Articles
FEATURE ARTICLE
Published in The Faux Finisher
Magazine - Fall 2001 Issue
 Passing
the Torch
NASODA continues to provide higher learning for North American painters
with a world-class association of master instructors. Trade secrets that
were once in danger of being lost forever are available to serious artisans
at the North American School of Decorative Art under the direction of
Michele Santilli. The school's dedication to the advancement of painted
decoration and to an elevated standard of education based on European
tradition has become a hallmark of excellence.
"We're about learning," says Santilli. "We need to preserve the
traditional techniques, yet they can be successfully combined with new
product technology. We foster a fellowship of like-minded individuals here,
a place where we can share our passion with other professionals from across
the United States and around the world."
Previously, classes were held at two studio locations, Windy City Studio
in downtown Chicago and in suburban Villa Park. Since July, NASODA has moved
all classes to Villa Park, which is central to the entire Chicago
metropolitan area. Access is now easier from all directions, and there are
more accommodation choices as well.
Over the past two years, NASODA has made it possible to study with the
best instructors in decorative art that the world has to offer. To date, the
impressive lineup has included Pierre Finkelstein, Patrick Kirwin, Mike
MacNeil, Michele Santilli, Nancy Thorn and Evan Wilson from the United
States, Margaret Riley from Canada; Don Gray, Bill Holgate and the late
Keith Warwick from England; Patrick LaHeyne from Belgium; and Benny Carlsson
from Norway.
A preview of 2002 includes the returning of Pierre Lefumat. This past
June, Monsieur Lefumat taught two classes at NASODA, one for invited North
American instructors (see Rebecca Parsons' article, page 36 of this issue)
and one for advanced students. If you were on the waiting list, as the
advanced class filled to capacity, you'll have another chance to attend next
year.
Yannick Guegan, author of "The Handbook of Painted Decoration," will make
his premier visit to America in July. This two-week course will be a rare
opportunity for serious professionals. Other first-time guest instructors
scheduled for next year include Mats Carlsson and Lotta Olsson from Sweden,
Pascal Amblard from France and Ross O'Neal from the U.S.
Students and instructors alike have high praise for NASODA. "Attending
class at NASODA has been an incredibly rewarding experience for me,"
reported Lisa Burns, a professional artist from California. "I learned
valuable information, met other decorative painters from all over the county
and most importantly was greatly inspired."
Student Rocky Raczkowski from Florida echoed these remarks, noting,
"Thanks for bringing these masters to the U.S. and giving those of us who
want continuing education the opportunity to seek it right here at home."
Margaret Riley, one of NASODA's first guest instructors, commented, "The
studio has been designed to assist students to learn both technique and
large-scale assignments. It has been enormously gratifying to see the growth
and integrity of the movement in decorative art. My friends and
international colleagues recognize Michele's commitment to the aesthetics
and raising the standards in North America."
Since NASODA was founded in 1999, its vision and commitment to education
have made it a place where colleagues can gather, share their experiences
and once again see the torch passed on from one generation to another.
Published with permission from The Faux Finisher magazine, a
publication of the Paint & Decorating Retailers Association (PDRA). For more
information about PDRA, visit their web site at
www.pdra.org or call (636) 326-2636. |
