Pam Rowland to Teach Floral Design Classes Beginning June 15

CONTACT: LISA GARRETT, EXT. 2315

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 6/8/99
(By Lisa Garrett)

PENDLETON --- Over the years, classes in Tri-County Technical College's Floral Design certificate program have created an enjoyable hobby for some and have turned into a lifelong award-winning career for others.

Pam Rowland, a graduate of the College's first Floral Design class in 1977, owned and operated Floral Designs in Liberty for 18 years and is now a nationally recognized freelance florist whose credentials include induction into the American Institute of Floral Designers (AIFD). Mrs. Rowland, of Pendleton, also is the instructor for Tri-County's program. She will be teaching a Basic Floral Design class June 15 - 17 from 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. In addition, she is teaching "Floral Design Workshop: Weddings" scheduled for June 15 - 17 from 6 - 9 p.m.

The wedding seminar will focus on making corsages and boutonnieres, using fresh and silk flowers, and three types of wedding bouquets, said Rowland, who is second-place winner in the Syndicate Sales Bridal Bouquet, a national design contest.

"I place an emphasis on basic principles and elements of floral design," said Rowland. "If students master this from the beginning, it enhances their creativity," she said.

"I also stress that time limitations are a factor in competition as well as the day-to-day operation of a business. There is always a delivery deadline or a lot to get done in a day. You must learn to be efficient and fast," said Rowland, a naturalist freelance designer who works for floral shows and conventions representing suppliers and manufacturers of floral products.

As a high school student interested in a floral design career, Rowland never dreamed she would achieve one of the highest honors in the floral industry-her 1991 induction into the AIFD. "That means the most," she said. "At the time there was one other woman in South Carolina who was a member and only five in the state." Last year she presented the floral program, African Influences, for the Southern chapter of AIFD. This program is being considered for the national AIFD symposium in Orlando in the summer of 2000.

Also in 1998 she participated in a floral course taught by world renowned trendsetter and German designer Gregor Lersch.

In addition, her dried floral work was chosen and displayed in the designer showcase Southern Living House, the Wren House, on the Clemson University campus. This fall she will present a Christmas program at the Southern Retail Floral Association convention in Charlotte.

In 1993 she was the S.C. Telefloral Design American winner, and in 1996 she was the FTD American Cup winner. Along with her training at Tri-County, she took Redbook advanced courses in 1995 and completed the Phil Rulloda advanced floral design program in 1990.

Although she thrives on the competitions, she equally enjoys teaching at her alma mater. "It's very rewarding. It's amazing to see the student's confidence level build from the introductory basic class to completion of the program," she said.

She added that she is constantly getting calls from florists who are looking for employees. "Many of my students go on to work in retail shops, and one student recently opened her own shop after receiving a certificate.

"This is an interesting business. Not everyone has the same taste. You must listen to people to determine their individual styles," she said.

To register for the Floral Design classes, contact the Continuing Education Division, Ext. 2220, at one of these numbers: Anderson County, 225-2250; Oconee County -- 882-4412; Pickens County -- 859-7033; or Clemson/Anderson/Pendleton -- 646-8361. Persons who are deaf, hard of hearing or speech disabled should call TDD/VOICE 1-800-735-2905.
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