Talking Stick Resort Florist is Arizona's 'Designer of the Year'

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Nov 01, 2011, 09:00 ET

SALT RIVER PIMA-MARICOPA INDIAN COMMUNITY, Ariz., Nov. 1, 2011 /PRNewswire/ --The Arizona State Florists' Association (ASFA) says that Talking Stick Resort has a florist who does her "talking" with flowers. What's more, the ASFA says her work with flowers speaks volumes. And the resort's resident florist, Christine Price, has the ASFA's People's Choice Award as Designer of the Year to prove it.

"It's an honor to win this award," said Christine Price, florist for Talking Stick Resort. "I recently acquired my master certification in floral design, and spend a lot of hours furthering my education in floral art. So it's amazing to me when that work pays off and is celebrated."

Price received the honor following ASFA's state-wide competition that was judged by a panel of certified florists from throughout the county. The ASFA is based in Tucson and was established in 1952 to strengthen the floral community and to promote the floral industry to the general public.

And this isn't the first time that Price has been recognized for her skills with flowers. In 2007, she won a competition at the Arizona State Fair, and in both 2008 and 2009, she was given the People's Choice Award by the Phoenix Art Museum.

When not being honored by her colleagues and peers, Price utilizes her talents for beautiful displays at Talking Resort. There, she designs the floral displays for the resort's restaurants, front desk and concierge areas, the cultural center and for guests' special events and banquets. Price has been with the resort since its opening in 2010 and in that short time has found much love and joy in her work.

"We see the beauty of Christine's artistry with flowers every day. Her work is truly an art form, a real bonus for us and especially for our guests. We are not surprised at all to see her win such a coveted state honor and we heartily congratulate her for it," said Steve Gerken, senior director of hospitality for Talking Stick Resort

Of her work on the property, Price says, "arranging flowers for Talking Stick Resort is a passion for me. The hotel has beautiful lines, warm colors and a great deal of texture. The level of detail in the resort is a key element in my design as my philosophy is to look for the natural beauty in those surroundings and that inspires me to recreate a story with flowers. Behind all my arrangements there is a story I am inspired to tell."

Talking Stick Resort was developed by the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community (SRPMIC), a sovereign tribe with some 9,000 members. The 15-story luxury resort opened April, 2010 and features 497 deluxe rooms and 15 luxury suites, a 240,000 sq. ft. casino, 650-seat showroom, six entertainment lounges and five restaurants/eateries.

SOURCE Talking Stick Resort