Preston Arts Center, Inc. — Attraction in Lyndon

I'm a little disappointed that I bought some containers of pearlescent pigment last week, and when I went to use them today half of the purple/magenta color was missing... this has never happened here before, but it made me want to write a review.

The prices here are higher than artist and craftsman supply, which is honestly not that far away from this store. (competition) And while they (Preston) do offer discounts for those who are signed up on their mailing list, it doesn't seem enough to justify the difference in price. That being said, I do still bounce back and forth between the two depending on who has what, and the urgency of my purchase (especially during this pandemic). Usually I start with Artist and Craftsman Supply, then head to Preston if they don't have what I need. I have found myself going to Preston less and less. And when I do go, it's almost like they aren't buying more stock.

I really hate that I had this experience with their products, and that I have noticed the difference in price. I really want local businesses to succeed, especially Preston, this place has been around for a long time. The staff is friendly and helpful, and I recommend this store to any new and existing artists looking for art classes to expand their range. I also love that their staff is informed and won't make you feel like an idiot if you need help with something, or simply don't know exactly what you're looking for.

I will say that while their stock has increased in size and variety in recent years, it still doesn't compare to that of artist and craftsman. Preston, I feel, is for the hobbyist and student. Especially considering how "common" it was to have half of my powder pigment missing from a container that I absolutely, at this point (procrastination), do not have the time to return. There are levels to the art store game, and I didn't go to Preston expecting to have this Hobby Lobby experience.

Does that make sense? I hope so, because I don't want this so seem harsh at all. I think there is a distinction and there was a time when I didn't really notice a real difference between the two and thought this review/information might be...

I've been going to Preston art center for several years! They have always been helpful and knowledgeable about their stock! They have classes for the general public to attend to learn technics and different types of artwork! A great selection of materials for just about anything you can imagine doing! They know their store and can assist you with whatever you might be looking for! They always stay well stocked with all art supplies and even have things that can help with your child's school projects, i.e. display boards for science projects among other things as well! Let them know what you have in mind and they can direct you to what you will need! Professional artists get a discount when purchasing materials there and that helps out as well! I enjoy stopping in whenever I get a chance to see what they may have new and things that I need to pick up that I might be low on! Very helpful and courteous folks! They are...

I have always bought my art supplies from PAC, since the time I was in middle school up until art school in college, and now I occasionally dabble. I love it here. When I was young I would take art classes here (this had to be late 90s early 2000s) and one of my favorite memories was my dad and I took an airbrush class together and I cherish that memory, it was so much fun! so thank Preston art center for offering that and facilitating. (Funny enough I eventually went on to work in the beauty industry and I used that airbrush all the time and still went there for airbrush supplies) everyone has always been so helpful and knows what they’re talking about, sometimes I just wander but this is definitely a wonderful place and you should support this small business because they give back more than just art...