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About The PIMA Studio

Patti Irwin founded the PIMA Studio in 1989 in Annapolis, Maryland, and in 2011, moved the studio to Leander, Texas, just north of Austin.

Whether you are a beginner or an advanced pianist, interested in theory or composition, we offer classes for everyone.

About the Founder

Patti's love of art began in kindergarten when given a piece of chalk and a chalkboard. Her passion for the piano began at the age of 6 and love for monster concerts came soon after. Having studied music and art at Texas Women's University and The University of Texas, she continues to study to this day believing education is a life-long adventure whether you are 8 or 80. 

The mother of 3 children and 2 granddaughters, Patti is originally from Bryan, Texas. After living in Annapolis for 27 years, she has just returned to her home state of Texas (along with her dogs, Boots and Snowball) to be closer to her family and long-time friends.

In addition to teaching, Patti established the Taperan Art Studio in 2005, specializing in faux and decorative painting – turning furniture into art. She studied with Nicola Vigini, Pierre Finklestein and Jean-Pierre Besenval. Adrienne van Dooren's book "The House That Faux Built" features her work which has also appeared in Faux Effects World, The Faux Finisher, and Paint Magic magazines. Patti is the recipient of the 2006 Fauxcademy of Decorative Finishing Award for Best Furniture.

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