Ardith Beveridge, AAF, AIFD, PFCI, CAFA, MSF, the 2012 winner of the Society of American Florists’ prestigious Tommy Bright Award, is hanging up her apron and clippers after 58 years of service.
One of the industry’s most beloved designers and educators, Ardith Beveridge, AAF, AIFD, PFCI, CAFA, MSF, the 2012 winner of the Society of American Florists’ prestigious Tommy Bright Award, is hanging up her apron and clippers after 58 years of service. The longtime director of the Koehler & Dramm Institute of Floristry in Minneapolis recently announced she would retire on August 10.
“We at Koehler & Dramm are saddened to be saying goodbye to such vibrant and wonderful talent, and we are grateful for everything she has brought to our organization,” read a press release from the school. “Her many years in the industry and her influence in floral artistry and design education have been impactful beyond measure.”
The Institute of Floristry was founded in 1989, under Beveridge’s direction. The first class served as an introduction to floral design, and the school has since expanded its curriculum to include weddings and events, sympathy, permanent botanical, holiday, entertaining, and many other design courses to meet the needs of its student base on a year-round basis.
Beveridge, the author of seven books, has spent more than half of her floral career dedicated to educating the next generation of designers. She has contributed to several industry publications and has made countless appearances on national and cable channels and PBS stations and HGTV.
“Ardith has set the standard, pushing education to another level,” said Vince Butera, AAF, AIFD, PFCI, owner of Butera the Florist in York, Pennsylvania, on September 22, 2012, when he presented Beveridge with the Tommy Bright Award, the highest honor for floral presenters. Beveridge described that moment as a “complete surprise” and a highlight of her career.
Beveridge is a member of many professional organizations, including the American Academy of Floriculture, American Institute of Floral Designers, Professional Floral Communicators-International, Canadian Academy of Floral Arts, School of Ikebana Floral Design II, and the British Florist Association. In 2003, she was inducted into the South Dakota State Florists’ Hall of Fame and seven years later into the Minnesota State Florist Association’s Hall of Fame. She has been an FTD Master Designer and Certified Judge, a designer for the Office of the Minnesota State Governor, the Tournament of Roses Parade, presidential inaugurations and numerous White House Easter egg rolls.
Beveridge’s tenure included terms on SAF’s Wholesalers Council, Floral Management Advisory Board and the PFCI Board of Trustees.
“I am humbled and honored to walk with so many on our journeys,” she said, adding that she will miss working with SAF members and staff.
