Art Classes

Art Classes

Art Classes

Art classes, from high art to folk art, have a long tradition at JASC. We are very excited to bring back various classes and workshops in 2025 as we settle into our new building.

We keep class size small offering high quality instruction. Class fees vary according to materials used.

Please call Ruby Grillier at 773-275-0097 ext. 229, or email: with any questions.

Ikebana

JASC Ikebana classesExperience the beautiful simplicity of ikebana, the art of flower arranging. Here you will learn the basics and be able to create your own stunning flower arrangements in the style of the Ohara School of Ikebana. All skill levels are welcome. Each class is a complete, stand alone experience. Learn about seasonal flowers while exploring your creative side.

Students will need to bring:

  • Their own needle point holder (aka, frog, kenzan), some are available for use during class, but students will need their own to enjoy their work at home. Some will be available for purchase in class. Here is an example of the appropriate kenzan for the rectangular Ohara School style.
  • Students will be able to use a vase in class, but to display the work at home please bring your own flat bottom vase.
  • A bucket or waterproof bag to take home your flowers after class.
  • Flowers are provided and the class fee includes the cost of flowers for your arrangement.

Instructor : Mrs. Yuko Inoue Darcy
(Ohara School of Ikebana Chicago Chapter)

 JASC Members Non-Members
$55 per Class $65 Per Class
February Classes  March Classes
Thursday, February 13 – 6:30 pm – 8:00 pm

Thursday, February 20 – 6:30 pm – 8:00 pm

Thursday, February 27 – 6:30 pm – 8:00 pm

Thursday, March 27 – 6:30 – 8:00 pm

Registration is open now online or by calling our office.

About Yuko Inoue Darcy, Instructor of Ikebana

Since 2005, Ms. Inoue-Darcy has been teaching Ikebana throughout Chicagoland. She is a member of and an instructor in the Ohara School of Ikebana, both in Japan and in the U.S. Originally from Japan, Ms. Inoue-Darcy practiced Ikebana, Tea Ceremony and Incense Ceremony from a young age. Ms. Inoue-Darcy moved to the U.S. where she received a Master’s degree in Comparative Literature from Washington University in St. Louis, where she was also an instructor of the Japanese Language. In 1994, she accepted a teaching position at West Side High School, a public high school in Gary, Indiana, striving to inspire and nurture students with Japanese art, culture and language. While teaching in Gary, she was voted to be listed for Who’s Who Among America’s Teachers. Ms. Inoue-Darcy has traveled to more than 20 countries, exploring her curiosity about each country’s indigenous plants, flowers and arrangement styles.

Currently, Ms. Inoue-Darcy is an active Ikebana lecturer, exhibiter, and demonstrator who travels nationally and internationally. She teaches regularly at the Japanese American Service Committee, the Evanston Art Center, the Japanese Culture Center, as well as at her own studio in Lincoln Park. Her principal teachers are the late Hougyoku Hirai, the late Senyo Kato, the late Kazuko Ernst, the late Houhatsu Takeuchi, and Kousui Kawakami. Ms. Inoue-Darcy is the President of the Ohara School of Ikebana Chicago Chapter as well as the President of the Ikebana International Chicago Chapter. Ms. Inoue-Darcy holds the First Term Master’s degree, the highest instructor’s certificate.

Origami with the Chicago Northside Origami Group

The Chicago Northside Origami Group meets once a month at JASC. This informal setting welcomes all ages and skills to come and fold together. No experience necessary.

Please bring paper for folding, and any models or books you would like to share.

Please contact June Yamasaki at june.yamasaki@gmail.com for more information.

Meets every 4th Sunday of the month
Upcoming dates are: January 26, February 23, March 23
Time: 1 pm – 5 pm
Cost: $5 per folder (if a caregiver brings a child and does not fold the adult does not need to pay)