Posted: 9/13/06
Shari Schommer puts her talent to work
 Shari Schommer, pictured next to one of her own creations, has turned a personal passion into an opportunity to teach and assist people in turning a house into a home. She specializes in decorative painting in a variety of styles and can do it for you, or show you how to do it yourself. For more examples of her work, go to http://www.picturetrail.com/sharischommer. |
By Patrick Tepoorten
Twelve years ago when Shari Schommer gave up her profession to stay home and take care of adopted son Tyler, her home quickly turned into a laboratory of sorts. ìMy creative juices were going nuts,î she said, which was manifest in interior decorating and painting around the house. Soon though, friends and family began to notice and suggest that Schommer turn that talent into a business. Thus, the seed of Shari Schommer Design Studio was born.
Not that it was easy. In fact, Schommer got a wake-up call when she started to explore decorative painting. ìI was horrible,î she said, ìbut I persisted.î Now, Schommer is a certified teacher of the ìone-strokeî method of painting made popular by Donna Dewberry, which blends highlights and shadows in a single stroke. ìIt has made craft painting accessible to everyone,î stated Schommer about the style, who now teaches it at her studio in Rushseba Township.
Schommer teaches not only one-stroke, but many styles of painting to both beginners and advanced students. She also offers classes for kids to learn painting as well. When she is not teaching in her studio, Schommer can be found teaching in no less than eight different community education programs, including Chisago Lakes, North Branch, Forest Lake, and Rush City.
For those who might prefer not to put their own talents to work, Schommer can help too. Experienced as a decorative artist, Schommer can provide intricate borders, faux treatments, as well as requests. She is adept in marbleizing, glazes, frottage, and tromp lei, to name just a few popular decorative styles. One example of her work can be viewed at Rush City Foods, where an exposed brick mural graces the view just inside the front door.
Although she is not certified as such, Schommer has over 20 years experience in interior design as well. Oftentimes she has found that painting clients seek advice for decorating the rooms they are having treated by Schommer. She is more than happy to offer them advice. ìItís like having a professional decorator help you out, but still having the chance to say you did it yourself,î she said.
Schommer and her students can often be found at local craft shows, selling samples of their work to the public. Canít wait for a craft show? Schommer and company are offering samples on sale at the studio until the end of September. Also available is a complete line of retail specialty brushes.
Schommer is a member of the Society of Decorative Painters and is a member of both the Rush City and North Branch Area Chambers of Commerce. Her work can be viewed at www.picturetrail.com/sharischommer.
For more information on schedules and costs, community education opportunities, interior design and painting, or to inquire as to Schommerís next appearance at a craft show, call (320) 358-0820.
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