I was thinking about my students and their need to buy specialized art supplies. Some of my international students have to get creative when it comes to finding glycerin and water based inks from their local suppliers.
Though I don’t order lots of supplies, I do think it is important to support art vendors who have good prices and great customer service.
ART Suppliers I have used:
- All Art Supplies Wholesale: They do online sales and they are local to me, here in Massachusetts. I They often have what I need at a pretty competitive price. Sometimes I have to watch out for things that are more low volume sales – Like Golden screen printing medium. They have been great when I needed to buy supplies for local schools. I can also call and they will check the stock to be sure that the item is there before I drive down.
- Dick Blick: Usually has the water based inks that I like to use with the gelatin plate. They have the speedball and the Dick Blick brand. They don’t do some international shipping which does not help my international people. I am not sure about their customer service.
- I have a painter friend who loves the customer service of Cheap Joes Art Stuff.
- For miscellaneous stuff I love Extras for Creative Reuse – a recycling center for all kinds of materials. I get lots of paper and foam core there. So if you are not in Eastern Massachusetts, then I suggest looking for a similar type of membership based, recycling store that serves the creative community.
- Staples – office supply store is a good source for cover stock and inexpensive paper for making monotypes.
- Sometimes I use the weekly coupons to pick up cutting blades, mat board, paint brushes or other last minute art supplies, from places like, ACMoore, Michaels,or Hobby Lobby. or JoAnn’s Fabric.
I am curious what is your go to Art Supply Store.
- What stores do you avoid?
- What store the best price, selection and customer service?
Share links and stories in the comments. Let’s support each other in finding the best art supplier for our needs.