Artist Spotlight: Hitomi Gilliam
We are thrilled to announce that the incredible Hitomi Gilliam will be joining us as a featured artist during our upcoming Indigo in Bloom event Saturday, April 5 – Sunday, May 4!
Hitomi is a true icon in the floral industry, renowned for her breathtaking designs, innovative techniques, and passion for sharing everything she knows about flowers through teaching and presenting. Her work continues to inspire florists, designers, and flower lovers worldwide.
We are beyond excited to welcome Hitomi as a featured artist during our Indigo in Bloom event. This is a rare opportunity to witness her creative genius in action and gain insight from one of the most respected educators and innovators in the floral industry.
Mark your calendars—this is an event you won’t want to miss!
Hitomi is celebrated for popularizing "Neotropica" and defining the "Tropical Nouveau" style—blending bold tropical elements with elegant, contemporary floral design.
About Hitomi Gilliam
A Lifelong Passion for Flowers
Hitomi’s journey began as a farmer/florist, greenhouse grower, and landscape designer. After years in retail floristry, she transitioned into teaching, dedicating the last 35 years to sharing her knowledge through workshops and design programs across North America and around the globe.
She is highly regarded for her presentations at:
Art Museums and Botanical Gardens
Garden Clubs
Industry-sponsored floral events
What Hitomi Does Today:
Teleflora Education Specialist
YouTube Floristry Content Creator
Online Floral Educator: Floristic Dialog
Masterclass Instructor: HitomiGilliam.com
Floral Tourism Partner: Travel with Flowers
In 2008, Hitomi co-founded DESIGN358, an education-based event company, with her son Colin Gilliam. Together, they focus on online floral education, with Colin as Executive Producer.
Her Published Works
Hitomi is the author of eight floral design books, including the widely acclaimed:
A Fresh Look at Judging (co-authored with Kathy Whalen), which offers a modern examination of the Elements and Principles of Design in floral judging and evaluation.
Awards & Recognitions
Hitomi’s influence in the floral design world has earned her numerous prestigious awards:
AIFD Design Influence Award (1998)
Frances Jones Poeltker Award, American Horticultural Society (2006)
Gold Honor, Best of Show, Singapore Garden Festival representing Canada (2008)
10-Time Center Stage Presenter, AIFD National Symposiums
Featured Artist, Les Fleurs Sauvages, Sotheby’s Institute of Art, NYC (2018)
Judge, 2020 Tournament of Roses Parade Floats, Pasadena, CA
