Canadian CAFA Members Design For AIFD Symposium

Featuring a Panel of CAFA members, including: Patricia Patrick AIFD, Maija Asaris AIFD, Velta Berzins, Marijke Engel AIFD, Donna Gleeson AIFD, Marianne Suess AIFD, and Inta Taurins

Individually and combined, these seven Canadian designers have a wealth of experience and knowledge in all aspects of the floral industry: retailing, judging, event planning, displays and educational instruction to name a few. Over the years, they have worked with each other, served on various committees and boards of directors to the betterment of the Canadian floral industry and shared the stage at numerous design shows, workshops and demonstration.

However, their strongest link is the Canadian Academy of Floral Art, founded in 1992 by Patricia Patrick, who served as its first president. CAFA was conceived as an examination process to accredit fine designers and was fashioned after AIFD's standards of excellence. All the members of today's design team have served on the CAFA Board of Directors… three of them in the position of President.

"Carnival ~ A Cultural Revolution" explores Canada's ethnic diversity and the design team in a small way epitomizes that diversity. Most are immigrants themselves or first generation Canadians of immigrant parents. Their heritage is from Switzerland, Latvia, Germany, Holland, France, Scotland and England and contributes to their unique personal style

Source: American Institute of Floral Designers