Arlene's Artist Materials — Attraction in Town of Colonie

The Family owned, small (HUGE in all our heARTS🎨) business has been a local landmark for as long as I’ve been able to pinch my pennies and convince my father to make the hour drive for me to spend every single cent I had earned at the most amazing store I had ever been (allowed) to step my very sheltered self into. That was more than 20 years ago and I still feel the same sense of awe and excitement each and every time I make my way through those magical doors of Arlene’s Art Supply. To this day the store remains almost exactly the same as it did when I first entered it. The employees are still artists who are able to answer any questions you might have because they ALL HAVE experience and background in art. Although I could be wrong, I’m fairly certain that some of the staff has been there for as long as I’ve been going there and none of them have aged a day. I’m positive that Donna has never aged and never will. I chalk it up to kindness being her wonder drug; she has always been willing to put in a special order for me when I need it. You can’t possibly beat the small pieces show they hold once a year and raise money for a charity. Local artists contribute original pieces that sell for $10. I’ve collected some of my favorite pieces from this show. During the warm months The Makers Marker is in full swing on the weekends: I highly recommend you stopping by each and every one. Each market features different artists who all have beautiful work, you won’t be disappointed and certainly won’t be bored. Take the little ones! They will deep dive into the color, shapes, music and the pure joy that comes from each artists unique contribution to the show. Whether your looking for something to jump start your 4 year olds imagination or your 80 year old grandmothers, stop in~ there’s something wildly unique for EVERYONE and every...

Arlene’s Arts and Crafts on Fuller Road is hands down the best local art supply store in Albany. I recently needed black foamcore for a project and had a surprisingly hard time finding it anywhere that wasn’t warped, bowed, or completely unusable. Arlene’s not only had it in perfect condition, but the person behind the counter was super helpful in making sure I got exactly what I needed.

I used to shop here years ago as an art student, and coming back now, I’m reminded why I loved this place so much. They carry a great selection of traditional art supplies, but what really stands out is the variety of hard-to-find items that you won’t see in big-box stores. Their decorative paper selection is particularly amazing, and they also have a ton of fun little gifts and unique tools that make browsing a treat. The store has such a creative, welcoming vibe that it’s easy to lose track of time just looking around.

I’ll definitely be coming back for more supplies, and I might even sign up for a class sometime soon. If you’re an artist, crafter, or just someone who loves cool and creative things, Arlene’s is absolutely...

I find this conveniently located artist supply store oddly unwelcoming somehow. Not sure if it is the cool demeanor of most staff or the hand-scrawled sign taped to the door during the early days of covid coldly warning "NO CUSTOMERS PERMITTED INSIDE STORE!!!" (or words tt that effect(, or both. Not that the sign message was unreasonable at the time . . . It was the delivery/intensity of the message that was a tad off-putting for me. But, the above notwithstanding, the reason I still come here is because of one person: Kate in framing. Kate has been my go-to expert for all my framing needs for several years now; and so if you have an item that needs framing, I would unequivocally recommend calling for an appointment with Kate. I don't believe appointments are absolutely required, but it my understanding that they are recommended (a newish procedure). Kate has excellent taste and I have been very happy withevery framing job that she has heloed me. Prices are not cheap but are reasonable. About a 2-week turnaround time for framing work (they do not - to my knowledge - accept rush...