My dream: DuMaurier Woodworking

On display at "The Phoenix Airport Museum unit Sept. 2014


Hi my name is Gerard Maurier Merchant, and I have worked as a woodworker for most of my working career. I am now at a turning point in my life where working in an industry that drastically deteriorated, along with my ability, (health) and interest to continue operations. These are the circumstances of my livelihood. What I am about to set out on is to take my love and joy of creating objects for function, to creating functional art. I would like to share my work with you, if you wish to Google my name, I'm sure you will find a vast amount of information about me and my works. It maybe more information than you would expect, all good I Hope...

I wish to open a multipurpose Gallery/shop/store. I and 3 friends will contribute 2/3 of the art pieces, from sculpted pens to one of a kind bowls, vessels, live edge furniture and more I’m sure. We will also showcase 3 other well know artist, that are friends and associates as well. The shop portion will be home to me and one protégé on a full time basis. We will also have an open door policy, and will have at least two other artist on a part time basis. I will also be creating classes, as the demand calls for. That’s the shop.

The store will sell tried and true woodworking tools, some created by us and some hard to find in the Phoenix market. Still under development…

The gallery, the main focus, will display museum quality works of art, primarily of wood, (0ne of our contacts does metal sculptures). We will set in place a panel of four judges to view work of new artist. We plan on having a different featured artist, on display for a set time. (Not yet determined).

The funds raised, will first go to securing the space for a minimum of 6 months. Any additional funds (if any with go toward marketing and fixtures), most fixturing will be built in house,{All). All tooling for the shop will come from sell machinery, (no longer required).
I know there will be a learning curve, I am confident in the 6 months time frame, with can be well on our way to being a success and contributing to our community. (Free classes to kids) is one way to give back).
We have one artist who works as an elementary PE teacher, one artist works as a Tempe fire inspector, and another as chemical engineer, and tax consultant. I hope you find value, in what has been a dream of mine for more 30 years, (for real). Thank you for your support. And remember that the rewards for your gifts are one of a kind works of art, created for enjoyment, so come along and become part of the family by pledging any amount you see fit, to help us spread our joy for the craft we love to those of like minded and to those whom are about to be family. This from my heart to yours.
facebook.com/gmstudiosllc My grandaughter, she plans on helping too.
A peppermill, Eximplifying use,form and function, like no other.