Our Company
Artisan House®, designers and crafters of unique, fine-quality metal sculptures for wall, floor and tabletop, has attained an enviable position in the home and commercial decor marketplace. The firm has successfully closed the gap between pricey offerings from exclusive art galleries and mass-produced decorative pieces by creating original sculptures with unparalleled designs at affordable prices. The result infuses today's indoor and outdoor environments with dazzle and dimension.
Artisan House wall sculptures elevate the look of any room or outdoor setting thanks to a comprehensive array of designs showcasing multi-colored, cool and warm tones; nature-themed pieces with earthly inspirations; and sculptures reminiscent of activities that relax, excite or inspire. Tabletop and freestanding floor pieces also make dynamic statements in the home or out-of-doors.
For more than four decades, Artisan House's vibrant, versatile designs have been recognized as multi-dimensional "metalworks of art." In 1964, partners Jerry Fels and Kurt Freiler branched out into the specialized world of metal art. Previously, Fels operated Renoir of California -- a jewelry house that designed and produced collections of copper jewelry. It is a combination of Fels and Freiler's names that make up the signature C. Jere that marks every Artisan House sculpture.
Over the decades, Artisan House's products have evolved from smaller representational sculptures like trees, branches and small scenes to larger-scale artwork that is contemporary, trendy or traditional in style.
Stylish Metalworks for Multiple Environments
Today, Artisan House offers its discerning clients an ever-evolving roster of more than 350 pieces. New metalworks designs are introduced twice annually at major markets. Created by master artists at the firm's C. Jere Design Studio in Burbank, California, the artists' remarkable designs are then exactingly reproduced by a talented team of craftspeople at two overseas production studios. Wall sculptures and items especially crafted for long-lasting display in today's outdoor living spaces consistently rank among the company's top sellers.
Sculptures are handcrafted of rich metals including copper, bronze, brass, steel, aluminum and chrome. Each piece is hand finished with intriguing surface treatments, paints and patinas. For example, pieces may incorporate ground steel, brushed stainless steel, flame-treated copper or hammered brass -- or combine two or more metals like painted brass and steel with flame treated copper. Due to the abstract nature of most Artisan House pieces, many can be hung upside down or at an angle, as well as used in multiples for a larger configuration or to create a bolder statement.
Artisan House relocated its headquarters from Los Angeles to a 40,000 square foot facility in Burbank in 2006. The new location has an in-house photography studio and a 15,000 square foot C. Jere Design Studio for the firm's team of artists. This well-stocked studio features a state-of-the-art CAD design system, special ovens and a comprehensive finishing area.
Before new product designs debut each April and October, hundreds of sketched or proposed designs undergo an initial review. Then, prototypes are made and final pieces are selected by a panel of design authorities.
Because many members of Artisan House's finishing staff have worked with the company for more than 30 years, they are highly skilled at collaborating with studio artists to help make their original designs come to life. Upon completion, every Artisan House sculpture is copyrighted and signed and dated by the artist.
By using the finest materials on the market and maintaining rigorous quality standards, Artisan House has achieved a return rate of less than one percent. In addition, Artisan House stocks all items for immediate delivery, processes orders on the day of receipt and offers excellent customer service support.
Artisan House Achieves International Status
After more than four decades of developing a reputation for unparalleled design expertise and meticulous handcrafting, a strong after-market has developed for Artisan House products. Online auctions of vintage C. Jere pieces regularly see fierce bidding and recent high-profile coverage in magazines such as UK Elle Decor and Architectural Digest are sure to increase demand.
Artisan House also receives inquiries from adult grandchildren who are curious to know the value of an Artisan House piece found in their grandparents' home. In addition, numerous Artisan House products have been appraised on PBS' "Antiques Roadshow." Recently, home goods designer Jonathan Adler commissioned the company to reproduce a series of the firm's 1970s designs.
Artisan House pieces are available in home furnishing, art and outdoor furniture stores, and at billiards, pool and spa retailers. Commercial customers include major department stores like Nordstrom, restaurants, bars, hotels and casinos. Artisan House designs have also been used as props for movies and TV shows such as "The Sopranos".
The firm's permanent showrooms are located in High Point (IHFC Design Center, Space D208) and Las Vegas (World Market Center, Space A-300). Artisan House has also exhibited at the Tokyo Furniture Market; Interiors Birmingham; Atlanta Gift Market; New York Art Expo Show; Maison et Objet; ASEAN Furniture Show (Singapore); Ambiente Frankfurt; Furnitex, Melbourne; and Interiors UAE (Dubai).
Artisan House employs approximately 250, including staff in the art, quality control, customer service, accounting, sales and marketing, and warehouse departments. Key employees include Connie Rayburn, Sales Manager; Alex Mendoza, Facility Manager; and Shawn Coffey, Head Artist.
As Artisan House looks to the future, the firm will remain true to its mission to provide an exciting dimensional alternative for interior, commercial and exterior art selections that is affordable to the art conscious public at large. In addition, the company will place an increased emphasis on the growth of its overseas market. This will include sales to international locations such as the United Kingdom, Australia, Dubai and Singapore.