News

New Gary Weeks & Company Furniture Catalog

After an embarrassingly long delay, we have created a new catalog and sent it to the printer. You may see a PDF file of the catalog by clicking here.

Recession Times, 2009

The phone definitely rang less, and we answered fewer emails in the last of 2008 and the first half of 2009.  The corresponding decline in sales motivated us, and gave us time, to respond to such comments, suggestions, and requests as these:  "Your Wilson chairs are very comfortable and beautiful but the back is too high for our room and sensibilities." and "We would like to have a barstool with a back that is compatible with your dining chairs."

You might be interested in what is entailed in a new chair design:  designing the Heflin.

These two new items have filled gaps in the line.  We are proud of them and they have been well received . . . and ordered.

During this recession, our established customers got us through.  We don’t have a large number of products, so we have to find new patrons continuously.  Our repeat business is therefore a relatively low percentage of sales.  However in the lean time, sales to people who already own something of ours increased in absolute and in percentage.  We are grateful.  We invested in new products that have become 20% of sales.  We got the nooks and crannies clean and the kinks worked out.  No one missed a day’s work.  Third quarter sales were a record.

Texas Original Crafts Artist Program

We have been chosen for the Texas Original Crafts Artist 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 co-ordinated 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
TCA was organized in 1965 by the Texas Legislature to develop a receptive climate for the arts in Texas.  After 40 years of success TCA continues to support the arts in Texas.  TCA assists a diverse and innovative arts community in Texas, throughout the nation and internationally by providing resources to enhance economic development, arts education, cultural tourism and artist sustainability initiatives.  For more information on TCA and its programs, please visit www.arts.state.tx.us.

We built a barn

We drew the plans, built the doors and windows, and led volunteers to build this barn on the Arnosky Family Farm.  200 people showed up the first weekend.  In three weekends, she was done, but for a little trim and the paint.