FAUX ACADEMY Provides a Fresh Start in Life and a New Career

OFallon, IL – Faux Academy, a divisionof Heidi von Weitzer Studios, Inc. has awarded its first Operation Fresh Start Scholarship to Dante Jose Domingo of the Philippines. Domingo was chosen from over 60 applicants to receive a free one-week session at Faux Academy, a school specializing in teaching the art of faux finishing."I was very impressed with Dantes application," said Heidi von Weitzer, Director and Founder of Faux Academy. "He was very prompt in returning his application and didnt hesitate to submit the required 750-word essay. He proved a real need for a ‘fresh start and a strong desire to succeed as a faux painter."Domingo, studied architecture in the Philippines but has been unsuccessful in finding a steady job. "I needed to find a way to provide for my wife and three children. Architecture alone just wasnt paying the bills," said Domingo.Domingo knew of von Weitzers experience in the Philippine faux finish market. "Her reputation precedes her," Domingo said smiling. "Heidi developed this market. So I thought ‘who better to learnfrom than the industry pioneer." Von Weitzer spent seven years in the Philippine Islands where she iscredited with The "Weitzer Collection" – a line of hand-crafted and faux finished baskets and wicker furniture. While in the Philippines she also volunteered to teach the local weavers how to create a stain with the limited resources available and how to apply the stain properly to enhance the beautiful basket fibers. "Heidi was able to share these experiences with me. She taught me how to make my own stain and glaze," said Domingo. "Materials such as paint thinner are very expensive over there, " explained von Weitzer. "They dont have stain and glaze on the store shelves so you have to make your own."Domingo says he cant begin to explain how wonderful his experience was at Faux Academy. "Heidi is an excellent instructor. During the week I spent with her, and the four other students in the class, I gained knowledge and "hands-on" experience that I wouldnt have found anywhere else. That experience, coupled
with the friendships I established is exactly the fresh start I needed," Domingo said proudly.Operation Fresh Start was introduced earlier this year with the purpose of helping a student get a "fresh start" at a new career in faux finishing. Von Weitzer says she was inspired to create this program in order to give back to the community what was once given to her when she needed a new start in life.