FIU Festival of the Trees is Thursday

Local designers show off their talents — and holiday spirit — at FIU’s 25th annual Festival of the Trees, which takes place Thursday.

By Rodolfo Roman
Special to the Herald

Get into the holiday spirit early thanks to Florida International University’s 25th annual Festival of the Trees on Thursday.

Local designers will try to outdo each other with unique holiday trees using everything from Styrofoam to metal. Their work will be on display at the at the Coral Gables Museum, 285 Aragon Ave. starting at 6:30 p.m. Thursday.

Proceeds will benefit the school’s interior design students and help fund scholarships and field trips.

Janine King, chairperson of interior architecture department at FIU, said the event showcases creativity.

“It’s a great event because the whole community comes out and validates the FIU interior architecture work,” said King. “It prepares the next generation.”

The entries must embrace the holiday spirit while going beyond the typical,

traditional tree. Five judges will decide winners of the event, organized by the FIU

interior architecture advisory board. The categories are most

elegant, most progressive, most creative, most illuminating and

the people’s choice award.

Design firms such as ADD Inc. and Zyscovich will be participating. FIU students will also create a tree.

King said organizers are excited to showcase the trees in a museum this year.

“It’s a wonderful location with a beautiful courtyard where there will be a band and dancing,” she said.

Tickets include drinks and catered food from Parties

by Pat. A jazz band and DJ will provide musical entertainment.

The trees will be up for auction, but will remain on display at the museum until next month.

“It is one of the most interesting events in Miami,” King said. “The whole design community comes out.”