At Anything But Plain School of Decorative Finishes, Janie F. Ellis, ASID, MA, RID, CFC Director and Master Artisan, Janie Ellis, with 20 years of experience as a professional faux finisher, is the cornerstone of the teaching staff of Anything But Plain, School of Decorative Finishes in Houston, Texas. Janie has a B.A. in Art and a Master’s Degree in Interior Design. With over 30 years of experience in fine art, she is a certified artisan, certified faux consultant, professional member of the American Society of Interior Designers, an industry partner of ASID, as well as a Distinguished Speaker for ASID nationally. Janie is also an invited participant of the International Salon of Decorative Painters, Stencilers Artisans League International, a member of the board of PDPA and a recurring Judge for Fauxcademy Awards — a nationally recognized award for faux and decorative painting. She is a published author, national speaker, and teacher on the subject of faux finishing and decorative painting. Janie is one of the most sought after faux finisher and decorative artist in Houston, Texas. She is founder and president of Anything But Plain Studios, which is known for its commission work all over the United States for the Interior Design community.       Sharon Leichsenring Sharon Leichsenring of Trumbull Connecticut, is the owner of Leichsenring Studios. She is a member of the National Society of Mural Painters and has been invited to participate in The Salon, a by-invitation-only international gathering of artists since 2003. Sharon is a nationally award winning artist, having garnered the grand prize in the decorative painting division of a competition sponsored by American Painting in 2003. She brings an absolute passion to each project and considers herself fortunate to work each day at what she loves to do. Sharon also teaches workshops throughout the year in Houston and Atlanta in Mural Painting, Perspective Drawing, Cloudscapes and Trompe L'oeil painting. She brings a unique ability to clearly explain and demonstrate techniques to each student. You can visit her website at http://www.leichsenringstudios.com/.       Gary Lord, B.F.A. Gary Lord earned a B.F.A. from Ohio State University in 1974. In 1975 he opened Gary Lord Wall Options and Associates in Cincinnati and is still creating the whole spectrum of decorative paint finishes on a national and international level. He has taught thousands of students throughout the United States, Canada and in Europe. Gary is a respected author of two books on paint finishes- “Great Paint Finishes for a Gorgeous Home” and “Marvelous Murals you can Paint”. He also writes article for numerous national and international painting and decorating magazines. He has also appeared on  internationally syndicated “Decorating with Style”, “Carol Duvall Show”, “The Christopher Lowell Show”, “Home Matters”, “Paint! Paint! Paint!” and on many other regional and local television and radio programs.     Trisha Collins Since 1992, Trisha Collins has sparked excitement and built confidence in students who have the desire and talent to succeed in this lucrative industry. A blend of outstanding communications skills, natural artistic ability, outgoing personality and love of teaching; make her a sought after instructor. Trisha has continued to encourage and instruct professional artisans across the nation using the newest products from cutting edge companies. She expands and develops the latest techniques and set trends for the future by experimenting with products using her knowledge and tapping into her creative flow through her passion and intuitive senses. Her relaxed teaching style incorporates a comprehensive hands-on approach to insure each student understands the various possibilities of the technique being taught. Trisha’s “show & tell” teaching ignites the senses and provides an avenue for individual style and creativity. An exchange of ideas and experience is also encouraged among the students to gain knowledge from each other as well as this seasoned instructor. Trisha Collins, founder and president of Artisans International Inc., designs and produces extraordinary painted finishes for both exclusive residential clientele and well-known commercial spaces. Since 1988, she has worked in tandem with influential interior designers, art directors and architects. Her reputation for producing fine designer finishes on walls, on floors, furniture, architectural elements and objects d'art are sought throughout the country. Discriminating clients are captivated by her creative ability to visualize and transform the ordinary into the extraordinary. Trisha’s talent and skill balanced with her easy going temperament personify the qualities responsible for the continued success of Artisans International, Inc.     Tim Bell Tim has been in the painting industry for 30 years. The first 15 years in residential and commercial painting in Omaha NE. In 1991 he became a certified JaDecor installer for the Omaha area, one of only three in the nation. In 1995 he became the US Distributor for JaDecor and has installed over 600 residential and commercial jobs in Omaha and surrounding markets. He has exhibited at the SALI expo for the last 5 years, twice at the United States Green Building International Expo and also at West Coast Green, the largest residential "Green" show in the country.