Ideas will blossom with Ikebana master artist
Men and women the world over have used flowers to convey feelings since the birth of time. It is only natural, then, that the art of flower arrangement came into being, and gained massive popularity across the world. Sri Lanka was quick to pick up on the trend; the Shi-en Ikebana and Floral Art Society came into being in 1991, and has been going strong ever since, with membership totalling over 80 skilled flower arrangers at present.
The society has invited British floral demonstrator Ian Buxton to give a demonstration titled ‘Celebrating Flowers & Flavours’ today at the Galadari Hotel in Colombo from 5.30-8 p.m.
Ian’s love of floral arrangement dates as far back as the 60’s, when as a young boy he would create table arrangements with
Umbartha, a symbolic threshold that helps you to crossover from one enchanting country into another, was launched in 2011 with an exhibition and sale flowers for his family’s catering business. He went on to join the National Association of Flower Arrangement Societies (NAFAS), subsequently passing the NAFAS Area Demonstrators’ Test and from then on the National Demonstrators Test. He is also a NAFAS judge, and in 2003 led the NAFAS exhibit at the Chelsea Flower Show, which was awarded a unanimous Gold medal. of original Indian Items.
Their second exhibition and sale will be held on Saturday, March 24 from 10 a.m. to 8 p. m. at the Dutch
The proceeds from the show will go towards the Thalassaemia ward of the Karapitiya Hospital in Galle, which the society has been working with for the past few years. Ian magnanimously offers his expertise free of charge for the event, stating, “I understand the importance of healthcare. It’s a great cause and I’m very glad to contribute towards it.’ He expresses delight at the island’s flora and fauna, quipping, “You Sri Lankans take things for granted here! There is so much beautiful greenery around and I will be making use of it.”
In addition to today’s demonstration, he will also conduct a workshop for the members of the Shi-en Ikebana society.
Tickets for the show can be obtained by contacting Shi-en Ikebana’s president Shanti Shamuganadhan on 0772343500. Burgher Union Hall Bambalapitiya.
This sale will include home spun sarees and a limited selection of Tussar silk sarees unique to Maharashtra, kantha worked sarees, Lucknowi sarees and kurties, Assam silk and a whole range of office wear sarees, elegant kurtas, kurties and jewellery.
Soul Sounds, Sri Lanka’s premiere female ensemble, will take the stage this month to present a concert honouring Whitney Houston.
This will be a concert with a difference, as it will also trace the life of Whitney Houston, through songs taken from her numerous albums. Soul Sounds will present a balanced repertoire performing some of her popular songs, as well some of the lesser-known numbers, adding their own unique touch with special arrangements. This particular concert will also feature some of the best solo voices from Soul Sounds namely Shehara Liyanage, Andrea Melder Labrooy, Aanjanee Jayasooriya, Roshie Wickramaratne James, Tanisha Wijesinghe and Angela Fernando.
The concert is directed by Music Director Soundarie David Rodrigo, along with well known musicians Mignonne Fernando, Christopher Prins, Revel Crake and Pradeep Rodrigo. The event will be held on Friday, March 30 at 7.30 pm and will be the first performance of this kind to be held at the latest entertainment venue in Colombo, “The Stables” at the Park Street Mews Boulevard. There is limited seating and tickets can be purchased at the Park Street Mews. More information can be obtained by visiting the Soul Sounds webpage (www.soulsounds.org) and Facebook page.