THE SPACE THAT CONNECTS
A HANDS-ON 4-DAY WORKSHOP
EXPLORING EMPTY SPACE
IN A HISTORICAL CHURCH GARDEN
AUGUST 8TH TO 11TH 2025

FOR ARTISTS AND IKEBANISTS

When Space Becomes Presence

This 4-day immersive workshop is about an in-depth, hands-on exploration of Ma in the Garden of an historic church.

Ma is the Japanese concept of empty space that is not empty, but charged — the meaningful interval that gives form, rhythm, and relationship to what surrounds it.

The goal is not intellectual understanding, but integration. By the end of the workshop, Ma becomes something you can feel, recognize, and apply with confidence within a natural landscape space.

What You Will Learn:

You learn why Ma is difficult to explain and why good explanations are rare
You experience Ma through an hands-on exercise rather than abstract theory
You learn to read Ma in placement, distance, rhythm, and timing
You train your eye and body to recognize when Ma is present or absent
You learn how to consciously incorporate Ma into your own work

You will join an international group of engaged artists and ikebana practitioners in transforming the historic garden of the Sint-Pieters Church into a living gallery. Working together, we will create large-scale installations that make space visible and tangible.

Your work will be included in the exhibition THE SPACE THAT CONNECTS at the end of August, where the church interior and garden become a place of encounter, dialogue, and reflection.

LAST YEAR IMPRESSION

Meet Your Instructor | Ilse Beunen

36 Years of Practising ikebana
26+ Years of Certified Teaching Experience
Trained in Japan: She spent 11 years mastering Sogetsu Ikebana while living in Japan.
Author of Two Books: Exploring Ikebana and Inspiring Ikebana.
Global Recognition: Awarded the Sogetsu 90th Anniversary Commemorative Overseas Award
Sogetsu Excellence Award 2025: For the Summer Workshops and Exhibition MOVE! in 2025.
Trusted by Thousands: Over 40,000 followers on Facebook and 17,000 newsletter subscribers

MOVE! 2025

Limited Spots for Personalized Attention

With a maximum of 10 participants, this intensive workshop ensures personalized guidance and ample opportunity to explore and master new techniques.

Don't wait too long before booking.

Your workshop fee covers

Daily lunch and beverages to keep you energized
Teaching and exhibition fees
A professional photo of your installation, perfect for your portfolio
We provide the materials for creating your installation

PRICE: 599 €

FAQ'S | FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What do I need to bring? You don't have to bring anything. We have scissors, containers, drills, basically all material necessary.

Does it matter which school I follow? It doesn't matter from which ikebana school you are, every style is welcome.

I am an artist and have no ikebana experience. Can I participate? Sure we had artists successfully participate before.

What is your cancellation policy?

Cancellations up to 8 weeks before the workshop: full refund.
Between 8 and 4 weeks: 50% refund.
Less than 4 weeks before the workshop: no refund.

Essential Workshop Information

Spaces are limited—secure your spot now and be part of this transformative experience.

Workshop Locations & Schedule

August 8 -11 (Sat & Tuesday): Sint-Pieters Church: Pl. Cardinal Mercier 51, 1090 Jette – Installation phase

Time

Daily from 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM (but expect to stay later—enthusiasm tends to extend our days!)

Accommodation Advice

If you are traveling from abroad, we recommend booking a hotel or B&B within easy reach of the church