George Washington at Princeton
CPK Floral Designs
Cynthia Klebonis, CFD
2022 installation
1st Floor - Ballroom
The Inspiration
George Washington at Princeton
Oil-on-canvas portrait of George Washington at Princeton. On loan.
Artist/Creator: Charles Peale Polk
Date of Creation: ca. 1790-1793.
The Flowers
Florist’s inspiration: I was inspired to create a Floral Candelabra with 13 taper candles representing the 13 original colonies to honor President George Washington’s painting displayed above the Grand Ballroom Fireplace. Coordinating tones of ivory, butter yellow, rust and blue are blended throughout my design. Some of the highlight flowers that coordinate with Washington’s portrait and the colors in the two Asian urns are the beautiful bronzy Coffee Break, butter gold Queen of Pearl and apricot Phoenix Roses. Lovely tan Cappuccino Spray Roses and apricot Linette Cremon Mums create flow and textural visual interest. The blue Delphinium brings in the pop of color contrast that ties the design to the two Asian urns that flank Washington’s photo.
This Venerable Man
Was Loved by his Countrymen and Now by us Today.
He Led us Well on so many Fronts and Firsts.
His Honored Service to Unite Us.
He Calmly Sits for this Portrait
A Bright Light for Mankind
Reflecting the Balance
of Yang Energy in his butter gold vest and bronze buttons
and Yin energy in his charcoal suit
The terracotta, whites and deep blues
of the 2 Ceramic Urns
flank the painting with a familiarity
of Hard Work and Honor
having also been put through the Fire of Life
and Preserved for the Ages
THE DESIGNER
Cynthia Klebonis, CFD
CPK Floral Designs
Cynthia P. Klebonis, CFD, is the owner and lead floral designer of CPK Floral Designs located in Leesburg, Virginia. Her passion for flowers started as a young girl when she would create beautiful faux floral arrangements as gifts for family and friends. When going back to work after a hiatus to raise her family, her soul-searching led her back to the elation she experienced creating something unique and beautiful with her own two hands and sharing this floral joy with others. She feels blessed to have fulfilled her dream of attending floral design school and becoming a Certified Floral Designer by the American Institute of Floral Designers (AIFD). Cynthia’s love of working with flowers inspires her artistry at a soul level so that the blending of shapes, colors and textures of her designs speak the language of flowers with the intention of touching the heart of the recipient. Her passion is in designing unique floral arrangements for weddings, events and special occasions. Always seeking out educational experiences that feed her creativity and enhance skills, Cynthia also loves to share her knowledge and experience by hosting Floral Arranging Workshops in collaboration with venue business owners. Reach out to Cynthia at CPK Floral designs for flowers that speak your language. She always puts her heart into creating a memorable piece of floral art that can be treasured.
PHOTOGRAPHED BY
Trene Forbes
Trene’ Forbes is an award-winning expert photographer, mentor, speaker, educator, and full-time entrepreneur. As the founder and lead photographer of Trene’ Forbes Photography, she’s leveraged her expertise in photography and education. A native of Baltimore, Maryland- Trene’ is a graduate of Baltimore City Community College, University of Baltimore, and University of Phoenix, where she earned a master’s degree in Business Management.
Before becoming a professional photographer and entrepreneur, Trene’s career path as an Executive Assistant for over 25 years in the health field led her to Howard County Public School system where she worked for Student Services. Her love for working with students encouraged her to join The Continental Societies, Inc. The non-profit organization focuses on health, education, employment, recreation, arts and humanities.
As a committed worker and always willing to serve the community Trene’ is an active member of 1st. Mt. Olive Freewill Baptist Church, Munaluchi Bride, The Continental Society, and The National Society of Black Wedding Professionals. Her volunteer work is extensive, which includes volunteering for Baltimore City Urban Debate League for elementary and middle school students. She assisted with the Alpha Kappa Alpha in the playground initiative for Howard County Public Schools. Her ongoing services includes assisting and volunteering for the bookbag initiative, feeding the homeless, assisting with the Colgate Dental van ensuring children are provided with healthy eating initiatives.
Trene’s love for photography and her clients has landed her images in Essence, Munaluchi, The Knot, Washingtonian, Rangefinder, and The New York Times, just to name a few.
She is married with three children and five grandchildren.
