making a difference...the house that faux built

In 2005 over 50 of the industries best decorative painters joined forces and transformed a 1940’s home in Maryland into a gallery of faux finishing, stenciling and decorative painting. The project was not merely a showcase of talent and technique, it was designed to make a difference.

The house and the resulting book, The House that Faux Built, was the brainchild of Adrienne Van Dooren. The whole idea behind the project was to fund a Habitat for Humanity home in New Orleans, post-Katrina.

Fast forward four years to today....the funds to build the home have been raised and the home is under construction as I write. In November a mother and two young children will have a home of their own as a result of the efforts of decorative painters with a heart. Lyna Farkas will share the full story in her column 'Heart of Faux' a regular feature of artistically speaking magazine.

If you own a copy of the book, you helped make this happen. The original decorative artisans helped make this happen. The project founder, Adrienne Van Dooren helped make this happen! An you, too, can help make this happen...

The first week in November, decorative artisans will again gather in New Orleans to paint and decorate the Habitat home in the second phase of the “House That Faux Built” project. This phase includes in a re-printing of the original book which will benefit both Habitat for Humanity and the SPCA, a mini-documentary of the process, and an auction of dog houses.

For more information visit the Faux House website. There is still time to get involved in the second phase. You can:

Artisan Volunteers – the first week of November artisans will be creating faux finishes and murals in the Habitat home. Other artisans will be working on a mural for the SPCA headquarters. Great rates have been arranged with the Degas House (pictured above). If you have any questions contact Jane Drew, Project Coordinator in New Orleans: by e-mail Jane1478@aol.com or phone 504-666-2609.

Paint a Birdhouse for the SPCA Birdhouse Auction – the SPCA's annual fundraising event is scheduled for Saturday, November 14th, with a Hooray for Howlywood theme. During the event, there will be a charity auction of birdhouses hand painted by decorative artisans...so hurry, the deadline to send one in is Thursday, October 29^th. Send your birdhouse to:

Howling for Success Auction

Attention: Dean Howard

1700 Mardi Gras Boulevard

New Orleans, LA 70114

Paint a Doghouse for the SPCA Doghouse Challenge – During the first week of November, doghouses built by Connie & Randy Cotita of Monroe, LA, will be painted and decorated by the artisan volunteers. These will also be auctioned at the SPCA fundraiser by a special celebrity host.

Be a Sponsor – Sponsors include Golden Artist Colors, Modern Masters, Jeff Raum Stencils and Royal Design Studio. If you would like to help sponsor by donating products or cash, please contact the Laine Discepoli, Sponsorship Chair: e-mail Laine@misselaineous.net or via 513-533-FAUX.

Donate $$$ – If you are unable to participate but would love to help with this worthy cause, please consider cash donation. All donations are much appreciated.

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