The Canadian Academy of Floral Arts presented its annual design show and new member induction ceremony on Oct. 8, 2008 in Toronto. The event, themed ‘Art in E-motion’ also included a photo competition, a People’s Choice Award competition, dinner as well as the induction of a new president. Outgoing president Inta Taurins, CAFA kicked off the night with her final address as head of CAFA, remarking on the organization’s achievements over the last year, which include attracting a record number of portfolios, new student examinations and another successful stint designing for the Canadian Juno Awards. She honoured Lynn Postma with the 2008 President’s Award for her dedication and hard work.

CAFA then welcomed three new members into the organization - Pamela Sheppard, Sun Ja Park and Sandra Kaiser – as well as a number of student CAFA members. The new inductees were lead through a revised code of ethics by Patricia Patrick, CAFA, AIFD. Taurins then handed over the CAFA gavel to the organization’s new president elect, Joel-Marc Frappier, MFA, CAFA. In his address, Frappier told the audience that for the coming year, “The board’s objectives are healthy, vigorous and share in the productive work of growing the academy. We will further share in the bounty of a revived academy.” He added that through these efforts “we can and will secure our rightful place in the national and international floral communities.”

During the intermission, the audience was given the chance to select a favourite for the People’s Choice Competition. The winners were divided into four categories and are as follows:

Lust – Susanne Carlascio, CAFA
Envy – Veena Sagoo, CAFA
Sorrow – Derrick Foss, CAFA
Joy – Rada Ristich, CAFA

The organization’s design show kicked off with three segments – Stop Motion, Slow Motion and Ocean Motion – and the crowd was wowed by designs and arrangements prepared by a host of CAFA members.

Click on the link to see pictures of runway designs from the show as well as pictures from CAFA's People's Choice Competition.