After more than three decades, Hardwood Artisans has developed a loyal following in the greater Washington area for its handcrafted wood furniture. More recently, the Woodbridge-based company began spotlighting the art among the artisans.

Using their showroom as a gallery and a retail outlet, Hardwood Artisans developed a program that allows local artists to display their work on consignment, providing customers unique home accessories.

Last week Hardwood Artisans opened its first Arlington store in Shirlington Village. A grand opening is scheduled for Oct. 1.

Julianne Yurek, Hardwood Artisans' marketing director, started the program about two years ago when the company was opening its Fairfax store.

“My background is in interior design. I had been in our showroom and I saw this artwork we had and, honestly, I didn’t think it was very attractive. I cringed,” she said. “We’ve been around 36 years so we’ve accumulated artwork but it just didn’t fit with the style. We were going more modern in Fairfax and I didn’t think it represented our company well.”

Yurek searched for artists online, hoping to find someone local whose art could compliment the furniture in the store: "I thought if I was an artist I’d go for this. Why not try it? You never know until you try."

The first to come aboard was Ronni Jolles, a Great Falls artist who produces elaborate mixed media paper collages in vibrant colors. When Yurek contacted Jolles, she was pleasantly surprised that the artist not only knew about Hardwood Artisans, but was a fan.

“She told me she had thought her art would look good with our furniture,” Yurek said.

After landing Jolles, Yurek discovered the work of Patrick O’Brien at the Workhouse Art Center in Lorton. Along with O’Brien, a wood turner, Hardwood Artisans showcases the work of Lawrence R. Oliver, a wood sculptor; Hadrian Mendoza, a stoneware potter; and Peter Chapman, who makes three-dimensional animal shaped puzzles.

Mendoza said he loves how Hardwood Artisans displays his work.

“I believe ceramics and wood go well together," he said. “They compliment each other."

Although Mendoza has sold his work in furniture stores in the Philippines, Hardwood Artisans is the only retail outlet in this area that sells pieces on consignment. “I like to see my work in a functional setting,” he said. “It’s good to see it on a pedestal, but on the actual place it will be used gives it context.”

Yurek thinks Shirlington will be a great market for artists.

“We’ve already sold tons of accessories there, a lot on consignment, so I’m really excited for the artists,” she said.