About Sogetsu Sydney/NSW
For more than 65 years, Sogetsu Sydney/NSW has been fostering the art of Sogetsu Ikebana in Sydney/New South Wales through exhibitions, workshops, demonstrations and regular member gatherings.
As one of Australia's longest-established Sogetsu branches, we bring together students and teachers of all levels to learn, exchange ideas and inspire one another. Our monthly meetings provide a welcoming and creative environment where members explore new techniques, discuss design concepts and continue their artistic journey while building lasting friendships.
We meet throughout the year in Chatswood on the second Monday of each month. Whether you are completely new to ikebana or an experienced practitioner, you are warmly invited to join our community.
If you would like to become a member, please contact any member of our committee or complete the application form below. We look forward to welcoming you to Sogetsu Sydney/NSW.
The Legacy of Sogetsu
in New South Wales
In 1959, Norman Sparnon and his wife Mary returned to Australia after thirteen transformative years in post-war Japan. During this time, Norman became captivated by the art of Ikebana, studying under Sofu Teshigahara, the visionary founder of the Sogetsu School, and Professor Yuchiku Fujiwara of the Ikenobo School. He envisioned Ikebana not just as an art form, but as a bridge for cultural understanding and a path toward lasting peace between Australia and Japan.
Following the publication of his landmark book, Japanese Flower Arrangement — Classical and Modern, Norman settled permanently in Sydney. His passion and expertise sparked a vibrant Sogetsu community, which flourished through his public demonstrations and the dedicated teachers he inspired and trained.
Throughout the decades, Sogetsu art has graced Australia's most prestigious cultural landmarks, including the Sydney Opera House, the Art Gallery of New South Wales, and the Museum of Contemporary Art. Our history is marked by high-profile visits from Sogetsu leadership, including Founder Sofu Teshigahara in 1967, his daughter Kasumi in 1974, and later Iemoto Hiroshi Teshigahara in 1985.
In recent years, our branch has continued to engage the public with exhibitions at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Floriade in Canberra, and many regional galleries and gardens. This enduring legacy is carried forward today by eight master teachers who demonstrate the evolving beauty of Sogetsu across Sydney and beyond.
We remain dedicated to Norman Sparnon's original vision: fostering creativity, cultural exchange, and friendship through the timeless beauty of Ikebana.
Norman Sparnon
Norman Sparnon OAM was born and raised in Melbourne, and went on to become one of Australia's most influential teachers of ikebana, both at home and internationally. Following his transformative experience in post-war Japan, Norman's teaching style and bridge-building through art became a cornerstone for the community we celebrate today.
Join Us
Thinking about joining the Australian Sogetsu Sydney/ NSW? Whether you're completely new to ikebana, an established teacher, or somewhere in between, we'd love to have you. Fill in the form below and a committee member will follow up with everything you need to get started.