In 1985 Patina, Inc., located in Atlanta, Georgia, developed a collection of hand painted furniture whose graceful lines and rich aged finishes were inspired by the 18th century Italian antiques found in European shops and museums. To find the artisans and craftsmen who could recreate these pieces, the small towns of northern Italy were scoured, uncovering a handful of exceptionally talented people who, as apprentices to “master craftsmen”, had honed their skills and learned the techniques and materials used in the 18th century. Through this website we hope you’ll get a feel for the designs, the creative relationships and the passion that is PATINA®. Marylu Stevens, President, CEO and owner, started her love affair with everything Italian when she studied painting and print making at the Accademia delle Belle Arti in Perugia, Italy, and later moved to Rome where she lived for 6 years and received her degree in art history. From there she moved back to Atlanta and worked as a trade analyst for the Italian Government until culminating her interests in painting and Italian art, language, history and culture in the form of Patina, Inc.