[ Society History ]

WEST AUSTRALIAN FLORAL ART SOCIETY INC 'AIMS'  

The aims of the West Australian Floral Art Society Inc is to :

The West Australian Floral Art Society is the recognised 'State Body' for Floral Art in Western Australia.  The National Association is the Australian Floral Art Association.

A Report compiled for a national magazine is included for further information regarding the WA Floral Art Society Inc.......

WEST AUSTRALIAN FLORAL ART SOCIETY INC 

 (Report compiled by Dianne Buckles March 2011)

A Society rich in history that takes knowledge from the past and works towards the future

‘A Society rich in history that takes knowledge from the past and works towards the future’

The West Australian Floral Art Society Inc is the recognised ‘State Body’ for floral art in Western Australia - under the umbrella of our ‘Parent Association’ the Australian Floral Art Association Inc (AFAA) with a membership of approx 70 with ages ranging from ‘13 years old to 90 years young’ and comprising of 6 affiliated clubs throughout the state. 

This society has produced many outstanding floral designers throughout its 59 years with many members receiving awards locally, nationally and internationally. The commitment of our members ensures this society continues to grow and look towards new and exciting times in floral art - where the focus to see Floral Art recognised as an ‘Art Form’ continues to drive this society to producing bigger and better events, highlighting our art form and our members creative skills to the wider community. 

This society endeavours to promote ‘Friendship Through Flowers’ and our ‘Aims’ are to; cultivate an appreciation of flowers and floral design; to develop the skills of creative floral design among its members by friendly competition at its meetings, with monthly demonstrations and periodic workshops and to foster a friendly atmosphere to enjoy the beauty of flowers and admire the creative talents of the members

The society has had many milestones including 55th ‘Emerald’ Anniversary celebrations in 2007 and last year our society hosted the 4th Australian Floral Design Convention titled ‘Floral Rendezvous 2010’ where floral designs travelled from around Australian and overseas to compete at this prestigious event.

With a long history of promoting floral art in this state, our society continues the tradition of providing monthly meetings where floral artists are able to participate at their own level by offering a variety of competitive sections and activities for our membership.  ‘59 years’ is a milestone in any organisation and this society is very proud of its history.

Our normal monthly meetings provide 10 sections where members can stage designs and operates under the following format :

‘SHOW BENCHES’

Sections specifically designed to allow members to progress at their ‘own pace’

‘OPEN BENCHES’

These sections are open to any member of the society to stage a design

Members usually stage around 40 designs at monthly meetings and our own qualified Floral Art Judges provide assessment, personal feedback to exhibitors and offer a general analysis of 1 bench class per meeting.   Awards for 1st, 2nd and 3rd places are given in all sections, with 1st and 2nd places awarded for Best in Show, Colour and Creative.  Certificates are issued to all placings and a ‘token’ trophy given to the recipients of a 1st place. 

Demonstrations are also provided at every meeting with a Judge demonstrating 2 subjects (1 ‘Definition Subject’ and 1 ‘Interpretative Subject’).  The 2 subjects are selected from our Yearly Show Schedule’  (‘Show Bench’ subjects), and with Judges demonstrating these topics one month in advance; members are able to acquire inspiration and gain a greater understanding of specific designing guidelines by being shown how to construct these designs.  Many visitors express that ‘Your monthly meetings are more like ‘Mini Exhibitions rather than ‘meetings – and with so many activities offered to your members, everyone is able to choose what suits them!’ - and yes, many would have to agree with that statement.

‘Getting Started Classes’ are offered to new members (included in the price of membership) and are conducted throughout the year where a small group of members are able to learn, discuss, and exchange knowledge and ideas on a variety of subjects.

This society also conducts 2 ‘Special meetings’ each year, with the first being our ‘At Home Meeting’, held in June, where our affiliated clubs (2 metropolitan clubs and 4 country clubs), family and friends are encouraged to visit and enjoy some ‘Floral Fellowship’.  A guest demonstrator is usually invited to provide the special demonstrations.   The same monthly format applies at this meeting but we also conduct our annual ‘Members Championship’ Competitions are created in the ‘Members Championship Class’. 

The other special meeting is our annual ‘Christmas Meeting’ where a guest demonstrator provides our special demonstration and again we ‘open our doors’ to welcome other clubs and visitors to share in our end of year celebrations where our Annual Awards and Affiliated Club trophies are presented.

Besides the ‘Members Championship’ competitions the annual ‘‘Western Australian Floral Art Society State Championship for Floral Art Competitions’ ’ are held every year and always provide a wonderful exhibition for the viewing public.  These competitions not only highlight the talent of floral designers around this state but also provide an excellent opportunity to promote the WA Floral Art Society and our art form, and the response from the general public and our membership is fantastic.  

This Society has 20 floral art Judges who meet on a regular basis - who continue to exhibit, compete and demonstrate on a regular basis.  The WA Floral Art Society conduct a two-year ‘Trainee Judges Programme’ (at the discretion of the Judges Committee) and offers a Judges Accreditation programme for qualified Judges.  An annual all day workshop is also held to aid in the development of Judges, enhance judging and analysing skills and to ensure judges are operating under the direction of the WA Floral Art Society and in conjunction with the Australian Floral Art Association National Manual for Floral Art. Judges also provide workshops for members throughout the year and participation is encouraged.  Judges also avail themselves to provide demonstrations, workshops and assessment for other floral art groups in the metropolitan area.

A newsletter is produced each month, ensuring all members are kept up to date with society business and includes notes supplied by demonstrators on various subjects and reports from Judges and judging information as well as results from various competitions and meetings. 

This society Welcomes new members and any visitors to our meeting - with meetings  held on the 2nd Saturday of the month (except January/October) at the Osborne Park Community Centre, 11 Royal Street, Osborne Park from approx 12.45pm till approx 4.15pm with entry being $7.00pp, which includes viewing the exhibits, watching the demonstrations and enjoying a light afternoon tea.  Entry to the June/December meetings incurs a $10.00 entry fee.

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Website developed and managed for the West Australian Floral Art Society Inc by Dianne Buckles.

For any problems or questions regarding this website please contact Dianne on email : dbuckles@bigfoot.com.au

Last updated: August 26, 2011.