San Francisco Bay Area Chapter #31
Ron Kodo Brown began his studies in Sogetsu Ikebana in 1979. He studies with Kika Shibata and holds the rank of Komon. Following his retirement from a 35-year career in the wine industry, Ron has been actively pursuing his passion and love of Ikebana as a second career. In addition to regularly teaching ikebana classes, he has demonstrated and exhibited often for many groups throughout California and beyond. His travels have taken him to Panama City, Panama; Sao Paulo, Basil; Ashville, North Carolina; Arizona and Florida. In April of 2017 Ron went to Japan for the 90th anniversary celebrations of founding of the Sogetsu School where he received the Akane Teshigahara Overseas award. Following that event, he traveled to Okinawa to attend the Ikebana International 11th World convention, where he participated in the member’s exhibition. In May of 2022, Ron received a Certificate of Commendation from the Consul General of Japan, Hiroshi Kawamura, for deepening the understanding and friendship between Japan California. Ron has been a member of the San Francisco Bay Area Chapter #31 of Ikebana International for over 40 years and has held many positions throughout his long association with the organization including as the President of the Chapter. Ron is the Director of the Sogetsu San Francisco Bay Area Branch and a member of the Sogetsu Teacher’s Association in Tokyo. He is also a member of Ikebana Teachers Federation.
Louise Ow Ling is a strong supporter of the Community serving on the Board of several nonprofit organizations: the Ikebana Teachers Federation (1st Vice President), the Ikenobo Ikebana Society of Northern California (1st Vice President), Ikebana International San Francisco Bay Area Chapter (Treasurer), the Friends of On Lok (Treasurer) and the San Francisco Gu Zheng Music Society. Louise is a Senior Professor of Ikenobo Ikebana and has participated in many local demonstrations and exhibitions including the Cherry Blossom Festival and Bouquet to Art. She also enjoys dancing and is a member of the Grant Avenue Follies.