Calendar & A New Year’s Tradition
On January 3, 2017 by armenDid you get a Calendar in the mail last week? Our Dad Arto has been sending these puppies out for maybe 25 years or longer. We get calls from people saying they did not get their’s . Did you get yours ? NO. Register here http://www.artosurfaces.com/ to get on the list. Quick 15 second action video
After the Election of November 8th 2016
On November 8, 2016 by armenDo not Worry The Sun Will Still Rise Tomorrow like it did today over the Pacific.. (Even if the Earth is Void of Life. / Joke / bad Joke but joke ) On a Serious note the world will still be turning. We still will have the choice to treat our Neighbor with Love & Respect.
9-11-2016
On September 11, 2016 by armenI often say to people that will listen which most of the time is just my kids “you cannot enjoy being lazy if you do not do hard work” or some variant. As the 15th anniversary of 9/11 is upon us and I see “never forget” almost every where I think there needs to be
Las Vegas Revelation
On May 10, 2016 by armenI hit the city and my team lost me. A bunch of us were descending on the city of Las Vegas for HD EXPO & others were left with less hands to run the show at Home. Long story short I was put out of action. All I could see through darkness of my
2016 Now
On January 1, 2016 by armenWell first I wish ( aspire) to tell better stories with pictures. Probably because pictures enter the brain quicker than the written word which is processed first then delivered by to the brain ( based on my studies ). By tradition ( put in motion by Arto & maybe his father as well back in
Lincoln’s Thanksgiving Proclamation
On November 26, 2015 by armenNo need to add to this. All I can say is be grateful. Proclamation of Thanksgiving Washington, D.C. October 3, 1863 By the President of the United States of America. A Proclamation. The year that is drawing towards its close, has been filled with the blessings of fruitful fields and healthful skies. To these bounties,
New Friend on The World Wide Web Also Know as the Internets
On October 25, 2015 by armenHowdy All We have a new Internet friend that has listed us as a reference for #ConcreteTile . ConcreteNetwork.com We do not have an official Blog Roll ( is that term even used still ) so this post is our thank you . THANK YOU ConcreteNetwork.com & Peace
Hexagon & Diamond Swinging in a Tree
On May 5, 2015 by armenIf you read through this site you know that I( armen ) love the Hexagon. Below is from Our Monrovia Series Monrovia is High Fire Terra Cotta which means it can go almost & is frost resistant. These color are done via the monocottura method.
Saint Patrick’s Day 2015 our #49 th
On March 16, 2015 by armenOn this, the anniversary Of our incorporation We send along these gifts To show you our appreciationWe do our best to serve you And be worthy of reliance We celebrate that service With our vendors and our clientsAlas, our celebration Is a little changed this year It’s the first time for our family Our founder
UL-Certified EPD for North American-Made Ceramic Tile Paves the Way for Points, Credits, and Compliance in Green Construction
On February 8, 2015 by armenUL-Certified EPD for North American-Made Ceramic Tile Paves the Way for Points, Credits, and Compliance in Green Construction FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: December 10, 2014 The Environmental Product Declaration (EPD) for ceramic tile made in North America, certified by sustainability leader UL Environment, is now available for use by architects and specifiers seeking to satisfy
Hexagon Tile not with a Geometric Pattern ( finally )
On February 7, 2015 by armenSaturday February 7th 2015 David Shipley Hexagons ! I was excited to see him Paint ( with ceramic glaze ) on a Hexagon Tile (I love the Hexagon) .I was even happier when I saw that it was not another geometric pattern . Request a quote [email protected] or 310-768-8500 (David welcomes commissions ) Tiles can be used on
Engagement in Vegas: #KBIS2015
On February 2, 2015 by armenEngagement in Vegas: #KBIS2015 by Lori @TranslationLady The week started off with coffee and a short flight to Vegas for Armen Alajian, of ARTO Brick. A convergence of designers, manufacturers, architects, bloggers and Do-It-Yourselfers (DIYs) bombarded the desert city with energy and passion for their work. Manning social back at headquarters in Southern California, I
Merry Armenian Christmas
On January 5, 2015 by armenARTO BRICK is an Armenian run company. That means when you stop in for a factory tour if we do not tell you to get off the property we will give you a big smile and a cup of very strong coffee. What it also means is that Christmas is TODAY January 6th. A lot
Corduroy Tile ( for my fire place )
On December 11, 2014 by armenI have been blessed to get to use my own tile before the age 75 in my own home. Often I see makers be the last to use the fruits of their own labor. Below are process shots of Corduroy Going up on my fireplace. The tile would no be suitable for floors based on
Cersaie Italy 2014
On November 30, 2014 by armenMr Cabinet Care a fellow traveller on Twitter posted this short note on my travels of my first time to Italy. INTERNATIONAL EXHIBIT OF CERAMIC TILE & BATH, ITALY 2014 November 24, 2014 Many of our clients who upgrade their kitchen with beautiful cabinet refacing, often ask us about the latest tile trends and backsplash designs. After
tenacious ( the Armenian people )
On April 23, 2014 by armenAn Ancient People A Tenacious People April 24th marks the beginning of one of those times that tested their tenacity. ( read more here ) It is the day the Ottomans began pogroms against the Armenian Citizens of the Ottoman Empire. Arto’s father was made an orphan & became a refugee during this time. Sincere Peace
#photo #challenge #2014
On April 21, 2014 by armenEnter ARTO Brick Instagram/Twitter Photo Challenge in honor of Coverings 2014 in Las Vegas, NV April 29 – May 2, 2014 using hashtag: #artobrick plus the hashtag for the “Theme of the day” to win ARTO tile coasters We enjoy the conversation and thought this challenge would help us reach out to our
April Fools 2014
On April 1, 2014 by ARTOIf I were a bathroom tile salesman, my pitch would be, “think of how great this will look in the background of your social networking pics.” Ha. Wish I would have though of that one myself but need to give credit where credit is due. Oh and by the way The joke is on us,
St. Patrick’s Day 2014
On March 12, 2014 by ARTOSt. Patrick’s Day #48. Why ? Arto Alajian started ARTO Brick in 1966, 48 years ago. Arto Alajian was born on March 17th more than 48 years ago. Other reasons to celebrate: ARTO Brick was incorporated on March 17th. Beginning of the Tile Season, although this year it has started earlier. You have more time
Factory Tour January 31st
On January 24, 2014 by armenWe will be opening up our showroom & factory to YOU. Stop in for an AIA or ASID CEU or just for a tour , food & a laugh Click the link below or to the right to reserve your spot! https://www.eventbrite.com/e/arto-factory-tour-aiaasid-ceu-lunch-friday-january-31-tickets-8635510043?ref=ecal
2014 tradition & direction
On January 1, 2014 by armenNew Years Day Tradition . ( my pop Arto started ) Got to work . Walk around . Open Doors. Run the water. Journal. Pray. Set goals for the business . This year I was directed to the most important thing. & my biggest weakness . Relationships. ( for those that follow, yes to cigar
arto custom studio
On December 26, 2013 by armenWhen I am asked how much of our work is custom I say ” imagine us a bakery about 80% of the time we produce Glazed Donuts & 20 % of the time we make wedding cakes “. 20% is a lot but it can be more and with the NEW ECONOMY we think it
2014 Price Book
On December 19, 2013 by armen2014 Price Book A new PRICE LIST will be distributed Early January with an effective date of February 1st Changes to The Price List Prices : specific items have price increase not the whole book Coverages : updated coverages to reflect field use still a suggestion & still sold per piece Items & Colors :
Oleson Handmade
On December 19, 2013 by armenI must say tonight I struggled to write these three sentences. I have plenty to transcribe but no juice to do so. So all you get is this great picture of 6×12 Oleson Handmade in Spanish Brown with custom decos.
Art under Glass
On December 17, 2013 by armen*** update found the link to the Exhibit. http://www.henriquefaria.com/exhibition?id=73 I have been sitting on these pics for a couple of weeks. Vic took the call and made it happen for the customer. It is an art exhibit at Looks good ! What do you think? There are more pics here https://www.facebook.com/ARTOBRICK What do you think?
Preparing for The New Big
On December 16, 2013 by armenIt has been 4 almost 5 years since the release of what we call at the factory as “the big”. It is our brochure if you have not see it before here is a link to it . It was a big deal for us to produce it. The timing was perfect. It kept the wind
oh..oh.oh PickMe
On December 15, 2013 by armenin the beginning when my father Mr Arto let me hit the road to start promoting the company i chased the big guys & gals of tile & brick. i was looking to get my father’s company picked. getting picked would bring first fame then fortune. i am glad i failed at getting the company
“Slippery Tile Test ” Update
On December 11, 2013 by armenI used this title instead of the scientific name Dynamic Coefficient of Friction (DCOF) update. It is replacing the old test COF. What is the difference? The bottom line is more accuracy and less human input in the test. The result will be in a number that relates to how slippery or not a floor
Sunset & Traffic
On December 10, 2013 by armen#skies of #losangeles @ #sunset have stopped me in my tracks as if each was my first. even when my tracks have been stopped by traffic
Custom Clay Curved Grooved Stairtread
On November 11, 2013 by ARTOA thank you #1
On October 22, 2013 by armenHowdy Calling this post “a thank you #1” . The name is a lie as it is probably “thank you #1,976,986 ” . All that said never posted one before till now.
What if surfing was your job?
On September 17, 2013 by armenWhen there are hard days just remember your blessed if you can choose them. What if surfing was your job? Same waves, different day. The risk of skin cancer. The falling. Sand in your socks. The people hassling you for your spot on the wave. The pressure to do more sets. The other guys at
Coverings 2013 Package
On May 5, 2013 by armenHowdy Coverings 2013 Attendees & the Curious! Below is the starter package, provided free of charge when the following is completed within thirty days of receipt of display boards. A PO# is submitted for display boards Boards are hung up on store walls Pictures of staff in front of boards, taken inside your showroom List of
Tip The World Over
On April 28, 2013 by armenTip The World Over On Its Side And Everything Loose Will Land In Los Angeles Frank Lloyd Wright Tile designed by Vod
What to Expect When Choosing ARTO Tile
On April 3, 2013 by ARTOArmen talks about what to expect, packaging and sealing. He also throws in some personal insight. It ARTO right for you? [yframe url=’http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8orFepiBE3A’]
ARTO AIA CEU and Factory Tour, February 22, 2013
On March 12, 2013 by ARTOHighlights form the factory tour and AIA CEU. Please contact William Love about scheduling/sponsoring an event or times and dates of already scheduled events. William Love AIA CES Provider/Project Specifications/ LEED Assistance For Architects/Landscape Architects/Interior Designers Phone: (310) 308-4222 Send email [yframe url=’http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eG2bie0d6yk’]
ARTO AIA CEU Sponsored by Ceramic Tile Design – San Rafael
On February 28, 2013 by ARTOIf you are in the Bay Area or plan to visit around March 20, 2013 sign up to take an ARTO AIA CEU course sponsored by Ceramic Tile Design San Rafael. What will the course be about? The Beautiful World of Concrete : Understanding precast and specifying for your project Where will it be? Ceramic
Ridiculous is the New Authentic (Remarkable)
On December 17, 2012 by armenI started out from birth in the business with a romantic view of it. Along the way I was bombarded with events and people that said I was ridiculous for it. Sometimes you need reassurance that being odd is what got you to the dance. Here is Seth’s view “ridiculous is the new remarkable”
Overruns to Restore (Habitat Los Angeles)
On December 5, 2012 by armenHowdy All, We just sent a few truck loads of overruns to Habitat Greater Los Angeles (Located in Gardena http://habitatla.org/restore/location-and-hours/) We hope to bring back the old Boneyard Program we had while we were located in West Los Angeles but till then pick them up over the REstore
ARTO Tile Studio Launch
On August 14, 2012 by ARTOARTO is proud to introduce his own line of Clay Deco Tiles and Clay Field tiles form the ARTO Tile Studio. The ARTO Tile Studio, in essence, is a Design Studio first and a factory second. We are designers at heart and enjoy making custom pieces for you. We have an extensive catalog of traditional
Low Relief Tile / R&D
On July 8, 2012 by armenHowdy Guys Beto from the Western Quarry factory is working on a project. He produced these wonderful Low Relief Handmade Glazed Tiles. I am not sure what period they are from or what the romantic name is for them but they are good looking. The ones shown are glazed & fired with the Western Quarry
Editorial: Seth’s Note for note
On June 21, 2012 by armenOur Tag Line is “Rustic Elegance” it has started to become small as we have grown at least to me. It still works but it comes across narrow. When I read this Post from Seth it clarified what we meant many years ago. I may revisit the tag line again but in the mean time
Gardena California – New Jewelry District
On April 19, 2012 by ARTOYou Don’t Drive a Bentley without a BIG Watch in Malbu Gardena California’s New Jewelry District ARTO Tile studio is a division of ARTO that produces hand painted deco tiles, murals and jewelry. These are the true “bling” that accents our concrete line from ARTO and our clay line form Western Quarry. The Tile Studio,
You Got Chocolate in My Peanut Butter
On April 18, 2012 by ARTOYou Got Peanut Butter on My Chocolate Who Carries Around a Jar of Peanut Butter Long Beach, CA—Ken Mason Tile (KMT) is set to launch Village Line at Coverings 2012. The Village Line consists of ARTO’s signature rustic concrete tiles with KMT’s staining and waxing process. Handmade tiles are stained (hand rubbed) which leaves the
Edible Arabesque
On April 16, 2012 by ARTOEurope, Islam, Ballet, Debussy, Disco, Peck & Sophia Loren. Searching for the Meaning Gardena, CA—The word “arabesque” is as ambiguous as the tile shapes that we produce and call by that same name. When ARTO started to create his “Arabesque,” he knew that he was inspired by Moorish, Celtic, Islamic, Spanish and M.C. Escher,
I Can’t Believe It’s Not Clay:
On April 16, 2012 by ARTOLove/Leather, The Milkman & Concrete Gardena, CA—Adversity is said to be the mother of invention, the fire that transforms music, art & food. Arto Alajian, a designer born in Cairo, the son of Krikor, an Armenian refugee, began designing & literally cutting tanned leather from Milan. When revolution came to Egypt, he fled to Beirut
St. Patrick’s Day 2012
On March 16, 2012 by ARTOHappy St Patrick’s Day 2012. What is so important about this day? It is Arto Alajian’s 83rd Birthday. It is the day we incorporated the company. And it is the unofficial start of Spring and the building season. Lastly, we not only are very appreciative of all our clients and distributors, we are very appreciative
NPCA article quick note
On February 4, 2012 by armenHowdy Our art department will do a better job in a few days crafting the page but in the mean time enjoy this video. Peace
A 23 year old tradition
On January 1, 2012 by armenSince I was 18 , 23 years ago now I have been coming in to ARTO on New Years Day.I come in for some corny reasons. I open the doors and turn on the water something about new air and water mostly hokum. But I do a few things that are not. I reflect, write, pray, look
A New Creation
On August 13, 2011 by armenHowdy I am very excited about the new site that the ARTO art department put together in house. It reminds me of the old days of working with Dream Weaver and guessing how to put a site together not very pretty but boy did the personal touch work. The new site goes back to our