Carnival - A Cultural Revolution

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

Carnival

(Check out the Program Slideshow Below)

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.

(Program sponsored in part by CMC Floral Wholesale, John G. Hofland, Highland Evergreen, and Smithers-OASIS North America.)

NOTES:

Experience Canada's ethnic diversity through the eyes of its celebrations and cultural festivals. From the icy cold Quebec Winter Carnival, which is the essence of French Canadian sophistication, to a spiritual gathering at a First Nations PowWow, then on to the colourful Carabana Parade through the streets of Toronto with its infectious music and elaborate masquerade costumes.

Inuksuk - This Inuit word means "in the image of man," it is built of stone and is used as a means of commnication to the tribes that follow. It says "we were here, it was safe, food and water are plentiful." The stones are all separate entities that are chosen for how well they fit together as they are secured through balance - each supports the one above and is supported by the one below. Together the stones achieve strength thorugh unity.