Wilmington Flower Market has a long tradition and has been a social happening in Delaware for 95 years. Honored to be selected to create the artwork for this year, I recently partnered with Kennett High School teacher and FBLA (Future Business Leaders of America) advisor, Ms. Chanel August and her Social Media and Marketing students. The goal was to challenge the students to create a marketing campaign for a real-life rather than hypothetical client. The students were asked to promote the Flower Market, the prints, posters, and notecards of my painting, and events leading up to and surrounding the event. All this while reaching a wider audience outside of Delaware.

After a couple of introductory meetings with the class and written proposals from the two teams; Excalibur and Sapphire, the students created and developed marketing plans for WFM that included social media, printed material, a video and generated exciting ideas to engage the community.

I was given the difficult task in declaring a winner as both teams put forth a great effort, had their strengths and touch points that can be developed, but ultimately the winning team received their fast food of choice.

Tina Klumpp, 2015 Chair person, generously gave every student a letter of appreciation from the Flower Market Committee, a coupon for a free slice of pizza at Flower Market from Cafe Riviera, and a signed poster.

They also all received brownies. Chocolate is always good.

It was an honor and a privilege to work with Ms. August and her innovative and energetic students.