding of the principles of Sogetsu Ikebana, and encouraging their creativity and artistic abilities, the meetings offer an opportunity to exchange ideas and grow as Ikebana designers.

With over 170 current members, more than 80 of them teachers, Soho Study Group represents a significant force in the contemporary Bay Area Ikebana community.

Yayoi “Soho” Sakai, Riji

Albany Community Center,

Orinda Community Center; Private Lessons, Soho’s Ikebana Studio

(510) 234-5748,  sogetsubysoho70@comcast.net   

June “Junpo” Matsuoka, Riji

Oldemeyer Center, Seaside; Privates Lessons, Campbell

(408) 377-3801,  atwwilleyexpr@msn.com

Rachel “Soshin” Johnson

San Rafael Community Center; Private Lessons, San Francisco

(415) 624-6353,  Soshin@simplygrounded.com

Keiko “Reiho”Kubo

J-SEI in Emeryville

(510) 333-1974,  keikokub@gmail.com

Nancy “Sorin” Locke

San Mateo, Hilo, HI

(650) 340-9647,  nancy.locke@sbcglobal.net

www.ikebana-nancy.com

Hiromi “Yoho” Nomura  

 San Francisco   

(415) 412-5631 belleflora@att.net

Hidemi “Soei” Onoda 

San Francisco   

(415) 378-6786 honoda@att.net