I’m Ștefan Adrian Gamalie, and in 2023, I had a bold idea: to create an event in Romania dedicated entirely to floral design and the artistry it requires. That idea became Artestry – World of Flowers Festival. The name itself is a reflection of the times: the 'e' in Artestry replaces the traditional 'i' to highlight the digital world that now surrounds us and shapes the way we connect, communicate, and grow.
When I first started planning, many experienced professionals in the floral industry told me it would be impossible to gather 150+ Romanian florists in the same room. Fast forward to today, and we’re celebrating the third edition of the festival, with enthusiastic feedback pouring in not only from across Romania but also from the international floral design community.
Designers Who Define the Future of Floral Art at Artestry 2025
One of the key goals in the early editions of Artestry was to bring, for the first time in Romania, a globally influential floral designer to host not just a demonstration but also an intensive two-day workshop. But we didn’t stop there. What makes this festival truly unique is the way we curate our speakers and designers.
A recurring debate in our industry – 'Commercial vs. Floral Art?' – has often divided opinions. Which style is more valuable to a florist’s daily work? Which approach leads to sustainability and recognition?
Rather than choosing sides, we built the entire identity of the Artestry festival around this very question, aiming to show that the answer doesn’t lie in choosing one path over another. The best florists today draw a little from every school of thought – and that’s what we celebrate on our stage.
Diverse Voices, United by Passion
Our festival invites speakers and designers who represent all forms of validation and education within floral design:
- Academic foundations, with the support of our official venue partner, the Faculty of Horticulture Bucharest, and alumni who’ve now become renowned florists
- Social media stars, like byMusho, who’ve shown the world that true talent can be recognized globally via platforms like Instagram – and whose work is admired by leading designers, growers, and florists from every continent
- Legendary figures, such as Klaus Wagener, who continue to influence generations
- Hands-on professionals, like Flexyno, with no formal training, but who, through decades of dedication, have elevated their craft to an exceptional level
Carefully Chosen Partners and Global Reach
As important as our designers are, our partners are equally crucial to Artestry's success and vision. Our leading partner and co-organizer is Romania’s largest flower wholesaler, Flowers Market Holland. As mentioned, our academic partner is the Faculty of Horticulture Bucharest. We’re also proudly supported by brands like Oasis (Megapacking/NaturArt) and several prestigious international breeders and growers, including Decorum, Interplant Roses, and World of Spray Roses, to communicate an essential message: a florist's flower selection should consider not just the variety, but the brand and the story behind it.
Artestry 2025: A Celebration of Generations
This year, we were honored to host four national floral champions from different countries, including:
- Iza Tkaczyk, the headliner of our dedicated workshop
- Krisztián Kövér from Hungary
- Vlad Molendac, winner of the Romanian Cup of Floral Art
- Mario Sortino, from Italy
In total, nine designers showcased their talents this year – each from a different background, representing different eras and styles of floral design:
- Nicolae Agop, international master trainer with over 40 years of experience
- Krisztina Hegedus
- Flexyno from Ceccotti Flowers, Rome
- Andrei Bindea – Lacy Bird Academy trainer
- Tina Pipos and Natasha Maxim, trainers at Ilbah Workshops
Unfortunately, we were unable to welcome Kazi Sagar this year due to visa delays, but we remain hopeful he will join us on stage in 2026.
Artestry Is More Than a Festival, It's a Movement
Beyond the spectacle and the artistry, our mission is simple yet ambitious: to open the eyes of florists to the larger world beyond their daily environment. We live in a time when we can learn, connect, and collaborate globally – and this is one of the greatest advantages of our generation.
Over the course of three editions, alongside designers and speakers mentioned above:
- Stefan Van Berlo – needs no introduction
- Maria Bunea EMC, Floral Art Champion of Romania
- Mihaela Furtună EMC
- Diana Toma EMC, Head Trainer at European Master Certification, who was also our partner for the 2024 edition, we deeply thank Tomas De Bruyne for his support and partnership
- Alumni of the Horticulture Faculty Bucharest
- Renate Hoogendoorn and Warja Abrasimova, representatives of Decorum
- Jan Huisman from Master Florist
Gratitude and Looking Ahead
I would like to sincerely thank everyone who has contributed to the growth of Artestry – our designers, partners, the brilliant audience, the students, and the Faculty of Horticulture Bucharest (especially Mrs. Sorina), and most importantly, Mrs. Mihaela Ghinea – the first person in Romania’s floral industry who truly believed in my vision.
Artestry is no longer just my dream – it is now a platform, a community, and a movement. And we’re just getting started.
Ștefan Adrian Gamalie, Founder & Organizer, Artestry – World of Flowers Festival
Header and feature image with Krisztina Hegedus.
