Mieko Kubota, Ikebana Master, was recognized recently by the Miami-Dade County Asian Advisory Board with its “Community Service Award.”
The award is “In appreciation and recognition of your exceptional leadership qualities and your endeavoring support, unparalleled dedication, selfless hard work, and contributions to the Asian community of Miami-Dade County.”
Attending the event, among others, were Consul General Ken Okaniwa of the Consulate-General of Japan in Miami and Miami Commissioner Ken Russell.
Ikebana is the Japanese art of flower arranging.
Kubota has been a Miami resident for over 45 years, teaching ikebana, Japanese language and the Japanese culture to children and adults at Miami Dade College as well as throughout the public schools and community. She has been recognized by the State of Florida with the “Folk Heritage” Award as well as being identified as a “Folk Artist” by the HistoryMiami Museum where she had a three-month residency sharing the Japanese culture with the community.
Ikebana International was founded in Japan and is an all-volunteer, non-profit cultural organization with chapters throughout the world. Kubota has been a longtime member, officer, and teacher of the Miami Chapter 131. The chapter meets at Pinecrest Gardens monthly and all who are interested are invited to attend. Miami Chapter 131 will be celebrating its 50th anniversary in March 2019.
For more information about upcoming events, visit the website www.ikebanamiami.org.
