SAIFD Artist in Residence (AIR) Presentation
Kishwaukee College
Theme: Alternative Structures: Creating Structures for Working with Glass
Date: February 24, 2009
In this picture, Silver is creating an armature using wire and beading.
The horticulture department at Kiswaukee College hosted an Artist in Residence (AIR) program on February 24. AIR is sponsored by the American Institute of Floral Designers (AIFD) and consists of professional floral designers giving presentations and demonstrations to floral design students and then assisting the students with a hands-on project.
Howard Silver AIFD, event florist with Anthony Gowder Designs, Inc., visited with the Kishwaukee students. Silver demonstrated for the students how to manipulate materials into different forms, including how to create an armature, a decorative and/or supportive framework for floral composition, during the morning session. Armatures are typically created using natural materials such as branches but can be made with non-natural materials, for example, wire. In the afternoon, Silver worked with the students in creating armatures as well as hand-tied bouquets in the European style.
According to Kishwaukee College floral design instructor, Janet Gallagher AIFD, "Howard showed the students that they do not have to use traditional wet foam and greenery as a base for their arrangements. He had the students use wire and beads both mechanically and decoratively, including using some wire that he had brought back from his trips to Europe. It was a great experience with a professional designer for the students."
For more information on the Floral Design program at Kishwaukee College, contact Janet Gallagher at (815) 825-2086, ext. 461 or by
e-mail at jgallagh@kishwaukeecollege.edu.
