Pictured is Michael Savoia, owner of Villa Savoia, Inc.

The interior design trade has the custom fabric embellishments created by Michael Savoia to design the perfect look. Savoia is the owner of Villa Savoia, Inc., a company that  has 15 employees and embellishes textiles which then become curtains, pillows, bedding, and table linens. He uses traditional techniques of embroidery, hand beading, trapunto, applique and others.

After graduating from Kane High School in 1973 he attended Edinboro University, twice, the first time receiving a B.S. in Art Education in 1976 and the second time obtaining a Masters of Fine Arts Degree in 1979, with a focus in weaving and textile design. Savoia taught at Clarion/Limestone for a year after he graduated with his B.S. and then decided to return to school and get his Masters Degree. He then moved to Detroit, Mich. where he managed a state-wide tour and did some scouting for a multi-state regional tour which included Pennsylvania. He then went to Chicago, Ill. where he was employed by Donghia Showrooms as an outside salesman for the mid-west territory which he says, "introduced me to the economics and creativity of the interior design trade." He ended up in Los Angeles where he has stayed.

Savoia says being an owner of his own company makes it "difficult to pull away". And adding to that difficulty is his 16 year old Springer Spaniel, Buddy. However, they do find time to get away by car sometimes to San Francisco or Palm Springs. He does find time to have dinner with friends, the occasional movie, theater or concerts.

There are many teachers that were inspirational to Savoia. He said that, "Mrs. Arlene Heath was truly a marvel - and the classes she held were pretty adventurous. Carla Bergstrom - truly an inspiration and thought provoking. She taught a comparison between West Side Story and Romeo and Juliet that put literature in a completely different light. Mr. Driscoll was a pleasure to work with and taught me that you don't have to yell to be heard. The summer between 6th and 7th grade I took an art class taught by John Bloomquist who opened my eyes to perspective drawing and made me see art in a different light. For these opportunities and many, many more I will always be grateful.  Mr. and Mrs. Laverne Johnson - truly inspirational. Under their guidance in the summer of 1969 I was an exchange student to Argentina." Savoia said it was a wonderful experience and that he was introduced to other ways of life and cultures. He says he is still in contact with his "family" there.

When asked, what do you like most about Kane he said, "Kane is a wonderful place. Kane is a place of such natural beauty; it is everywhere. I love the old buildings - no matter what shape they are in."

"Being from Kane I think has ultimately given me a sensibility that is direct and honest. I look for the best in people and yet know when to steer clear of trouble. That knowledge, I think, is part of growing up in a place like Kane", Savoia said in closing.