Garden Club ‘ARTflor’ discussion to be held

Hitomi Gilliam

Hitomi, whose friendship with last year’s popular speaker, Els Teunissen, led her to accept our invitation to Boca Grande, is calling her presentation “ARTflor: What’s New In Floral Design?”  

According to her, “ARTflor” is the result of “thinking to create” the most effective design, with inspiration provided by flowers and their attributes in order to showcase the wonder of nature. ARTflor stresses the importance of knowing elements and principles of design intimately. In her presentation she will share the exciting use of new varieties of flowers and foliages, as well as the latest supplies and accessories on the market.  

As Hitomi put it in a recent note to the club, she will explain and demonstrate “the newest generation of mechanics and techniques in the field of floral design.”

Hitomi is the author of six books, the founder of an annual conference in New Mexico called “Survival of the Creative Minds,” and one of the leading edge floral designers in the world. She specializes in contemporary abstract styles and is a mega-star in the world of floral design, as one of only seven recipients of the American Institute of Floral Designers prestigious Design Influence Awards.  

By far one of the most sought-after speakers by museums and botanical gardens across North America, she brings her well-traveled knowledge of the latest trends from around the world to award-winning programs, workshops, and displays that always entertain and enlighten. She is also the founder of the Design 358 Floral Collective, a group of creative individuals she has selected to focus on sharing knowledge that will inspire, educate and grow floral design awareness both within the industry and among the general public.

Their conclusions are published in their annual Flower Trend Summit Report.  View More images >>

Her program on February 6 is free to members, and open to the public on a space-available basis for a fee of $30, payable to the Boca Grande Garden Club, with “Feb mtg” in the memo space. Reservations for non-members should be made by first calling Kay Ferland at (941) 924-7328, and then mailing a check to the club at POB 1246, Boca Grande, prior to the meeting or bringing a check to the meeting.  
Advance reservations for non-members will be required for this presentation, in order to ensure that space is available since this program will be widely attended by members.

In addition to her program on February 6, Hitomi will also conduct an in-depth workshop on Thursday, Feb. 7, at the Boca Bay Power House titled, “Essential Mechanics and Techniques for ARTFlor.” Space is limited and may be sold out. Auditors for the workshop may be accepted if space is full, at a cost of $20 to members and $25 to non-members.

To get more information on space availability or to make a reservation, please contact Gay Darsie at 964-0976.