School Staff
James (Jim) Moretz, Director, has an impressive background of well-rounded academic training and years of practical and varied flower shop experience. He actively directs the American Floral Art School and supervises the intensive training. As assistant director for 15 years, he helped develop the unique and highly successful teaching methods that make this school world renowned.
A graduate of the Ohio State University with a B.S. Degree in Floriculture and Business Administration, Jim is a member of Phi Alpha Xi and Gamma Sigma Delta, honorary fraternities in floriculture and science. He is a member of the American Institute of Floral Designers and is a professional photographer. He regularly contributes photographs and articles on floral design to several national and international trade magazines. He is also the owner of a very extensive library on floral design and art.
Jim has traveled extensively to many European and Asian countries to visit former students and to observe successful floral practices. He has been honored as a judge for many floral design competitions. He has presented lecture-demonstrations in Canada, Puerto Rico, Singapore, Taiwan, as well as the U.S. He opened branches of the school in Taipei, Taiwan, and Shanghai, China. Jim has authored 7 books on floral design including "Commercial and Creative Floral Design."
Peter Samek, Assistant Director, is a talented floral designer with many years of practical shop experience. With a degree in floriculture and greenhouse management from Joliet Junior College, Joliet, IL, Peter brings much valuable training and experience to the school's staff.Prior to joining the school, he served as a design manager for one of Chicago's leading multiple stores and was an instructor in basic floral design at Joliet Junior College. Additional experience was gained from working at other Chicago-area stores. Between teaching classes in Chicago and Taiwan, he keeps busy free-lancing with several leading event/party florists.
Peter was inducted into the American Institute of Floral Designers in 1991. He served as student advisor for the SAIFD Chapter at Joliet Junior College. He has participated in various wholesale, state, industry suppliers, and garden club design programs. He has designed for various floral art exhibitions at museums in Champaign, IL and Madison, WI. Peter's great ability as a skilled florist, combined with his pleasing personality, make him a popular teacher at the American Floral Art School.