SAIFD Trillium Chapter is a student branch of the AIFD
International Floral Organization (American Institute of Floral
Designers) the leading organization that promotes education in floral
design.
Normally a floral design program needs to be a two-year full-time program before an application is granted. But after the Seneca College program was thoroughly examined by the committee and industry leaders like Ralph Null, AIFD, and Frankie Shelton, AIFD, it was determined that the program fulfilled the requirements. A Student Chapter is formed with a body of student memberships in a full-time college program in floral design. The membership is open to all students and is structured into a chapter with a president, vice-president, secretary and treasurer. The student members vote them all in.
The main objective of having a Student Chapter is, of course, to support and promote the students’ progress and help them to become not only excellent designers but also professionals and industry leaders.
Each SAIFD Chapter is required to host an AIR program on an annual basis. Artist in Residence (AIR) is a co-operative program of active AIFD designers and student members of AIFD. Through this program, leading AIFD designers are invited to teach and demonstrate some of the floral industry’s latest trends, techniques and design styles. This knowledge helps to strengthen student’s skills as they enter the job market. The students also receive the benefits of hands-on, design experience with the guest artist.
Some great artists, like Claudia Tang, AIFD, Anne Leeson AIFD, CAFA, and international designer Klaus Wagener from Germany, just to name a few, have been participating with the chapter at Seneca. Member students are eligible for the SAIFD Student Competition that is held every year at the International Symposium at different locations in the United States. This, of course, is a very special highlight for the best students who not only participate in the competition but also have the opportunity to volunteer in different events and be part of a great floral experience.
The Trillium Chapter is the only SAIFD Chapter in Canada and is instrumental in promoting excellence in design and professionalism for the future of the floral industry.
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