Every year, the world of floral design gathers at the Society of American Florists’ annual conference in anticipation for the longest running live floral design competition known as the Sylvia Cup. The year 2023 saw this illustrious event transformed into a rootin’ tootin’ showdown, embracing a Wild West theme that added a dash of frontier flair. With an impressive 11,000 stems at their disposal, competitors showcased the immense beauty and diversity inherent in American Grown flowers and foliage. The stakes were high, the creativity was boundless, and the winner was none other than the remarkable Michael Smith, AIFD, CFD, FDI, FSMD of Artistic Designs Unlimited Inc., in Marianna, Florida.
PFCI Organizers preparing for Sylvia Cup 2023
For those unfamiliar with the Sylvia Cup, it’s an annual floral design competition that brings together 25 of the most talented florists from across the United States. Each year, participants are given unique challenges that test their skills, creativity, and ability to work under pressure with a surprise theme and a two-hour time limit. The competing designers each received the same flowers and foliage generously provided by the Certified American Grown farms below and products, tools, and vessels from Smithers Oasis. Individual designer’s creativity and vision is what set each piece apart.
The theme for the 2023 Sylvia Cup, selected by a committee of members of the Professional Floral Communicators Institute (PFCI), was “The Wild, Wild West.” This theme not only added an exciting twist to the competition but also showcased the incredible versatility of American Grown flowers and foliage.
Certified American Grown Flowers & Foliage on Display
With the spirit of the frontier as their muse, the florists embarked on a journey of creativity, with each challenge designed to transport us to the rugged landscapes and romantic narratives of the Wild West. The three design challenges included:
Challenge 1: Spirit of the West tasked participants with creating interpretive museum pieces that paid homage to the history and essence of the Wild West.
Challenge 2: Gold Rush introduced an element of elegance as participants were asked to craft monochromatic wedding bouquet using golden American Grown blooms.
Challenge 3: Dearly Departed took a poignant turn as competitors were tasked with creating a sympathy tribute to those who tried to realize their dreams of settling their own piece of land.
Amidst the breathtaking designs and the exhilarating challenges, Michael Smith AIFD, CFD, FDI, FSMD of Artistic Designs Unlimited Inc., in Marianna, Florida emerged as the champion of the 2023 Sylvia Cup. His consistent artistry, attention to detail, and deep connection with American Grown flowers and foliage were evident throughout the competition. Michael’s victory highlighted not only his talent but also the potential that American Grown blooms offer to florists.
Winning Design from Michael Smith, AIFD, CFD, FDI, FSMD
Kelsey Thompson, AIFD, CFD – Sylvia Cup First Runner Up
Patience Pickner, AAF, AIFD, PFCI – Second Runner Up
The 2023 Sylvia Cup was a celebration of American Grown flowers and foliage, demonstrating their versatility, beauty, and significance in the world of floral design. This competition showcased how these homegrown treasures can be used to convey stories, emotions, and themes as diverse as the Wild West itself.
As the curtains closed on this year’s Sylvia Cup, we were left with a renewed appreciation for the artistry and innovation that define the floral industry. It’s clear that American Grown flowers and foliage will continue to play a leading role in shaping the future of floral design, and we can’t wait to see what next year’s competition has in store!
To download the complete source list from the competition, click HERE or for more pictures from the competition click HERE.
Sylvia Cup 2023 – Award Ceremony
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