Ron Brown has studied Sogetsu Ikebana since 1979, first with the late Burleigh Fedanza, later with Shuko Kobayashi.  Each of these earlier teachers recognized Ron’s vitality and artistic abilities.  They imbued him with an enthusiastic pursuit of unlimited creative options, using both natural and manmade materials in his Ikebana.  Since 2007 he has studied with Kika Shibata and has earned the Sogetsu rank of Somu.  He is committed to Sogetsu’s vision of new and unlimited interpretations of Ikebana.

Living in northern Sonoma County, Ron has always been inspired by the stunning countryside.  He was a vintner for 35 years, but even before his retirement from the winemaking profession, he began to expand an early interest in ceramics and developed a special attraction to old metal objects with their rusted, pitted surfaces.  He collects these discarded objects and shapes them into sculptures and assemblages.  Some evolve as “stand-alone” pieces while others incorporate plant materials.

Since 1988 Ron has taught Ikebana students in Sonoma, Marin and Mendocino counties.  After his students master the basics of arranging, Ron urges them to go beyond the usual and explore creative possibilities that exist with plant materials.

For more than three decades Ron has been a valuable member of Ikebana International.  An ever-willing volunteer, Ron served in various assignments, including Chair, for the chapter’s biennial flower shows beginning in 1988 through 2011.  At present he is the chapter’s Program Chair for the 2011-2012 season.

The Sogetsu San Francisco Bay Area Branch claims Ron as a Deputy Director for Programs and Park Liaison.  In addition to producing regular workshops and programs, he has chaired the Branch’s biennial flower shows since 1999.  In May 2008 he led I.I.’s  Outdoor Workshop at the 16th North American Regional Conference in Monterey, CA. 

His active Ikebana life includes demonstrations and workshops in Panama and Sao Paulo, Brazil.  He demonstrates for I.I. chapters in Sacramento, Monterey, and other flower arranging groups.  He has participated in “Bouquets to Art” at the de Young Museum in San Francisco.  Twice he assisted the late headmaster Hiroshi Teshigahara in performances in San Francisco.  Ron plans to attend the forthcoming 17th North American Regional Conference in Ashville, North Carolina.