AIFD is steeped in history, and we would not be the organization we are today without the commitment and dedication of our members. Here is a quick story of how Dot Chenevert, AIFD became an early member, written in her own words.
I am a Very Lucky Person. One of my earliest strokes of luck was having a great art teacher. Another was my father’s discouragement for me to go to art school. “Art, what can a girl ever do with Art! If you want to be a teacher, a secretary or a nurse like your sister, we can help you…But Art??!!” So, I got Married….to my greatest stroke of Luck of them all.
Fast forward several years, 3 kids and several moves, I started work at the florist I would eventually buy. I had the awesome opportunity to run this shop for 5 years without having to worry about the bills. I could concentrate on customer service, good products and design. By the time we purchased, I had a good handle on the business, a good business guide and customers including The Culinary Institute of America. Lucky or what!
Belonging to the Chamber of Commerce, it was natural to help create the 4th of July floats. So…after completing one year’s float and again not receiving the help promised, I announced that we will be away next year. We went to Dallas for Symposium. I was overwhelmed! My immediate thoughts were This is too much, I can’t do this, Who do I think I am!! Then somehow, I got into the design room and met Derrick Vasquez, AIFD. He was creating Final Night and although I couldn’t touch a flower, he let me set containers!!
Yup, that was the start. At this time, 1997-98, you had to create a portfolio of 5 specific arrangements plus a special event. Here again I was lucky. I met a photographer whose son was getting married. I offered to do the wedding if she would do my photographs. It was the most thrilling and educational experience. We completed 3 sessions, each one getting better…I wouldn’t have stopped but I ran out of time. During all this, I also had amazing good luck to meet Michael O’Neil, AIFD. He became my friend and mentor. His kindness and encouragement were such gifts.
Off went the portfolio to be judged. When the envelope came back, I couldn’t open it…I made one of my staff do it. I Passed, and with points to spare!
Then came the hands-on challenge in Atlanta. While the portfolio was exciting…this was Terrifying! Along with the containers given, was a 2 ft Styrofoam cone covered in mosses. This was the test! I ended up using it for the casket piece by creating a waterfall design spilling from the front. As I was walking it across the ball room to my display table, I heard that ominous Crack….the one we can all hear in our sleep. I carefully set the piece on the table and prayed no one moved it. The mosses on the bottom had released and there was no time to fix it. I left exhausted and dispirited. I didn’t want to see another flower. However, that night there was a reception, and we were all expected to attend. We went but I stayed as far from my table as I could. Then I saw someone taking a picture…then another. What?? I moved closer to my table. Rene Van Rems, AIFD came by and gave a huge thumbs up. WOW
So, two great events happened in 1999…..It was scientifically proven that, You can teach an old dog new tricks and AND I was inducted into The American Institute of Designers. I thank my lucky stars every day for all the opportunities AIFD has allowed me to teach and learn. The friends and family I have collected along the way are wonderful bonuses. I would do it all again….am I Lucky or what!
