In the heart of Comfort, Texas, on Seventh Street, business owner Roci Brawner is defying the odds. Opening her gallery in October 2009 amidst the backdrop of our nation’s crumbling economy, she knew she had to take a leap of faith when the historic Faltin building came onto the market. Built in 1879 by Prussian immigrant Friedrich August Faltin to house his booming merchant business which included a bank and post office, the Faltin building is a Victorian Italian gem designed by San Antonio architect Alfred Giles and erected by historic builder J.H. Kampmann. Still boasting much of its antiquated charm, today the Faltin building is again open to the public, housing unique hand-crafted gems of its own.

Roci’s Gallery, aptly named Comfort Crockery, carries the work of over twenty different local artisans, mostly working in three-dimensional mediums, but you needn’t be an art history major to appreciate the handiwork of these craftsmen; there’s something for everyone here. From pottery to textiles, stone to silver, Comfort Crockery runs the gamut of unique skills that sets an area like the Hill Country apart. For the individual, there’s hand-milled soap produced on a locally owned dairy goat farm and hand engraved silver and copper jewelry created by a Texas Original Artist, a title bestowed on only 40 in the entire state, who still hammers and chisels away in the fashion of long gone German silversmiths and jewelers. For the home, Mesquite furniture and Mexican folk art are available, as well as countless pieces picked from clay crockery and pottery collections. Macro photography in prints or notecards is also featured here. Coming soon, the nature-based woodcarvings of Kevin Rackley, including walking sticks from his sticks and stones sculpture collection.

Like Faltin himself, Roci intends to thrive regardless of the challenges this particular point in history might present. Share your support with Roci and the many local artists she represents. You can visit Comfort Crockery Wednesday –Saturday from 10:00-5:00 and Sunday after 1:00. Special commissions are always welcome. To learn more about the historic Faltin building or about the gallery’s up and coming events, such as scheduled artist receptions and summer weaving classes, visit the events calendar at www.comfortcrockery.com.

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