American School of Flower Design

American School of Flower Design

Art
Chelsea, New York, New York
(108 Reviews)

World renowned floral designer Michael Gaffney teaches flower design from the ground up. Learn from the master and you, too, could become a designer. Want an artistic, creative life that adds emotional significance to nearly any experience? Then consider American Floral Design Schools.

Once upon a time, Michael Gaffney worked away in a cubicle on Wall Street. Overworked and uninspired, he didn't really know how unsatisfied he was until one day, on a visit to his Midwest hometown, he stepped into a flower shop.

"I realized how much flowers can affect a person. They're part of every stage of life - birth, death, weddings, funerals, memories, romance. And I saw how good designs make a stronger impact. Suddenly, I wanted to be part of that. I saw floral design as a way to help people renew, recover, express sympathy, fall in love, and share friendship. And in doing that, I understood that I could actually make a good living, doing something I love, while adding beauty and flair to events that touch people's lives."

Michael's floral designs have graced a wide spectrum of occasions, from a simple first date bouquet to grand wedding arrangements; from movie sets to haute couture fashion shows, and everything in between.

"I came to see myself as an artist for people's emotions. I made a good living, yes, but my art made other people happy. It was remarkably satisfying. And flowers, of course, grow and bloom, but they don't last forever. They disappear. It's a medium that's both dynamic and ethereal. You're always being called on to create something new, but it won't last either. And that's okay. That's what makes every bouquet, every event special. It's like working every single day with the best things in life - flowers, certainly, together with energy, creativity, reinvention, renewal."

About Our Flower Design Classes

Our School of Flower Design presents intensive floral design programs that introduces students into the world of the floral designer. Areas of floral design instruction currently include European Floral Design, Contemporary Floral Design, Bridal Floral Design, Landscape Floral Design, Asian Floral Design and other Flower Design classes.

Our floral design courses are sought by flower lovers of all kinds. The knowledge gained in our floral design classes helps hobbyists and professionals alike interested in the art of great floral design.

Our Mission is to communicate, instruct and share the elements and principles of flower design and to provide a relaxing, yet intensive, learning environment in which our students acquire lifelong skills. To use our knowledge to create beauty through floral design, and educate others to do so as well. Our Goal is to have our students capable of producing beautiful pieces of flower art for their home or office.

Reviews of American School of Flower Design

(108 Reviews)
Floral Design Sampler

5/29/2023
Daniela M.

Attended: Floral Design Sampler


The class was very interesting. Michael is very knowledgable. He gave us practical tips for arranging flowers and making them last. The flowers he provided were beautiful and did, indeed last a long time. I recommend this class. FYI - please bring $20 with you to buy his book.

Floral Design Sampler

5/23/2023
Stephanie F.

Attended: Floral Design Sampler


I loved it! Learned so much more than I expected. Mr. Gaffney is a great teacher and makes it fun!

Introduction to Flower Design

5/16/2023
Theresa C.

Attended: Introduction to Flower Design


Great value

Floral Design Sampler

5/15/2023
Theresa C.

Attended: Floral Design Sampler


Worth the price.

Floral Design Sampler

5/9/2023
Anonymous

Attended: Floral Design Sampler


The instructor is obviously talented and experienced in the floral design, however, his approach, in many ways was detrimental to the class learning. The 1:00PM class started at 1:20, as he decided to wait for stragglers to come in, leaving the rest of us to sit and wait. It is likely that 35-45% of Michael Gaffney's conversation with us was him boasting about his past successes with Hollywood, brides and celebrity clients, and how everyone has gushed over his work. The arrogance was overwhelming, resulting in an environment where question asking was not encourage. The time spent telling us how great his work is could have/should have been used actually teaching us. He gave no eye contact throughout the day, definitely providing an environment of fear (calling out someone who may have started a step too early). He had a medical condition he was dealing with so we were all trying to be sympathetic to his pretty curt and unfriendly approach. He did not bother to get the names of the two girls assisting him that day, summoning them to bring him flower stems, simply calling ,"Girls....Girls". We did come home with three floral creations, so that was good, but I (and others) felt cheated with the time spent on self-promoting.

Floral Design Sampler

5/9/2023
A.C.

Attended: Floral Design Sampler


Super informative! Michael Gaffney teaches simple and useful techniques and I was amazed at how pretty my arrangements were! I recommend this class!

Floral Design Sampler

4/25/2023
Karen M.

Attended: Floral Design Sampler


Michael is the wonder instructor and floral designer, the class is informative and fun. We enjoy the class very much.

Floral Design Sampler

3/21/2023
Joreal M.

Attended: Floral Design Sampler


The Sampler course was awesome! We got to learn 3 bouquet styles and immediately made one of each. Michael provided helpful tips, feedback and encouragement along the way. Great experience!

Floral Design Sampler

3/7/2023
Anonymous

Attended: Floral Design Sampler


It was very informative and hands on with great use of the time. Excellent supplies included.

Floral Design Sampler

2/27/2023
Crandell W.

Attended: Floral Design Sampler


The flower design teacher for this class was fantastic. He explained each of the three flower designs that we arranged in class very well. He had such an outgoing way about his self. I love that he explained flower design in a way I could understand. Would I take this class again? Yes. For sure I would. Excellent class!

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Questions about this school?
131 W 28th St, New York, New York 10001
American School of Flower Design
Chelsea, Manhattan
131 W 28th St
Btwn 6th & 7th Avenues
New York, New York 10001

Upcoming Classes at American School of Flower Design

Floral Design Sampler
Floral Design Sampler
Next start date:

Tuesday Sep 5th, 1–4:30pm Central Time

Flower Design Star: 1 Week Comprehensive
Flower Design Star: 1 Week Comprehensive
Next start date:

Tuesday Sep 5th, 1–4:30pm Central Time

Introduction to Flower Design
Introduction to Flower Design
Next start date:

Tuesday Sep 5th, 1–4:30pm Central Time

Teachers at American School of Flower Design