Christine A. Fink, a floral design instructor at Pennsylvania College of Technology's School of Natural Resources Management, recently was inducted as an accredited member of the American Institute of Floral Designersduring ceremonies in New York City.
AIFD candidates must demonstrate their design abilities by producing five designs sympathy, wedding, flowers-to-wear, arrangement (centerpiece, hospital, etc.) and designer's choice in just four hours during a rigorous accreditation evaluation session.
The candidates have no prior knowledge of the specific designs to be created or the materials available for their use. Each design is evaluated by seven independent accredited members of the AIFD Membership Committee who appraise them on 10 criteria.
The inductee was accompanied to New York by three Floral Design/Interior Plantscape majors: Lauren S. Hoderny, Erie; Michael R. Merlino, Carlisle; and Melissa A. Sitlinger, Herndon RR 1.
Established in 1965, the AIFD is a nonprofit organization committed to establishing and maintaining higher standards in professional floral design. The organization has nearly 1,400 members worldwide.
In addition, Fink who taughtfloral design to anadult summer camp at the Earth Science Center earlier this month recently was featured in the Williamsport Sun-Gazette's Sunday "Lifestyle" section.