SW floral art branches out

Bunbury Regional Art Galleries had a taste of Japanese culture during a floral art exhibition at the weekend.

Members of the ikebana group Koryu Toyokai travelled from Setagaya for the Flower Designers Club of Bunbury's annual Blooming Art exhibition.

Ikebana is the Japanese art of flower arrangement and demonstrations were held on Friday and Sunday at the art galleries.

The exhibition was special because it was held during the club's 50th anniversary and featured floral interpretations of artworks in Bunbury City Council's art collection.

Koryu Toyokai headmaster Noriko Miyamoto said she enjoyed the trip to Bunbury.

"I've been to more than 20 countries to demonstrate ikebana and it is always a wonderful experience," she said.

"This was the second time that I came to Bunbury for the Blooming Art exhibition and it was great that I could come during the golden jubilee of the Flower Designers Club of Bunbury."

Mrs Miyamoto said she taught audiences which flowers and branches to choose when performing ikebana.

Bunbury-Setagaya Sister Cities Committee chairwoman Betty McCleary said Koryu Toyokai's participation in the event was an example of the close connection between Bunbury and Setagaya.