H R Meininger Co — Local services in Colorado Springs

I used to shop at Meninger's when my oldest was in his copic markers era, back when it was located at 201 S. Weber St, and it was such a wonderful experience with warm and friendly staff ready to assist us in finding whatever we needed (and a lot of what was just fun to take home on impulse, too).

Now that I travel between here and San Francisco weekly for art school, I decided to see what I could purchase locally from four syllabi, keeping my tax dollars in Colorado and shopping from a small business first. The staff is very knowledgeable - I will say that - and the selection is decent, though several things I needed were not in stock and no one offered to order them for me, either.

I was the only shopper in there for most of the hour I wandered back and forth looking for things. Three employees appeared to be on duty, two of whom were actively working on creative projects, and one of whom was much more friendly. I regret not asking for names because that gentleman deserves a shout-out.

Because I repeatedly needed to interrupt to ask for assistance finding items, I ended up giving up after one syllabus and ordering the remaining items (about $2,000 worth) from Dick Blick. For context, my total at Meninger's was over $700 and I wasn't concerned about the prices, which are higher at Meninger's, of course, and understandably.

Though assistance was given when requested, it wasn't a great vibe, and certainly lacked the sweet, family business energy I previously associated...

A fantastic art store for fine artists of all ages. If its even possible, they have even more space in this location for their thoughtfully chosen selection. It's easily accessable, has adequate parking, and their historically fantastic staff is still with them. Art-themed gifts are in the front, painting and print making to the right, drawing and sculpting to the left. And that's just the beginning! Reasonable prices and gems everywhere (someday, I am going to try the Imported Chinese ink and watercolors, drool, on some of that paper that is so silky I want to make a pillowcase out of it...double drool). I went over for Prismacolor Premiere colored pencils, and their stock was complete and full. Two professors and a student came in to buy stuff while I was there, so if you don't believe me, take it from them. You'd do better to go to Hobby Lobby or Michaels or Joanne if you are looking for a huge selection of casual craft kits and supplies, but if you are already knee deep in spray painting, or need just the right utensil for your next clay sculpture, (or are just plain in love with good paper like Arches, as I am), this is the...

Wonderful little art supply shop with very friendly and knowledgable staff. As an artist/illustrator this has been my my one stop shop for for nearly 12 years, for hard to find art/obscure supplies. They have a plethora of product variety for artists of all kinds and continually update their stock with new products. I highly recommend this store, as it's the only one of it's kind in the area as currently the only other H.R. Meininger location is in Denver.

If you're familiar with art, then you know that supplies aren't known to be cheap, so prices vary depending on the supplies you're looking for but for the most part they stay in line with other similar retailers in their pricing and sometimes it's even lower.

If I had to give any feedback, it's that I wish this location was much larger to accomidate and expand even more on their selection. Otherwise...