The American Floral Art School is one of the leaders in floral design education. We offer floral design classes at multiple skill levels to students pursuing a career in floral design or as a hobby. Our teachers are educated in practical flower shop practices and have traveled internationally to present hands-on workshops and large scale floral demonstrations. In addition to our own teachers, the school hosts well know international floral artists seminar several times a year for students interested in a higher level of artistry and creativity. These seminar give the students the knowledge to expand on their own floral design skills, creativity and witness an artist’s perspective on working with fresh flowers and natural materials.
The American Floral Art School is the oldest flower design school in the United States. The school was started in 1937 by Ethyl ‘Tommy’ Bright, a local Chicago florist. The original name of the school was Bright’s School of Floral Design. The first Assistant Director was William ‘Bill’ Kistler, a Floriculture graduate from the University of Illinois, Champaign Urbana, IL. When Bill Kistler became the official second Director in 1951, he changed the name to the very well-known American Floral Art School. He chose a graduate from the school, James Moretz AIFD, as his Assistant Director.
The school became world famous as a result from Bill’s ‘floral ambassador’ international travels. Over 18,000 students had attended classes. Students have come from all over the United States and Canada, Asia and many European countries, 54 in total.
Bill’s dedicated 35 years of teaching, extensive travels, world acquaintances and floral collections made the school world famous with a reputation that still exists today.
The school continues to thrive today and continues to support the Asian Branches and all of their successes. By offering floral design classes and international designer demonstrations and workshops, the student interest continues to grow.
