About the Sogetsu Colorado branch

We are a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting the appreciation and study of Sogetsu-style ikebana, the Japanese art of flower arranging.

Our organization was founded in 1986 by Mrs. Kyoko Kita. Under her dedicated leadership as the director and a teacher of Sogetsu ikebana, the organization grew and flourished to become one of the largest branches in the country. We currently have teachers, students, and practitioners in the Denver Metro Area, Boulder, Broomfield, Colorado Springs, and the western slope.

Mrs. Kita went on to achieve the position of Riji, the highest teacher rank possible by Sogetsu headquarters. She always encouraged her students to continue their study and practice in order to become active teachers themselves. We currently have six members in our organization who have achieved the rank of Riji and a number of our members offer classes throughout the area.

Mrs. Kita continued to teach and provide cultural leadership until her unexpected death in September 2010. Mrs. Ruby Maruyama assumed the role of Director in 2007 and continues to be a dedicated and enthusiastic leader for our group. In 2017, Martha Polson became the third director. Kimiko Kuno became the fourth director on April 1, 2022.

In addition to weekly curriculum classes offered by our certified Sogetsu teachers, we hold workshops and events throughout the year all across our community. Our branch has hosted many special events including the Sixth North American Seminar in 2000 featuring guest artist Akane Teshigakara, the current Iemoto (head) of the Sogetsu School of Ikebana. We also host events and workshops led by master instructors from the official Sogetsu headquarters including master teachers such as Ryu Ishikawa, Tetsunori Kawana, and Toshiyuki Ohki.

Each year in March we have an annual exhibition at the Denver Home Show that includes a display of individual arrangements by our members, large installations, demonstrations, sample classes, and cultural performances such as that by the Denver Taiko Drummers.

Interested in helping us keep the traditional art of ikebana alive in Colorado?

We are gladly accepting new members—students and teachers—and also accept and deeply appreciate all charitable donations. You may submit donations via Zelle (Sogetsu.colorado@gmail.com) or make checks payable to “Sogetsu Colorado”. Please mail all physical checks to: 
P.O. Box 270321
Superior, CO 80027