World Association of Floral Artists

The World Association of Floral Artists (WAFA) is a not for profit, non partisan organization of international floral art societies. It was formed in 1981.
Through its worldwide scope, WAFA enhances the diversity of the floral art form by transcending International cultural barriers and bringing together fresh ideas.
The management of WAFA moves from country to country every three years. During its tenure, the host country organizes an International Seminar, stages a World Flower Show, convenes a General Assembly and plans other educational events.

Aims and Objectives

To promote the art of flower arranging throughout the world.
To reinforce the bond between various members through regular exchange visits, publications, international seminars and flower shows.
To promote the exchange of information concerning floral art and allied interest.
To establish a set of international rules for world competition.
To organize an international competition/convention open to all members every three years.
To organize an international seminar every three years exclusively reserved for persons belonging to WAFA.
To promote the care and conservation of natural resources and the environment.

Canda's design at Boston 2011

WAFA host countries;

1981 - 1984 - United Kingdom
1984 - 1987 - Belgium
1987 - 1990 - France
1990 - 1993 - Canada
1993 - 1996 - New Zealand
1996 - 1999 - South Africa
1999 - 2002 - United Kingdom
2002 - 2005 - Japan
2005 - 2008 – Pakistan
2008 – 2011 – USA
2011 – 2014 - Ireland

WAFA Member countries;

Argentina
Australia *
Barbados
Belgium *
Bermuda *
Canada *
France *
Holland
Hong Kong
India
Ireland *
Italy *
Jamaica *
Japan
Kenya *
Korea
Malta *
Mexico *
New Zealand *
Oman
Pakistan
Peru
Russia
South Africa *
Switzerland
Trinidad and Tobago
United Kingdom
Uruguary
Zimbabwe

* = founding countries

Read the detailed article by Anne Clark-Stewart which highlights the Ontario winners at the International WAFA show 2014 in Dublin.

"Wonderful International Win by Ontario Floral Designers"

view WAFA Article & photos here

WAFA Canada Committee '90-'93

Garden Clubs of Ontario (GCO) was the host country from 1990 - 1993

WAFA Canada Committee
President - Katie May McCarthy
Vice President & Treasurer - Helen Skinner
Secretary - Doreen Martindale
Flower Show Chairman - Dodie Wesley
Press and Publications - Beverly Hargraft
Public Relations - Heather Fuller
President of GCO - Ann Diebel
Seminar Chairman - Peg Spence

The Seminar was held at the RBG the end of September 1991. Each member club assisted in this event; hosting dinners, planning lunches, driving, organizing buses and tours, meeting
delegates at the airport, planning the management committee's demonstration etc. One of highlights for the delegates was the twenty-one foot long by seven foot wide floral carpet which was made by every participant.

In June 1993, the show A Mari Usque ad Mare took place at the Holiday Inn on King. Once again all members of GCO participated. A big undertaking, but well received by our visitors. One evening all the out of country delegates had dinners in private homes. Where ever I go, they still talk positively about that evening.

Individual GCO Clubs help fund our tenure by making forgivable loans of over $18,000.00. But, we were eternally grateful to Beth and Mac Frost who sponsored the show with $250,000.00. GCO was able to return the Club's forgivable loans with an interest of 6%.
It was during this time that Helen Skinner and Peg Spence published The Canadian Flower Arranger. A bible for many, and sadly out of print.
For those of us to have been lucky to attend a seminar and/or show, it is always an exhilarating, educational fun experience.