20th Anniversary In The Decorative Arts Industry!!

When Kathy Carroll began working in the decorative arts industry in March of 1988, little did she know that her passion would lead her to founding one of the foremost schools in faux finishing and a flourishing eStore. Since then, she has shared her expertise and talent with countless students and fellow artisans.

Please join Kathy for what will be a fun-filled and informative open house to help commemorate her 20 years in the decorative arts and faux finishing field. During the festivities, you’ll have the opportunity to experience the latest materials and view new finishes that will be showcased throughout the Institute.

Come and enjoy free food and beverages. You’ll get a chance to enter a drawing for door prizes. As well as enater a contest for one free night at the Holiday Inn Express in Carol Stream, IL. Check out the House of Faux’s Talk Faux Forum at www.talkfaux.com/forum for details.

Vendors represented will include:

• Vella Products
• Briste Group International
• Golden Proceed
• Durock International
• Blue Pearl
• Vertical Faux
• Cres-lite
• Bella product line
• HakanWear
• and more.

Hours are 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM

As a gift to you for helping celebrate this milestone, Kathy is offering $20 off every $200 purchase (excluding certain items).

“What better way to celebrate my anniversary than with the students and colleagues who have supported the Institute and my artistic passion over the years,” Kathy explains. “I may be an instructor, but I’m also a student at heart – always eager to learn new skills and techniques as the industry constantly evolves. I look forward to many more years of being able to impart what I learn and helping others begin their own faux finishing careers."

A “Real” Working Retreat

Experience a new way of learning the decorative arts, mixed with fun, relaxation, and a beautiful setting in the Northwoods of Wisconsin. Faux Retreat was created for artisans like you to learn and share your craft in a unique environment that will recharge you both physically and creatively.

The Spring Faux Retreat will be held on May 4-8, 2009 (a fall retreat is also being planned for late September) at a secluded site surrounded by 170 acres of woods and a private lake near Spooner, Wis.

While communing with nature, you’ll have the opportunity to learn from two of the industry’s most creative and innovative instructors:

• Kathy Carroll, owner of the Chicago Institute of Fine Finishes and Faux by Kathy, will bring inspiration, motivation, and a fresh approach to the endless possibilities of 8+ different finishes. You’ll leave with a class book complete with all your recipes, product sheets, and information that will become a lifelong resource. Products used will be from a variety of manufacturers, including: Golden Proceed Line, Bella Product Line, Blue Pearl and Perfetto, Oikos, Modern Masters, Adicolor, and Briste Group.

• Mindy Harrell, owner of Murals by Mindy and Faux Assured Studio, will lead a course in “Modern World Finishes” that is designed to build upon your existing skills and expand your knowledge of product usage, design concepts, and "art-inspired" techniques. You’ll learn how to embellish your work and use multi-medium mixing to maximize the creative process. Plus, you’ll leave with a comprehensive technical binder detailing the finishes and 10-12 samples utilizing favorites from the silver and gold label line by Faux Effects International.

Your five-day Faux Retreat also includes: 


• Welcome reception and dinner

• Communal style accommodations (limited private or semi-private rooms available for an additional fee)

• Daily continental breakfast, daily lunch, and dinner served 3 nights 

• 4 days of hands-on instruction – 2 days with each instructor
• Snacks and beverages available throughout the day

• Evening guest speaker

• Late night painting party
• On-site yoga
• Use of lake, boats, and other amenities
(sauna, Jacuzzi, etc.) on the property
• Free time to explore the town on your own

This all-inclusive retreat is priced at just $1,895 – comparable to other classes that do not include the costs of accommodations, meals, and other activities. Retreat size is limited, so make your reservations today. Early bird special: Register by March 14 for $100 off!

For more information or to download a reservation form, visit www.fauxretreat.com. You can also call 218-940-3095 or send an e-mail to info@fauxretreat.com if you have any questions.