For the Beautification of the Museum

Friends of Art and Flowers
The Friends of Art & Flowers support group was formed in 1988 as a result of the highly successful Art & Flowers Festival in 1985. Our primary function is the beautification of the museum. The most visible examples can be seen year-round: floral arrangements and plant displays throughout museum lobbies. It is for this very purpose that we established the Art & Flowers Tribute Fund.

Our activities vary throughout the year, from flower arranging workshops and observation days to guest lectures by nationally known floral experts. As a member, you can gain hands-on experience by helping to create floral decorations for museum events and functions.

Membership in the FAF is an extremely rewarding way to get involved at the DIA. If you enjoy art and flowers, we’d love to welcome you as our newest member.

Membership Benefits

Our activities vary throughout the year, from flower arranging workshops and observation days to guest lectures by nationally known floral experts. As a member, you can gain hands-on experience by helping to create floral decorations for museum events and functions.

Membership Levels

Membership Level Annual Dues
FAF Membership $50
FAF Membership $100
FAF Membership $250
FAF Membership $500



Join/Renew Membership

In order to be eligible for membership in FAF, you must be a member of The Detroit Institute of Arts.

Sarah Ollison, Chair

Mary McHale, Co-Treasurer

Erica Battle, Co-Treasurer

Sheila Kneeshaw, Membership Chair

Janet Weber, Secretary/Historian

Liz Brown, Special Programs

Carolyn Cardoza, Enrichment

Glee Firth, Scheduling

Julia Girdler, 2019 Betsy Campbell

Elise Hayes, Special Events/Holiday

Youngmi Hong, Trainings

Jeananne Joaquin, Co-Enrichment

Elizabeth Lilley, At Large

Melissa Mark, Membership Outreach

Helen McKnight, Special Consultant

Bruce Paterson, Co-Special Events

Kimberly Peterson, 2020 ESK Chair

Eva von Voss, 2020 ESK/Co-chair

Mary Wood, Newsletter



DIA Staff Advisor: Frank Castronova, Development Portfolio & Research Officer

DIA Staff Liason: Elisia Wheeler, Administrative Assistant 

Friends of Art & Flowers accepts donations for personal tributes in honor or memory of someone special. These donations are used to create some of the spectacular floral displays you see in and around the Museum. With these donations comes your personal message honoring your special person or event.

If you would like to make a donation to the Friends of Art & Flowers in honor of someone special or a special event, please contact Frank Castronova at 313.833.8624 or fcastronova@dia.org.