25th anniversary celebrated
25th anniversary celebrated
MINNEAPOLIS — Koehler & Dramm’s Institute of Floristry, here, is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year under the direction of Ardith Beveridge, its director and one of its instructors.
Beveridge told The Produce News that the institute is the only school in the United States that is part of a wholesale florist.
“Being located in a wholesale floral facility allows students to have experience with a much greater variety of flowers and practical experience with the dynamics of the supply chain,” Beveridge said.
The focus of the institute is to equip students with principles, secondary principles and elements of design styles with the floral medium, according to a news release. Terminology of floristry techniques, color and design form are also discussed. In addition, Beveridge’s extensive international travels help her learn about the latest trends and techniques and apply them in the classroom.
“Another unique feature of the school is that it can customize training programs to the individual needs of specific supermarket floral clients,” Beveridge said.
The school and its curriculum comply with the educational standards set by the American Institute of Floral Designers and there have been students who have continued on and received their AIFD certification after attending classes at the Institute of Floristry.
“I’ve taught numerous students over the years, probably more than 5,000,” said Beveridge. “Many are from all over the world, through various exchange programs.”
There have been over 50 graduates of the Diploma of Floral Arts & Sciences program, with more than half opening their own floral design businesses.
For more information, go to www.kdiof.com.
