Art Fawcett VS Hall of Fame

[jlee562]

Wow. Glad to hear your cancer was caught early, Art!

Sending best wishes for continued good health. Hopefully I can squeeze one more of your hats out of my budget this year!

 

[BobHufford]

My Dad is a prostate cancer survivor for over 25 years now. I wish you the all the best in your new life direction Art and many more years of cancer free living.

 

[Art Fawcett]

Thank you Gents

 

[Tukwila]

All the very best to you, Art. We count the visit to your shop as one of our most favorite trips ever.

I'll be in touch.

Doug

 

[Rmccamey]

Our thoughts and prayers are with you, Art. Be as strong as you can but don't hesitate to ask for help, here or at home. I, too, will be in touch.
RM

In late August this year I went for my normal physical and a few days later I got a call from my Doctor saying I had some tests come back “abnormal” and I needed to see a specialist for a biopsy. Scary stuff indeed. So, a week later I had a biopsy of my prostate and discovered that I had a particularly aggressive form of Prostate cancer and it was to be removed immediately or my life would end in 4 yrs or less. So, on November 5th I had the surgery and am learning how to deal with the after effects. The Doctors are confident they got it all and I’m getting better every day. I’ve been back in the shop for a few weeks now but I am still not up to my stamina level.

Please know, I don’t feel alone in this as SO many guys my age have gone through this and have lived long lives afterward. It does, however, make one face mortality in a very serious way. In that light, I have made some decisions as to my future that I need to share.

2019 will be my last year of hatting and VS Custom Hats is officially for sale. Although I still love making hats and am most comfortable in a hat shop ( mine or others, doesn’t matter) I need to look to the future and plan for what will clearly be my physical decline. I am hoping to find someone with enough resources to take over the entire business, train them if necessary, then move to somewhere easier to live. Living in the woods with wood burning heat is a lot more work than a Condo. If I cannot do that, I will most likely liquidate toward the end of the year or early 2020.

I intend to take on commissions until it is clear I won’t be able to fill all orders by the end of the year so please feel free to contact me with your wishes. I expect to stop taking orders by August or September so please be aware.

Please know that I have been incredibly honored and humbled by all of the support I have been given over the years. Who knew that in only 14 years I would be considered an “old timer” in the business. It seems like yesterday I was the new kid on the block looking to gain orders just to get the practice, You newer guys know what I’m saying, practice makes better. Who could have known that I would have clients all over the world, and have so many friends I will never actually meet. How many of us get regular calls from Europe, Asia, Australia, Middle East? I would never have guessed making hats would be so rewarding and offer so many opportunities to meet and speak with people that are so accomplished in their lives. Humbled is too soft a word but, that and Thank you are the best I can offer.

Here’s to the future and what new adventures it might bring!!!

 

[besdor]

Hi Art,
Its Steven (besdor) from Bencraft Hats. I just sent you an email on your website. I'm sorry to hear the news .

 

[belfastboy]

Art; I count my two VS creations as valued possessions, thank you!
Question; do you have any Oxblood beaver felts in stock? I don't have a swatch of this, if you have a felt how would you describe it? Is it a "dried blood" with brown tones or is it more red toned?

 

[Art Fawcett]

I'm sorry BBoy, I ran out of those a few years ago and didn't replace them.
Thank you everyone for the sentiments, I appreciate the support. I don't fear beating the cancer and am as sure as anyone can be but, like I said, I think it's time I move on to something new. I have a son in Florida that is a premier boat upholsterer that can use a hand . I can see myself getting in his way

 

[scottyrocks]

I caught this news on fb earlier, as your post had been c&p'ed by Eric Fisk. Change of life experiences are tough, but as Jared said, glad it was caught early. Enjoy yourself in your new endeavors!

 

[hatsRme]

In late August this year I went for my normal physical and a few days later I got a call from my Doctor saying I had some tests come back “abnormal” and I needed to see a specialist for a biopsy. Scary stuff indeed. So, a week later I had a biopsy of my prostate and discovered that I had a particularly aggressive form of Prostate cancer and it was to be removed immediately or my life would end in 4 yrs or less. So, on November 5th I had the surgery and am learning how to deal with the after effects. The Doctors are confident they got it all and I’m getting better every day. I’ve been back in the shop for a few weeks now but I am still not up to my stamina level.

Please know, I don’t feel alone in this as SO many guys my age have gone through this and have lived long lives afterward. It does, however, make one face mortality in a very serious way. In that light, I have made some decisions as to my future that I need to share.

2019 will be my last year of hatting and VS Custom Hats is officially for sale. Although I still love making hats and am most comfortable in a hat shop ( mine or others, doesn’t matter) I need to look to the future and plan for what will clearly be my physical decline. I am hoping to find someone with enough resources to take over the entire business, train them if necessary, then move to somewhere easier to live. Living in the woods with wood burning heat is a lot more work than a Condo. If I cannot do that, I will most likely liquidate toward the end of the year or early 2020.

I intend to take on commissions until it is clear I won’t be able to fill all orders by the end of the year so please feel free to contact me with your wishes. I expect to stop taking orders by August or September so please be aware.

Please know that I have been incredibly honored and humbled by all of the support I have been given over the years. Who knew that in only 14 years I would be considered an “old timer” in the business. It seems like yesterday I was the new kid on the block looking to gain orders just to get the practice, You newer guys know what I’m saying, practice makes better. Who could have known that I would have clients all over the world, and have so many friends I will never actually meet. How many of us get regular calls from Europe, Asia, Australia, Middle East? I would never have guessed making hats would be so rewarding and offer so many opportunities to meet and speak with people that are so accomplished in their lives. Humbled is too soft a word but, that and Thank you are the best I can offer.

Here’s to the future and what new adventures it might bring!!!

I can't bring myself to hit the "like" button on this one, Art. You are to be admired, my friend. With all the positive force here and around the globe in your corner, of course you WILL move past this "aggravation."

ALL the BEST!!
Charlie

 

[DanO]

Art,
Best of luck I guess my oft put off trip home to Washington will need to happen this spring with a stop at your shop and Northwest Hats.

Dan O

 

[deadlyhandsome]

Art,

Bittersweet news. I’m grateful that it was caught early and the prognosis is good. The thought of losing you as a hatter makes me sad, but also happy for you as two careers is enough for anyone. Florida does have its charms and I hope you find what you’re after (warmer weather for sure).

I’m hoping to stop by this summer; I’ve waited long enough to order my blue smoke and limestone hats.

Best of luck and speedy recovery,

Brent


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[bowlerman]

All the admiration and all the best moving forward, sir. Your work has brought much color and positivity into many of our lives. I’m glad to have been a tiny part of that experience. Good luck!


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[RBH]

All the best my friend! We will talk soon.

 

[tropicalbob]

Art,
Sorry to hear about your experience, but I'm glad they found it in time. I had a similar experience last year and, you're right, it's the waiting that drives you crazy.
Sorry to hear you're retiring, but you know best. Just recently somebody asked me what I thought would be the ideal existence, and I immediately responded,"Living on a mountain-top in Oregon making hats." Just goes to show you (something or other). Also, if you're down in this part of the swamp give us a yell. Keep the faith.

 

[Art Fawcett]

Thanks Bob, I won't be too far. Tampa/St Pete will have a new resident in 2020

 

[humanshoes]

It goes without saying Art, but I'll say it anyway. You have set a standard for excellence and consistency in your work that most custom hatters can only aspire to. I want to express my deepest gratitude for the patient advice and guidance you've been more than willing to give this "new kid" over the years. I sincerely hope you find good health, peace, and happiness in all your future endeavors.

 

[Art Fawcett]

Thank you Sir. I take great pride in helping other guys. I wish I had that when learning myself.

 

[deadlyhandsome]

I just placed my order. It sounds as if certain colors are in short supply so better not hesitate if you want an Art Fawcett VS.


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[Art Fawcett]

Sent the conformer package Brent, let me know when you can get it back to me?