‘Rooted in Art’
Last updated Friday, February 13, 2026 at 8:30 AM
After a stunning debut in 2025, students are creating a ‘Rooted in Art’ theme for the 2026 show that runs February 28 – March 8
Bucks County Community College’s floral design program returns to the Philadelphia Flower Show February 28 – March 8 after a stunning debut last year, when students took home a silver medal from the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society.
Stemming from the show’s theme of “Rooted: Origins of American Gardening,” the College’s exhibit is called “Rooted in Art,” reflecting BCCC’s origins of being founded on the Newtown estate of artist and educational philanthropist Stella Elkins Tyler.
“’Rooted in Art’ is a celebration of where creativity begins, and how it grows,” said Renee Tucci, a floral design instructor at the College and national president of the American Institute of Floral Designers (AIFD). “It tells a story deeply rooted in the vision of Stella Elkins Tyler. Her lifelong love of art, and her unwavering dedication to education, helped shape the rich and diverse creative programs that thrive at Bucks today. She is the root from which it all began.”
The exhibit features seven original floral designs, each interpreting the connection between nature, art, and education, alongside six selected student works from the College’s School of Arts and Communication.
“These pieces — representing ceramic, jewelry, woodworking, photography, and drawing — highlight the collaborative spirit and cross-disciplinary creativity that define the Bucks community,” Tucci noted. “A highlight of the exhibit will be a bronze sculpture of Joan of Arc, created by Tyler herself.”
Lead floral design students taking part are: Amparito Arriaga, CFD (Certified Floral Designer); Isabelle Kondel, Karen Kuyper, Jennifer O’Donnell, CFD; Lauren O’Leary; mother-daughter duo Els Poff, CFD and Melanie Poff, CFD; Mary Rigau, Maria Salinas, Melinda Spink, and Linda Weinberger, CFD.
Art students whose works are featured in the exhibit are: Mason Chase, Payton Ferri, Crystal Grey, Layne Griffaton, Scott Menin, and Sofiya Vasyutinskaya.
Additionally, several students and instructors from the program will be featured on the 6ABC show “FYI Philly” on Saturday, February 28, as part of its Philadelphia Flower Show segment. The special feature will give viewers an inside look at the creative process behind the production and installation of the "Rooted in Art” exhibit.
The BCCC Floral Design program, which offers both certificate and degree options, provides students with hands-on experience and a solid foundation in the art of floristry. As an Educational Partner with the AIFD, the program equips students with the skills necessary to pursue careers in event design, floral retail, and more. Students have the opportunity to become a Certified Floral Designer (CFD) by completing the comprehensive curriculum. For more information, visit the Floral Design Certificate Program web page.