Amazing Flower Talent- Edward Von Bargen

When I was a kid... we would go to Flower Shows on the Weekend- at the Local Wholesale Houses... sometimes there would be 2-3 on the same weekend with different Flower Presenters or even Panels of Flower Designers- showcasing NEW Ideas, Products and Creative Techniques. Pretty Much - each State had it's own Floral Association and they would hold shows too... a couple times a year... and 100-200 people would show up, have lunch, buy things... and watch the presentations... This was our Entertainment... and also our continued education- and inspiration... after all there were 3 channels on TV- and not a lot of extra-curricular activities (No Soccer, Ballet, Gymnastics... or other things to distract... like mobile devices, social media or cable tv... just sayin')...And it was exciting when someone came to present that was a SHOW STOPPER- a real True FLOWER Star- someone that Knocked your socks off... and showed you something you've never seen before. Today- so much is rehashed... or void of the elements or principles of design- or "Flower Art" that is subjective - and sometimes not very saleable...Don't get me wrong... I like looking at Social Media or Youtube just as much as the next fan or follower... but it's not the same as it was back in the day when they were RIGHT there in front of you... making things- telling us how they got there... and they were Really Good at it... that was Something... but I digress... I remember being blown away- as a kid... I heard the designer was a master with Styrofoam... (I know... but when it hit the market Styrofoam provided a great NEW Outlet for Creativity... and it was NEW Different and Fun... ) and this Guy... Edward Von Bargen was the Master... he would carve things and create things... and ... well - we had to go see him!!!My parents took me to the local wholesaler- where "Eddie "was designing on stage.. and a lady was commentating... (These Commentators were Amazing- they would tell stories and get the audience worked into a Creative, Designing (and buying) Frenzy... and be the voice of the designers that were busy Creating Magical Flower Projects that were both Inspiring and Saleable... The Lady that day was Lillian Lindergren (Lil)... and she was in command... showcasing Eddie's Work... and also doing some pretty amazing things herself- may I add.  This happened to be a Christmas Show- and Eddie created a Santa riding in a sleigh pulled by 8 tiny reindeer that would make the folks at Rankin & Bass - (the creators of Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer, Santa Clause is coming to town and many other Stop-Animation TV Legends)... Scream with Envy...Eddie captured my Attention- my Soul and my Respect - from that day forward... whenever Eddie came within a 3 state proximity or when I could travel to see him... I was there! This Man embodies what it means to be a Flower Artist! As Professional Florists we are charged with the duty of Turning Peoples Feelings into Flowers- and many times that means - creating a Special Tribute or Remembrance that shows our Love, Respect and Connection... when it comes to personalized Tributes- or a Show Stopping - Remembrance... Eddie Von Bargen Delivers. Today- I Follow Entenmann's Florist on Facebook- (that's the store where Eddie works)... All the Photos in this Blog are the Property of Entenmann's - you'll see their water mark on the creations... and Eddie Von Bargen is in the House- as resident Personalize Tribute Professional... and (THANKFULLY) Teaching that skill to a whole new generation of Talented Designers that share design space with Eddie... whom I consider to be one of the Finest Florists on the Planet!Eddie's work- makes my heart sing... because he's mastered the skill of Translating Feelings into Flowers- from "Hello Kitty to Grateful Dead Teddy Bears- from Sports Team Logos to Millennium Falcons- Eddie takes on any project with a steady hand, creative spirit and loads of pride! You'll notice in the attached archive- that sometimes the details are carved from (none other than) Styrofoam... it's an art medium for Eddie- and he can craft just about anything... Social Media- may be the bane of our existence... and sometimes I get frustrated - seeing people MISS MOMENTS- because they are trying to "Capture" them rather than enjoy them... but the one thing that I truly love... is that Social Media has allowed me to keep track of one of my favorite flower stars... This wonderful talented man- that I watched in awe- as a child- that mesmerized the audience with his talent... and quietly created Flower Magic... I can "Follow" Entenmann's Florist- and keep track of  Eddie.. and his creations... (Thank you Entenmann's for posting the behind the scenes with Eddie working on the tributes... it's my favorite part).Eddie Von Bargen- has kept it real... working creatively and tirelessly to "Turn People's Feelings Into Flowers" and for that he has my undying Respect and Eternal Thanks... Thank you for Inspiring me Eddie... Thank you for Creating Magic and thank you for sharing your Talents and helping instill them in future Generations... You are ONE in A Million!