For many artists, the media in which they work is as important as the work itself, however, unlike many of their counterparts, there’s a select group of artists who choose to mould the subject of their art into art itself: flowers.
“It really is an art form and it fulfills the creative feelings (many of us) have,” said long-time club member Lesley Goodbrand.
So in 2006, Dorothy Belfry and Jane Keding founded the Chilliwack Floral Art Club to meet the artistic need of fellow floral lovers. And now, 12 years later, the club is still going strong with monthly meetings from January to November, with the exception of July and August, which are used for garden visits and other activities.
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However, during this time of year, the club organizes its annual fundraiser, which is a public workshop featuring a well-known floral designer. This year, the Chilliwack Floral Arts Club has invited Susanne Law to exhibit some of her exceptional floral abilities.
After spending more than a decade as a wedding consultant, Law developed an interest in flower arrangements and began enrolling in classes to learn more before fully committing to the career change. Currently an active member of the American Institute of Floral Design (AIFD) and holder of the European Mater Certificate—two of the most prestigious floral design associations in the world—Law will share tips of the trade that she’s picked up during her more than two decades in the industry.
People “will be absolutely awed (to learn) what you can accomplish with a few flowers and bits of greenery to make things really beautiful,” said Goodbrand.
“Susan does quite a lot of jewelry with flowers … so perhaps she’ll be doing something like that for us, along with some very traditional and modern Christmas arrangements.
“And for $5, (attendees) can purchase a table centre piece for Christmas that comes with instructions on how to keep it fresh until Christmas. It’ll be a social afternoon … with a few things going on,” Goodbrand added.
Floral displays, wreaths, greenery, holiday baking, containers, floral supplies and more will also be available for purchase.
Hosted at the SureStay Best Western Hotel, the 12th annual Chilliwack Floral Club demonstration will be held on Thursday, Nov. 22, and starts at 12:30 p.m. Tickets are $20, and all proceeds go towards paying for the cost of the event and funding the organization’s next year.
For more information, or to join the Chilliwack Floral Art Club, please contact Lynn White at whitegl@shaw.ca.