CFAofA

Seminar 2003

CFAA Seminar 2003 was held February 27 - March 3 at Adam's Mark Fancy Dessert Orlando. The annual CFAA Seminar is assuredly one of the highlights of the year! And this year was no exception. CFAA members gathered from around the US, and other countries, to enjoy this very special event.

The lineup of designers and vendors was outstanding; the Seminar was fun-filled, entertaining and, most of all, instructive. The fortunate group who came early to attend MYRNA CORDRAY's Workshop enjoyed a special time of learning, and furthering their design skills.

The Kaleidoscope display graced the mezzanine as always, offering a spectacular showcase of designs, illustrating the talent and imagination of our members.

On Friday evening, the Reception/Kaleidoscope Preview kicked off the Seminar in a wonderful way. Everyone enjoyed viewing the designs while socializing and catching up with old friends.

The evening culminated in a delightful program featuring designer, BOBBI HEENAN. Bobbi has a "show biz" background, we learned, and that could account for her skill in captivating an audience while creating exciting, innovative designs.

GLADYS JOHNSON, of Ohio, dazzled the group on Saturday morning with her beautiful, well-executed designs. Gladys has won numerous awards, including the Silver Honor Medal for outstanding service to the American Rose Society. Gladys is a rose arrangement judge, and gives numerous programs, workshops as well as presenting floral designs at art museums.

After a delicious lunch, members enjoyed a terrific program, "Challenge to Creativity - Tony and Friends" with TONY TODESCO, 3rd Vice President of CFAA, as the highly entertaining emcee. What a great group of talented designers! We were all truly challenged and inspired after this terrific program.

After dinner on our own, we returned to enjoy the superb talents of SOEI CHIEKO MIHORI, who was born and educated in Tokyo. She is a Sogetsu teacher from Delray Beach, Floria. A woman of many talents and interest, she is an Ikebana instructor, and a master of the Fujuma school of Japanese dance, and she is a solo performer annually in Kabuki theater. Her devotion to perfection was readily apparent to all.

Sunday we enjoyed a glorious day of design, with PHYLLIS ANDREWS and BONNIE DORDAL presenting a program originally planned by the late BETTY REYER. Phyllis and Bonnie did a beautiful job of interpreting Betty's designs. These two special friends honored Betty, remembering and celebrating her life and talent. These two designers from Minnesota brought wide-ranging skills to the task, presenting a memorable program.

ALLYN SIKES of Tallahassee, Florida gave the final program of the Seminar on Sunday afternoon, and it was a great way to end the Seminar, truly a grand finale. Allyn created two designs (among the many he did!) as a moving tribute to BOB THOMAS, and the audience appreciated this special salute to our founder and incomparable teacher, friend and mentor. The bold, dynamic designs created by Allyn thrilled the audience.

Too soon, the Seminar came to a close. A large group of happy, inspired and renewed CFAA members wound their way to the parking lot, or airport, to return home. Making new friends and spending time with friends of longstanding, was a highlight of the Seminar. We all began immediately to look forward to next year's Seminar. See you there!

- Jan Sillik, Web Coordinator, Creative Floral Arrangers of the Americas

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