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NewsPractical Ecommerce magazine article  Texas Original Crafts Artist Program  THE TEXAS COMMISSION ON THE ARTS SELECTS ARTISANS FOR TEXAS ORIGINAL PROGRAM Artisans Chosen to Preserve Arts and Craft Heritage of Texas AUSTIN, Texas – Nov. 15, 2006 – The Texas Commission on the Arts (TCA) has selected 38 of Texas’ most talented craft artisans to be part of its Texas Original (TxO) program. The skilled artisans represent 22 different cities across the state and they work in a variety of mediums including glass, fiber, metal, wood and stone. The 38 selected artisans were among nearly 1,500 craftsmen from across the state invited to participate in this year’s TxO program application process. TCA chose the artisans based not only on their ability to create high-quality, authentic and original works, but also on their high business and artistic standards. "Each of these artists embodies what it means to be a Texas craft artisan and we are proud to promote their work," said Rick Hernandez, executive director of TCA. "The TxO program taps into Texas’ flourishing industry of arts and crafts and we hope that, as the program grows, so does the visibility of the craft arts in Texas." The TxO program, in full swing after a successful pilot period, aims to preserve Texas’ unique arts and crafts heritage by promoting Texas craft artisans and their original works. To assist TxO artisans, the TxO Web site, www.txoriginal.com, functions as an opportunity for the artisans to successfully market their products, supporting each individuals’ career in the arts. Through the Web site customers can link to member artisan’s sites where they are able to purchase original pieces and learn about the cultural influences that shape each individual’s work. TCA will promote the TxO program with coordinated studio tours, through participation in existing craft festivals and galas and by organizing special events featuring TxO artisans. About the Texas Commission on the Arts Denver Post newspaper article  Northwest Certified Forestry newsletter article
Spring 2006 Newsletter
Profiles in Success:
NCF — What’s the most important aspect of your marketing? GW — Internet presence. The website allows us a highly detailed narrative format that’s tailored for relevant search terms. We have over 100 pages and 300 images and shipping and pricing information are never more than a click away. No other form of advertising offers that level of detail. Gary in one of his signature rockers NCF — Before you were well established, how did you reach new customers? GW — I focused on two things, getting my work in front of people and turning out a lot of pieces so I could perfect my designs. I sold a lot of pieces through consignment, typically at or below cost, and I hit the regional trade show circuit. I think a lot of craftsmen don’t realize how important price points are before you have a reputation established. NCF — What led to your FSC commitment? GW — I spent the early part of my career as a saw hand and mill worker in Arkansas and East Texas. All the old timers talked about how timber resources were in decline and I certainly saw that in the woods and at the mill. I’m also a hunter, fisherman, and hiker, so conservation is very important to me personally. NCF — Do you think FSC has helped sales and marketing? GW — Yes, but not as much as other factors. There’s still not enough awareness. I think I probably contribute as much to the label by educating people as I benefit from our certification bringing in customers. I definitely see it as a growth market though. NCF — If you could give other wood products entrepreneurs one piece of advice, what would it be? GW — Limit your offering to what your facility is best at. Tailor and fine tune the facility to the best products and manufacturing processes. That’s the only way to be efficient.
GW — I think the prospects are excellent
for anyone that has good business skills and a creative product, but you need a
comprehensive approach. The business skills are universal, but products should be a combination of your own tastes and values with plenty of input from the marketplace. NCF — Any parting words of wisdom? GW — Remember that building the business – the administrative aspects – is every bit as important as building the product. I’d also add that most small businesses are undercapitalized, and that leads to a lot of unnecessary stress, cash flow problems, and can really keep you from building the efficiency you need to be profitable. Southern Living magazine article  |
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From a quaint, classy workshop and showroom in the hill country west of Austin, Gary Weeks and his family ship hand-crafted furniture throughout the U.S. and several foreign countries. Gary and his wife Leslie were early adopters of FSC certification and have done a remarkable job of communicating the authenticity and human scale of their family operation. We interviewed Gary to learn more about his strategies for a successful business model. For more insight into the company’s marketing approach and a look at their beautiful furniture, please see www.garyweeks.com.
NCF — What opportunities do you see for small scale manufacturers in the coming years?Photography and text by Gary Weeks © Gary Weeks & Co. 2000-2007 112 West Spoke Hill Road Wimberley, Texas 78676 All rights reserved. Site constructed and managed by Rancho Mondo Web Design |