Northwest Chapter
Beloved Northwest Members & Floral Family,
As the vibrant colors of spring begin to emerge, we are thrilled to announce that the Northwest American Institute of Floral Designers (NWAIFD) is “Blooming into Spring”! We have a series of exciting events lined up that promise to inspire, educate, and connect our wonderful community of floral designers.
Virtual Contest
ANNOUNCING!! our “Foraged & Found” virtual design competition is back! And what better than to feature NATURE, and its RESILIENCE Winners announced on EARTH DAY {April 22}
This opportunity is OPEN TO ALL! Photo submissions will be accepted through April 9, 2025 for the chance to earn the gift of a GENERAL REGISTRATION to this July’s AIFD American Institute of Floral Designers National Symposium “Reflection”…OR the generous offerings of free online classes with the established Floral Design Institute ! We’re so excited to have such support from our industry partners and hope you’ll join in this fun event!
Click the link that takes you to ALL the GUIDELINES & details of the competition. Check it out and SPREAD THE NEWS to all your florist friends!!!
Educational Highlights
Congratulations to Shamay Andrich AIFD and Kathy Jones AIFD who presented at the North Dakota Floral Association Convention in March.
The Portland Spring Flower and Garden Show in Seattle was held in February with Michelle Dummer AIFD presenting and designing a floral art installation
Also in February was the Northwest Flower and Garden Festival in Seattle and one of our past presidents Gina Thresher AIFD EMC was teaching workshops with all the “blooms and bubbles”!
Upcoming Events
A talented group of AIFD, CFD EMC designers will be featured at the Hilton Hawaiian Village on April 13 for a couture and fashion show. Join Lily Chan AIFD EMC, Constance Oakson AIFD EMC, Hiromi Nomura AIFD EMC, Katherine Zang AIFD, and Cory Ho AIFD for this spectacular event.
Wedding Bliss April 6 – 8, 2025 with Gina Thresher
The annual Portland Rose Festival, scheduled for May 23, is a must-attend event on my bucket list. I look forward to experiencing it with Michelle Headrick AIFD and Leanne Kesler AIFD in the future…are you attending this year?
Bouquets to Art at de Young Museum is coming up in San Francisco from June 6-8. Watch for more details coming soon. Many of our California members participate in this fabulous event featuring floral art.
OFAD- Organization of Floral Art Designers annual seminar August 7- 10 in San Francisco featuring NW members Constance Oakson AIFD EMC, Hitomi Gilliam AIFD EMC and Cheryl McGuire AIFD EMC
BIG EDUCATION NEWS
“Inspired Design: Nature’s Canvas” Presentation & lei-making workshop. We are delighted to invite you to an extraordinary event at the Van Dusen Botanical Gardens in Vancouver. This event will feature two exceptional floral designers: Brenna Quan AIFD – Our esteemed past president & award-winning designer of NWAIFD & Sue Tabbal-Yamaguchi AIFD EMC – Our talented friend from the islands, highly sought after wedding designer & artist. BONUS! Fleurs de Villes- Downton Abbey
Workshop & Program Highlights include
- Designing Sustainably: Embrace eco-friendly practices in your floral creations.
- Lei Making: Learn the intricate and beautiful art of creating a floral lei
- Blending Temperate Blooms with fabulous Dried botanicals & Lush Tropicals:
- Social Media Insight: Enhance your social media presence with tips & insight
- Deluxe Boxed lunch from The Garden Café at Van Dusen
- Entrance to the gardens and the Fleurs de Villes- Downton Abbey
We are confident that this workshop will provide valuable knowledge and inspiration to elevate your skills and creativity. Join us in beautiful British Columbia May 30 to view the beautiful botanical gardens, lunch included together, connect, create and explore new possibilities! Plus meet your NW President and our guest the National President of AIFD and our friend Laurie Lemek AIFD. See our socials and website on how to get your spot, see our amazing sponsors, read the bio’s of our talented feature designers. www.nwchapteraifd.squarespace.com
Business & Other AIFD Highlights
Leadership and Meetings
- President Elect: Shamay Andrich AIFD
- Events: Incoming Presidents Meeting and National Board Meeting
- Location: Palm Springs
- Dates: March 15-17
- Attendees: Shamay Andrich AIFD, National Board representative Sharrai Morgan AIFD, and Regional Board member Rachelle Neal AIFD
- Additional Meeting: National Strategic Planning Meeting attended by Poppy Parsons AIFD EMC
Designs of the Decades
Have you entered one of the decades for the Designs of the Decades Competition yet? Your two final chances at an incredible opportunity are coming up!
- Next Theme: 2000 February 28 – March 28
- Final Decade Contest: April 18 – May 19 (2010-2020)
- Grand Finale Competition: July 14 Reflection Symposium
Reflection Symposium 2025
- Event Date: July 14
- Location: Palm Springs
- Registration: Open at www.aifd.org/2025-symposium-reflection
Many of our Northwest AIFD members are actively involved this year since it’s oh so close to home. We have multiple members on the main stage presenting, members hosting educational sessions, and as always members volunteering and in leadership roles. Are you joining us? Want in on the actions? Reach out to any of your board members – check out our website www.nwchapteraifd.squarespace.com or see our page on www.aifd.org/chapters/northwest
As we look forward to the warmer months, we encourage all members to participate in our events and share their passion for floral design. Together, we can continue to grow and support each other in this beautiful art form that we love.
Yours in flowers and friendship,
Poppy Parsons AIFD EMC
President, Northwest Chapter American Institute of Floral Designers
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