Atlanta's School of Fine Finishes, Atlanta, Georgia
At Atlanta's School of Fine Finishes students learn European style decorative finishes; stenciling; marble and stone looks; murals; stripes; metallics; and finishes for trim and wood, all using products from a number of manufacturers.
by Rosemary Camozzi
offers an impressive array of classes taught by top instructors from around the country. Students can learn a variety of techniques, including European style decorative finishes; stenciling; marble and stone looks; murals; stripes; metallics; and finishes for trim and wood, all using products from a number of manufacturers. "Our instructors are artists who are at the top of their game," says Susan Curtis, who started the school in September with her husband Dwain. "They are teaching very refined techniques."
 Classes take place in a brand new 1,000-square-foot studio with floor-to-ceiling windows on two sides. The room is set up with 12 individual work stations that hold boards, brushes, tools, paper towels, anything a painter might need. "It's a wonderfully quiet, full-of-light working environment," Curtis says.
Students will leave their classes with lots of beautiful sample boards, as well as practical experience from doing troubleshooting exercises, she says. Additionally, students at the school get a chance to work on 4' by 8' panel boards to simulate on-the-job application for the finish they are learning. There's also a small "paintable" room where students can learn how to deal with corners, practice taping exercises, or implement design principles they have just learned. "We're creating situations in the classroom that will make our students confident in going on to the job," Curtis says.
 The school is partners with a number of manufacturers and distributors, including Perfetto, Briste Group, Kolcaustico, Sepp Leaf Products and ProFaux.
Upcoming classes in January include "Beginning with Texture," "SkimStone," "Gorgeous Glazing," "Mainly Metallics" and a three-day business class, "Lets Get Started." February offerings include "Stunning Stripes," "Animal Skins," and "Sophisticated Plasters."
In the spring, the school will be offering "Conquering Columns (each student will be provided with an 8-foot column to work on), "Intro to Perfetto," "Furniture & Panels," "Metallics," "Mastering Medallions," and "Wood Graining I."
Atlanta's School of Fine Finishes is located 40 minutes northeast of Atlanta, in Lawrenceville, Georgia.
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