Art Alive 2011 Floral Designers
Rotunda Designer: René van Rems
René was the Art Alive 2010 Rotunda Designer, and will return for Art Alive 2011. Last year, he produced and led his design team in the creation of the astounding rotunda design, creating one of the most successful and awe-inspiring rotunda designs in the history of Art Alive. This year, attendees can expect to see something even more incredible in honor of the 30th anniversary of Art Alive.
Originally from Amsterdam, René has called San Diego, California, home for over 20 years. He is a member of the American Institute of Floral Designers (AIFD) and the National Speakers Association (NSA). He served ten years as Director of Promotion for the California Cut Flower Commission conducting masterful stage programs across the nation for California’s flower industry. He has presented design shows, workshops, and seminars throughout the US, Canada, Europe, and Asia on the styling of fresh-cut flowers, merchandising techniques, sales and marketing strategies, and care & handling.
Legacy Designers
Carlos Franco, lead designer and owner of Green Fresh Florals, has been designing florals for top restaurants, venues, hotels, art museums and events for more than 20 years. Trained in London and Paris, he has had the honor of designing arrangements for Queen Elizabeth and Princess Diana. A native San Diegan, Franco opened Green in 2004 after working as the lead designer and store manager for FloraStyle for six years.
Sharon Mintz's design journey began over a decade ago in a fine Beverly Hills studio catering almost exclusively to celebrity clientèle. From there here career took flight, as she designed her way through much of California, and eventually Europe. In 2005 she returned to San Diego to launch Organic Elements, noted for its unique organic art which is often featured in several luxury publications.
Valli Reed went “middle-aged crazy” and decided that she wanted to change from a hairstylist to a floral designer for Art Alive sixteen years ago. She got published in a book entitled “Art in Bloom’ and became a student of Ikebana, Ichiyo School in 1995. She has continued to work as a hairstylist and has been a liaison to Art Alive from Ikebana International for the past five years.
David Root is a professional floral designer with over 18 years experience, his work winning numerous awards and featured in many publications including Flowers & and San Diego Home and Garden. As a lecturer and instructor, he has worked with FTD, Teleflora, The San Diego Museum of Art and many Southern California garden clubs as well as being featured on many local TV stations.
Kathy Wright has been on the flower scene in San Diego for over 40 years. She began her career with the desire to change the face of the floral business in San Diego, and continues to work to bring a higher level of awareness of the beauty and magnificence of excellent floral design. In addition to the beauty Kathy has created at countless weddings and social gatherings, she is a fully accredited floral design instructor and has been the designer of the rotunda for Art Alive three times. Kathy is a native San Diegan and proud of her contributions to the floral community and is proud to celebrate this milestone anniversary of Art Alive.
