2024 Marks 50th Year!

Our humble beginnings

This story begins at the Calimeri home, where Artone was born. Rosario Calimeri, an immigrant from Sicily, found his American roots in Jamestown NY in 1954. A furniture apprentice in Sicily & cabinet maker by trade, Ross worked for furniture manufacturers such as Maddox Table and Chase Interiors before he decided to give self employment a go. Rosario and his wife Antonietta would spend countless nights awake trying to figure out how they could start a business of their own and give their children a head start. With 4 children at the time, determination was at its best and an idea was born. The couple founded their own company, making music boxes for the music industry in the basement of the Calimeri home.

Ross, eager to grow his business, partnered with his cousin Joseph Trusso. Together they created the “Artone” name using part of each of their lovely wives' names, Arlene & Antonietta. ‘AR’ from Arlene and “TONE” from Antonietta (often called “Toni” by Ross). Although this partnership was brief, the Artone name carries on to this day.

In the early years, Artone provided component parts to other manufacturers and eventually over time grew to provide its product to several different markets including healthcare, store fixtures, contract casework and hospitality furniture. As Artone expanded its offerings, the location changed from its original footprint of 10,000 sq. ft. to accommodate its growth.

Founder, Rosario Calimeri, 1961

Rosario & Antonietta Calimeri on their honeymoon in Rome, Italy

The Calimeri home, where it all began. 1974.

back: Antonietta Calimeri

Front: Sally, Mary, Sebastian & Michael

Pivotal years for growth

In the 90’s and early 2000’s. Artone targeted four key markets: hospitality, healthcare, contract, and store fixtures. In 1992 Artone landed a significant job benefiting the hospitality market. Artone became an approved supplier for Microtel by Wyndham Corporation, marking a stepping stone for future growth and opportunities with the large hotel chain. Artone supplied all guest room, lobby and public area spaces of the hotel including forming an installation company to broaden its offerings to Wyndham.

In 2004, one of the pivotal moments for Artone came when a contract with Designer Shoe Warehouse (DSW) was secured, a prominent retailer in the fashion industry. This partnership inspired Sebastian Calimeri to develop a patented product tailored specifically to DSW's needs. The innovative solution crafted for DSW became a cornerstone of Artone’s retail portfolio.

In 2008, Artone brought in investment partners of Albion Investors including Mark Arnold, (pictured above) to take Artone's growth to the next level. Mark, a managing partner of Albion Investors has brought in his expertise to Artone as a board member and managing partner. His dedication and partnership to Artone continues today for future and continued growth.

Today as we know it

Today, Artone is owned by Michael & Sebastian Calimeri and partner Mark Arnold of Albion Investors. The company has drawn in its focus to specialize in custom casegoods & built-in millwork specifically for the hospitality industry only. You likely have stayed in a hotel adorned with Artone furnishings. Current customers are as renowned as Wyndham Corporation (Microtel, Wyndham Garden, Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, Days Inn), Marriott Incorporated (TownePlace Suites, Fairfield Inn, StudioRes), Disney Resorts (Animal Kingdom Lodge) & Universal Studios (Cabana Bay, Sapphire Falls and the upcoming Stella Nova & Terra Luna). A few local projects you may be familiar with include Doubletree downtown Jamestown NY, LaQuinta downtown Jamestown NY, Chautauqua Harbor Hotel in Celoron NY & Seneca Allegany Casino in Salamanca NY.

Sebastian Calimeri, Executive VP and Michael Calimeri, President

Sebastian Calimeri, Executive VP and Michael Calimeri, President

The company now employs nearly 100 people. The owners of Artone realize that their success would not be possible without the hard work and commitment of all of their employees. To reward the hard work of all its employees, Artone strives to provide career driven employment opportunities with good pay, good benefits, comfort, and good camaraderie among all its manufacturing and office employees, management, and company owners.

At Artone’s current 250,000 sq. ft. Allen St. facility, you can find all manufacturing operations on the first floor and office personnel on the second floor. Our manufacturing floor is equipped with state of the art equipment, metal fabrication and in -house research and development department. The office area consists of a spacious open floor plan to include four conference rooms and meeting areas named after all of the locations Artone has occupied since its inception. South Main St., First Street, American Place & Institute Street, now home of The Chautauqua Center.

To commemorate its rich history, a celebration, by invite only, will be held on September 20th, 2024. Guest speakers will contribute to the occasion. Memorabilia will enrich the event that will be themed with Italian heritage, giving honor to its past while embracing & celebrating the future.

Front row from left: Mom and Dad Calimeri, Antonietta and Rosario

Back row from left: Calimeri Children,youngest to oldest

JoEtte Fisher, Anna Maria (aka Mary) Eggleston, Sebastian Calimeri, Michael Calimeri & Sally Donisi

1974-1999 album

First Street location

1974-1999 album

Artone @ 107 Institute Street before Rosario received permission to build over the road and expand his business.

1974-1999 album

107 Institute Street expansion, completed 1984

1974-1999 album

107 Institute Street aerial view

1974-1999 album

Vibraslap shown. The 'music box' that was put together in the basement of the Calimeri home. A humble beginning.

1974-1999 album

'Bunny' clock. One of Artone's early projects.

1974-1999 album

Regulator clock. One of Artone's early projects.

1974-1999 album

Rocking Bull

1974-1999 album

Rocking Horse

1974-1999 album

Rocking Horse

1974-1999 album

Artone's first CNC machine being delivered from Bergamo Italy! Circa 1985.

1974-1999 album

Microtel by Wyndham. Artone's first large account. Artone's relationship with Wyndham and Microtel began in 1992 and continues today.

1974-1999 album

Calimeri Office, Office Furniture Line

1974-1999 album

Beginnings of the Healthcare market with well known Claflin Company from Warwick RI. Michael Calimeri and Roger Ianetta shown above.

1974-1999 album

Store fixture displays for Nextel cellular franchise

2000-2024 album

Design patent created for DSW by Sebastian Calimeri, 2004

2000-2024 album

DSW (Designer Shoe Warehouse) Artone's largest Store Fixture account

2000-2024 album

Reunion Grand Resort FL

ChautauquaHH_KingSuiteFireplace_Bedroom_Lakeview-1

2000-2024 album

Chautauqua Harbor Hotel. Sister property to Clayton 1,000 Islands Hotel & Watkins Glen Harbor Hotel, all properties that are adorned with Artone furnishings.