'It's a great honor:' New Pabst Mansion exhibit features 'ikebana' or the art of Japanese floral arrangements

 

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- Step inside of the Pabst Mansion and you'll immediately be awed by the valuable antiques, striking ceilings, and ornate decor.

But starting Friday, the house museum is getting a bit of a flowery update.

Its newest exhibit features "ikebana" -- or the art of Japanese floral arrangements. 

"The Pabst Mansion has partnered with the Milwaukee chapter of Ikebana International to synthesize the beauty of the Mansion and the art of Japanese floral arrangements. Over twenty ikebana displays will be positioned throughout the historic home to express the symbolic qualities of each floral element while also drawing upon the aesthetic, history and design of the Pabst Mansion. By interpreting the past, present and that which flows between through these meditative floral compositions, visitors are invited to reflect not only on this home and the family that once inhabited it, but also their own connections to the wider space and place around them," a statement from the mansion's website said. 

While some of the arrangements may look simple, there are rules and forms that the artists have to follow to evoke different emotions while simultaneously molding to and highlighting the spaces they are in.

“It’s a really great honor to be able to interpret and share with the public. We really enjoy it when people come to visit and we get to talk to them about the arrangements," said Sharon Banaszewski, who has practiced the art for years. 

Floral Reflections: Ikebana at the Pabst Mansion opens April 28 and goes through May 1.

All tours are self-guided, but there will be both Pabst Mansion docents and ikebana artists present for each tour.

There will also be live ikebana demonstrations at 11 a.m. on April 28, 29, and 30. There is no additional cost for viewing demonstrations.

If you can't make it in the morning, the mansion is also hosting a special evening tour on April 29 which "invites guests to take in the Japanese floral exhibition, which includes over twenty ikebana displays positioned throughout the historic home in the spaces which inspired their design, while enjoying live music and floral-inspired cocktails."

Musician Tokiko Kimura of the Ikura School will play her koto during the nighttime event, which is the national instrument of Japan. 

To purchase tickets, click here.