Heidi von Weitzer Studios, Inc. comes to you from a long line of successful Austrian entrepreneurs and industrialists. The Weitzer family attained prominence in manufacturing with their Ore mines, fabric mills and diesel locomotives. The Weitzer name achieved further recognition when the Emperor of Austria bestowed the title of "Count" on Johann Weitzer. A humble man, he typically omitted the "von" from his name in reflection of his meager beginnings. The family crest illustratively signifies the philanthropic and financial accomplishments of the Weitzer family.

Creative talent seems prolific in the Weitzer family, many members of which have attained a great measure of success in art and/or music. The family tradition of elegance and superior quality continues on through Heidi von Weitzer Studios, Inc. and the International Academy of Decorative Arts.

Heidi's parents owned and operated a department store for fine designer cloth such as Armani, Nina Ricci, Laurel Jil Sander, Louis Feraud, Max Mara, Ice berg, etc. Her parents, in fact, had the vision to get behind Armani when he was yet an unknown designer. Fine designs and color seem virtually inborn for Heidi, who has grown up surrounded by fine art and creative expression.

Heidi grew up immersed in philanthropic endeavors. Her father built an animal shelter, and her great-grandfather established the first Austrian workers insurance, in addition to building a hospital, an elementary school, and an indoor swimmimg pool. Johann Weitzer's most famous project was establishing and building the first kindergarten in Austria for the children of his approximately 10,000 factory workers. In this same spirit, Heidi was instrumental in the establishment, building, and supply (by means of the American Goverment donation, for which she virtually pleaded on behalf of the Philippine people) of the Mabalaccat Hospital, Mabalaccat, Philippine Islands.

PERSONAL HISTORY

Heidi Weitzer-Schmith, the great-granddaughter of Johann Weitzer, grew up in Europe and immigrated to the United States in 1974, where she began adorning furniture with "Austrian Farm Painting" (Bauernmalerei). This type of artistic painting contains, among other things, faux finishes such as marbling, glazing, and woodgraining. In addition to these techniques, "gilding" was used in many of these designs" She moved to the Philippine Islands in 1978, where she launched the "Weitzer Collection", a line of hand-crafted and faux finished baskets and wicker furniture. Heidi 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 beauty of the basket fibers. She eventually re-discovered "pickling", which was introduced at the Chicago gift show in 1981 and was so well received that entire industries introduced "White-Wash" in the ensuing years.

She returned to the US in 1982 and entered the American gift and furniture industry. Within four years the enterprise had grown to 25 showrooms with a sales force of up to 250 manufacturer representatives showing and selling the "The Weitzer Collection". By personal decision Heidi discontinued "The Weitzer Collection" in 1990 and began working exclusively in faux finishes. In 1992 Heidi established the Heidi von Weitzer Studios. Missing her love for teaching, in 1994 she established the International Academy of Decorative Arts. The school, which later became the "Faux Academy™", brought an innovative approach to teaching Old World European style, in addition to both classic and unconventional mediums. The Faux Academy website was launched in 1999. Through extensive studies in San Francisco, Chicago, Germany, Italy and France, Heidi continues to enhance her vast artistic talents and celebrate her love of decorative arts.

PHILOSOPHY

Heidi not only passes on a legacy of artistic expression to her students, but also teaches them to glean deep lessons from the Old Masters. One homework assignment she gives students is to read Napoleon Hill's classic books, steeped in rich philosophy. She shares the view of Mr. Hill, who happens to be one of Heidi's former teachers, that the key to success is "going the extra mile". She herself subscribes to that basic philosophy, passing along to her students the importance of "going the extra mile" in everything they do. Throughout her classes, students become familiar with such quotes as Napoleon Hill's "No wealth or position can long endure, unless built upon truth and justice; therefore I will engage in no transaction which does not benefit all whom it affects.”

VOLUNTEER PROJECTS

1970 - 1990 Active Member of the Officer's Wives Club, Clark Air Base, Philippine Islands

1978 – 1980: Chairwoman, Buiding Coordinator, and Liaison Officer for the Officers’ Wives Club on Clark AFB and the city of Mabalaccat, Pangasinan, Philippine Islands.

Responsiblities included adherance to a deadline for receiving a grant from the Philippine government to build a hospital, as well as procuring building supplies (at times having to presume upon the kindness of the US government to get the hospital opened). A malnutrition ward for the children was opened, expediting the process and achieving the deadline, and thus awarding the hospital the grant. The Mabalaccat Hospital continues in existence today

1985-1987 President, O’Fallon Arts Council

1984–1987 President (first appointed by the mayor of O’Fallon, then re-elected 3 times), Downtown Merchant Association

This organization was formed to promote downtown area merchants, increasing sales, setting up promotions, and re-designing the downtown area. Heidi saw to it that the streets were adorned with new Christmas lights, providing an atmosphere of festivity and bustling commerce. She also developed such comprehensive projects as the delightful "Christmas Walks" with dazzling Christmas trees, special sales, the scent of freshly roasted almonds, and quaintly appealing trolley rides for patrons. The organization continues today under the name "Downtown Main Street".

1978 Launched the "Weitzer Collection", a personally designed and manufactured line of wicker furniture and baskets, sold in the US and supplied to Bloomingdale's, B. Altman, Touch of Class, Nieman Marcus, Horchow Collection, Saks of 5th Ave, and Pier One. Within 4 years, Heidi had established herself as the avant garde in the industry. The business was discontinued due to personal circumstances. These products are still being sold, with no overt variation in design.

PERSONAL PHILOSOPHY

What began as a volunteer mission 23 years ago has grown into a personal and business philosophy that redefines "Europe meets America", a trend which has captured today's Interior Design industry.

"I was always about design, fashion and trends," Heidi notes. "This mission has allowed me to fulfill my dream to design and create, as well as to teach and pass on my knowledge, culture, and heritage. Today I have the privilege of inviting clients and students to be part of that dream. I had a vison in 1978 and I went for it, and my artist-heart has overcome many stepping stones. But I am still with it, and at long last I have realized that one does best at what one loves, setbacks and all. I I took a curvy road, but I have "arrived". I was raised in a fine and cultured environment. That has benefited me beyond words, and for that I am thankful and blessed.

The Weitzer - Graz, Austria

This state of the art factory, which was among serveral owned and operated by Johann Weitzer, manufactured locomotives among other things.