Eileen Kay has been a meditation practitioner and student of Buddhism for over 40 years. She is currently on the Board of Directors of Sogetsu Colorado and chair of the workshop committee.  She has been the Chair of Kalapa Ikebana in Boulder, Colorado – dedicated to the study of the contemplative art of kado and is also an active member of Ikebana International Denver Chapter.

With more than 25 years of experience, she frequently demonstrates and arranges flowers at Ikebana events and local functions.  She has organized, led, and participated in various advanced training workshops over the years and has taught at Naropa University. She was a long-time ikebana student of Sensei Kyoko Kita, founder of Sogetsu Colorado, until her death in September 2010 and continues to practice, teach, and study.  Eileen has Komon Rank and Certification awarded from Sogetsu International.

Kinko Ohata is a Sogetsu teacher who has more than 40 years of experience and has the highest level teacher certificate within Sogetsu School.  Kinko first discovered the love for Ikebana after she had moved to Colorado and took lessons under the instructions of the late Mrs.  Kita. She hopes to convey her passion for Ikebana by teaching the constantly evolving nature of Sogetsu style arrangements and always pushing for new ideas and creativity.