|
At Smithers-Oasis, we don't just believe in selling products, we believe in selling inspiration and ideas too. That's why we created the Smithers-Oasis Design Directors. The Design Directors are a group of accomplished professional floral designers and educators, who provide floral wholesalers and retail florists with expert instruction on using OASIS® Floral Products to enhance floral designs.
With the superior quality of OASIS® Floral Products and some advice from the Design Directors, you can take your floral designs to new heights. To see some unique and beautiful floral designs that were specially created by our own Design Directors, visit our Design Ideas. Members of the Smithers-Oasis Design Directors are:
 |
Ardith Beveridge, AAF, AIFD, PFCI, is the director of education and an instructor at Koehler & Dramm's Institute of Floristry in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Ardith was inducted into the American Institute of Floral Designers in 1994. She is a member of Canadian Academy of Floral Arts, School of Ikebana Floral Design and the Society of Floristry Ltd., England. Ardith has designed for many prominent events including the 1997 and 2001 Presidential Inaugurations. |
| |
 |
Mario Fernandez, owner of Belle Fleur in Coral Gables, Florida, is a recognized designer, educator and commentator, working extensively in the United States, and Central and South Americas. Mario started his career in the floral industry in 1976 and has contributed to P.F.D. in both English and Spanish-language versions. Mario has earned many awards including being named Florida's Designer of the Year in 1992, and in the same year, Designer of the Year for F.T.D. |
| |
 |
Cory Lonsert captured the 2001 Midwest Designer of the Year honors in August of 2001 after only 4-½ years of design experience. He is an FTDA Master Designer and was named Ohio Designer of the Year at Ohio's annual Short Course in July of 2002. Cory represented the Midwest Floral Conference with his presentation of the program, "Translating Musical Styles to Floral Creations," at the Midwest Trade Fair in August, 2002. Cory was inducted in the American Institute of Floral Designers in July of 2003. |
| |
 |
Sharon McGukin, AIFD, PFCI, has been actively involved in many different segments of the floral industry. Her experience as a retail florist, instructional designer and floral communicator has expanded her insight of change within the floral market. Having been involved with floral retail for over 30 years, she especially enjoys communicating the latest design techniques and trends to florists as they apply to daily business. Sharon is a member of the American Institute of Floral Designers (AIFD), Professional Floral Commentators International (PFCI), and is on Teleflora's prestigious team of Education Specialists. |
| |
 |
Gary T. Meehan is a freelance designer working in the floral industry for 20 years. After attending Hixon's Design School in 1988, he gained broad experience in both retail and wholesale as a high-end supplies buyer. Gary's broad experience has included visual merchandising for some of the largest wholesale houses in the northeast. Gary now spends his time traveling throughout the country as a designer, educator, guest lecturer, and consultant. He has been most fortunate to have a client list that has included sports figures and notables in the entertainment industry. |
| |
 |
Julie Poeltler, AIFD, is the owner of Fountain of Flowers & Gifts in Lone Tree, Iowa. She has been involved in all aspects of the floral industry for more than 20 years. Julie was inducted into the American Institute of Floral Designers in 1994 and is an Iowa Master Designer. She has designed for a number of prestigious events including the 2001 Presidential Inauguration in Washington D.C., the Tournament of Roses parade in Pasadena, CA and The Academy Awards. |
| |
 |
Kevin Ylvisaker, AIFD, PFCI, has been in the floral industry over 30 years and is currently the owner of KLY Floral International in Mukwonago, WI. Kevin is also a member of the Teleflora Education Specialists Design Team, and is the Past President and current Education Director for the Wisconsin and Upper Michigan Florists Association (WUMFA). Nationally, Ylvisaker has designed and judged across the country, and has worked on both the current Teleflora Selection Guide and the Teleflora Wedding Guide, and has been featured in Teleflora's Flowers& magazine numerous times. |
For more information about the Design Directors, please contact USAinfo@smithersoasis.com.
|
