Kitayama Brothers Gerbera Festival

 

Always a fun event, and an interesting design competition. I really enjoyed it last year. I hear that they have changed the format somewhat, but it still sounds like a good time! See photos of last year's event on their site.

Master Florists Web Site

A few months ago, I redesigned the web site of the Master Florists Association, a Northern California professional organization providing networking and educational opportunities in the SF Bay Area. They hadn't updated their web site since someone built one in Microsoft Front Page years ago, and it needed a major face-lift to help them in their member outreach goals.  The photo below is a "before & after."

Master Florists web site before (left) & after (right)

Together we worked to enhance the sections on the benefits of membership, news & events, and links to their Facebook page.  Thanks to Steve Brown (CCSF) for bringing me into this project.

Red Cross Gala at the SF Concourse

A designer's take on disaster preparedness using Dorthy's house as an example.

I was happy to work with Elena Finestone and Faultline Floral Design to build arrangements for the American Red Cross' gala honoring Dignity Health head Lloyd Dean at the Concourse Exhibition Center. Stanlee Gatti provided the overall event design with McCall's catering and entertainment by Gladys Knight.  20 or so of the prime tables in the center of the room were each designed by a different designer (we assisted on many of these, including the above), while Faultline provided centerpieces for all the side and cocktail tables, the VIP room and some special displays. See SF Chronicle coverage by Willie Brown (at bottom of article).

If you can't see the slideshow above, click here to see it on Flickr

Bouquets to Art 2013

If you can't see the slideshow above, click here to see it on Flickr

In March the de Young Museum was once again transformed by the best floral designers in the SF Bay Area during the annual Bouquets to Art event. Every year I am blown away by the astounding creativity on display. The slideshow above is only a small sample of the many brilliant pieces reinterpreting the art in the de Young's galleries.

Michael Daigian's interpretation of Albert Bierstadt's California Spring, 1875

 

CCSF wins AIFD prize in Miami

CCSF student designers with Jenny Tabarracci AIFD (center)

City College of San Francisco won first place at the AIFD Symposium in Miami. I know that everyone worked really hard in Jenny Tabarracci's design for competitions class, and it looks like she coached them really well. An exceptional group.

Kitayama Open House & Competition

This weekend I enjoyed participating in the Kitayama Brothers open house, and the Kitayama Cup floral design competition. I'd never competed in this sort of thing before, but it was a great experience. As completions go, this one was relaxed and supportive. I didn't really worry so much about making a great arrangement, as I was mostly just enjoying the experience. There were some real floral artists there, and everyone was really nice. Congrats to all the winners.

The open house itself was a great event. There was food, wine, gorgeous flowers, a "plant science" table (honestly, my favorite thing), the AIFD, organic veggies and herbs, and various gifts, all in support of the Friends of the Santa Cruz State Parks.  After the event and competition, there was a "100-Mile Dinner," all created with local foods.

 

if you can't see the slideshow above, click here to see it on Flickr.

Constance Spry in Flower Mag

Catching up on some reading, I came across an article about the amazing British florist Constance Spry in Flower Magazine. This issue happens to be the 5th anniversary issue, so it has lots of good things in it. Fortunately, the Spry article is available on-line. She was known for breaking British floral design out of the Victorian mold, and she created floral designs for many prestigious occasions, including the wedding of Wallis Simpson and the Duke of Windsor, and the Coronation of Queen Elizabeth II in 1953. Her life was quite a journey... a fascinating story. See the article and more photos at Flower Magazine.