Officially recognized by the National Day Archives in 2022, April 30 is International Painters Appreciation Day.
“After dedicating 25 years to the painting industry, I envisioned a national day to celebrate our craft and spotlight the skilled trade of painting,” says founder and CEO William Jaworske, a veteran painter and long-time employee of Frank Novak & Sons Painting in Cleveland, Ohio. “Despite the industry’s crucial contributions – past, present and future – it often goes unrecognized.”
International Painters Appreciation Day acknowledges the growing demand for professional painters and the vital role they play in preserving our infrastructure, landmarks, homes and buildings for generations to come.
“I wanted to incentivize the public and young people to choose painting as a profession and give painters and our industry a whole a day to celebrate their hard work and contributions,” Jaworske says. “It’s hard to imagine a world without paint and painters.”
Taking the next step
Inspired by the initial positive feedback for the special day, a committee was organized to form a 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation to build on the idea of International Painters Appreciation Day.
Brad Pinchot, Vice President at Frank Novak and Sons, serves as the president of the nonprofit organization.
“The main goal is to educate the public and enhance the professionalism and general well-being of painters and their families,” he says. “Our mission is to improve the circumstances and futures of those working in the painting industry and their families, and to enhance the communities in which those persons live and work.”
This may include, but not be limited to, addressing substance addictions, mental health, bettering economic conditions, mitigating the ramifications of medical conditions such as cancer, autism and debilitating diseases, and to generally enhance the lives of those working in the painting industry and their families so they may have a better future.
A better future for painters
The volunteer board of directors for the International Painters Appreciation Day nonprofit holds monthly meetings to discuss initiatives to possibly implement that align with the group’s mission.
“The people who will benefit are painters and their families, as our mission is to enhance their lives for a better future,” Jaworske says. “For example, we have collaborated with local artist Garrett Weeder by helping prep walls for his astounding mural projects. We assisted him with one of his art projects in Cleveland, which he did for another nonprofit called LifeAct, whose mission is to prevent teen suicide. Additionally, we donated $1,000 to a painter who was recently out of work due to a career-ending injury.”
Industry backing
Several organizations in the coatings industry have signed on to support the growth of International Painters Appreciation Day.
“Sherwin-Williams, our first sponsor, plays a crucial role in advancing our mission,” Pinchot says. “They can help us identify painters in need and support our goals. Through our collaboration, we highlight the genuine commitment of Sherwin-Williams to listening to painters and customers. This partnership enhances the reputation for goodwill and shows they are attuned to the public, not just corporate interests. Together, we aim to improve the lives of painters and their families while increasing our global presence.”
Other organizations have been key contributors, including IUPAT (International Union of Painters and Allied Trades), the FCA (Finishing Contractors Association) and NOPTCA (Northern Ohio Painting and Taping Contractors Association).
“Painters District Council 6 also gave us a generous donation to fund the launch of our nonprofit venture,” Jaworske says.
The group is also accepting donations to help further its cause. For more information, check out the organization’s website,
internationalpaintersappreciationday.org.
“Your donation can help us continue to provide crucial services to those in need,” Jaworske says. “Every contribution helps us achieve our mission of creating a better world.”
©2025 Fusable. Story by Mike Starling, PPC/Pintor Pro editor.
