CFAofA

Seminar 2008

The Seminar was a spectacular success, with outstanding programs and more Kaleidoscopes than ever. The vendors, the food, the camaraderie, the sun-splashed venue with colorful landscaping....all were wonderful. For floral designers at all levels of expertise, the Seminar offered inspiration and instruction. The Kaleidoscope display was breathtaking in its variety, beauty and artistry. The design programs were filled with tips, techniques, "trade secrets" and fresh ideas.

Phil Rulloda, a legendary trendsetter in the floral art field, came from California to dazzle all with his skill and imagination using tropicals. A fortunate few attended his Workshop to receive one-on-one instruction. Each year, the workshops fill up fast, and are kept small so that each student receives personal attention. It was truly memorable for members to have the opportunity to learn from such an acclaimed master, through both the workshop and the program.

The Contrived Flower Workshop, a first-ever component of the Seminar, was a huge hit. Led by the talented Claudia Bates, 5th generation Floridian, the attendees created "faux" hibiscus flowers made from dried and shaped philodendron sheathes.

Ann Ramsey of Jamaica was a delightful presenter with an appealing and warm personality. Her designs exemplified the exotic flair of the Caribbean, her homeland. Colorful and bold, her work reflected the inner grace and spirituality of the designer.

Bonnie Dordal of Minnesota brings the true eye of the artist to her design work. With freshness of vision, Bonnie created designs to thrill and inspire. Her designs are dramatic and daring, with a fearless use of color and color harmonies.

Hailing from Georgia, a group of talented North Georgia Judges and Designers presented a program on "Abstraction in Creative Design", narrated by Deen Day Sanders. Deen's wonderful article on the subject has been posted to our website, so you my read more on the topic here, and also in the latest issue of Design Dimensions, CFAA's magazine. The program and article shed light on the important concept of abstraction, so central to all creative design.

To end the Seminar, a group of Florida designers dazzled with a program that incorporated music with the design work. We "traveled" around the state of Florida with a program that ranged from ethereal to whimsical. Written and narrated by Meredith McWaters of Orlando, the program was the perfect ending to a great Seminar. As the finale, an illuminary design representing Disney World was done by Margaret Kirkpatrick. We left with "When You Wish Upon A Star" ringing in our ears and in our hearts.

Each year the Seminar seems to be over all too soon, and CFAA members beginto anticipate the next year's Seminar. We make new friends and renew our frendships from previous years. We learn, we have fun and we share. Most importantly, our creative juices are renewed. Everyone goes home with new ideas and fresh inspiration. We are grateful to all who work hard throughout the year to make it happen. Special thanks go to CFAA President Marilyn Litvack and her team for a wonderful and memorable event.

Article by Jan Sillik, CFAA Website Coordinator and Editor of Design Dimensions

Announcements Seminar 2009 will be held at the Marriott Orlando Airport February 19-22, 2009
Next year, the Featured Designer/Workshop Instructor wil be On Thai, a creative and brilliant designer from New York state. Known for his flair and imagination, along with a mastery of mechanics and trends, he will be a wonderful anchor for the 2009 Seminar.	Members wishing to place a Kaleidoscope design at the 2009 Seminar should contact the coordinator, Elaine Parisi. Contact information is available from the webmaster.

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