HISTORY

The American Floral Art School, Chicago, IL, was started in 1937 by Chicago florist, Ethyl'Tommy' Bright. Originally named Bright’s School of Floral Design and the school’s mission at the time was to train veterans returning after the war. Ethyl was a floral ambassador and was also instrumental in the publication ’Living with Flowers' printed by the Coca-Cola Company. She was inducted into the Society of American Florist Floriculture Hall of Fame in 1968, The SAF Floriculture Hall of Fame is the highest honor someone can receive in the floral industry. It is designed to recognize and encourage the highest standards of service and professional responsibility in the floral industry. The Society has also honored Tommy Bright through the Professional Floral Communicators – International (PFCI) organization by naming an annual award, The Tommy Bright Award. This award signifies lifetime achievement in floral presentation.

Bill became the Director in 1951 and changed the name to the now famous American Floral Art School. The American Institute of Floral Designers (AIFD) awarded Bill the prestigious Distinguished Award of Merit in 1978 in recognition of his efforts as a floral ambassador Former students and owners of The Elmhurst Orchid growers honored him by developing and naming the 'Bill Kistler' Phalaenopsis Orchid and it is registered with the Royal Horticulture Society. He was inducted into the Floriculture Hall of Fame 1983 by the Society of American Florist.

James Moretz AIFD became the third Director of the school prior to the passing of Mr. Kistler in 1981. He continued Bill’s vision and floral curriculum and began to update and expand the floral information as trends and new designs styles were becoming more fashionable. As the popularity continued to grow, the school expanded internationally as interest in Western or American Floral design grew. Popularity especially grew in Taiwan with more and more students interested the floral training and design styles offered by the school. The American Floral Art Taiwan School stands strong today with world class training and artistry. Jim was inducted into American Institute of Floral Designers 1966 and received the Award of Distinguished Service to the Industry.