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In March of 1976, Mary Gavenda started a cake decorating career as one of the first Wilton Method teachers inthe Chicago ares.
To improve her decorating skills and teaching techniques, she attended the Master Course class at The Wilton School in Chicago in January 1977.
She continued teaching the Wilton Method Program, both basic and advanced course, for approximately 12 years at various Sears, Wards and JC Penney stores in the southwestern suburbs of Chicago. During that time, Mary was added to the Wilton Hall of Fame. In the fall of 1985, she was asked to assist in the Wilton Test Kitchen.
In early June of 1986, Mary was summoned to work in the Cake Decorating Room at Wilton. As a Cake Decorator, and her current position as a Senior Cake Decorator, she creates the cakes for Photography to be used on new labels and packaging, and in all Wilton publications. She is also a Food Stylist, creating special food designs.
Gavenda holds certificates from Wilton's Master Course with Wesley Wilton, Mary Jane Wilton and Connie Riehardt. Elaine Gonzalez - Chocolate Artistry class, Nicholas Lodge - Advanced Gum Paste class, Wesley Wilton - Pulled Sugar class, Connie Riehardt (1977) and Susan Matusiak (1996) Intro to Gum Paste class, and the Colette Peters Gum Paste and Fondant class.
Mary is a member of ICES (The International Cake Exploration Societe) and organization to promote the art of food and cake decorating throughout the world, with an international membership of approximately 4,000. She has served as an alternate representative, Illinois State Representative, ICES Board Member and Vice President, as well as, a Demonstrator at many conventions. | 