Blick Art Materials — Local services in New York

I popped in here on my lunch break to see if they had some useful things for an event I'm decorating. It was my first time in the store so I wandered to see what they were about. My goal was kind of to go in, see what they sold and see if I could get inspired on different things I could add to what I've already got. They're very well stocked canvases and paints of all variety. If you're a diy lover you'll have moderate luck finding what you're looking for. However, I found myself faced with an anxiety I am often faced with as a POC in a Chelsea store. "Am I going to be followed around this store and asked what I need every 3 minutes?" The answer was yes. I'm sure they were just trying to be helpful but tell my anxiety that, tell the observation that other people in the same aisle as me weren't asked the same question or the fact that there was hovering each time I did actually express a need or ask a question. I ended up feeling put off from exploring further and just got the basics - scissors(expensive), mounting tape (moderate) and a hot glue gun(very affordable)and left. I considered recommending a co-worker who makes dolls to take a look around but her anxiety is even worse than mine so I...

Stopped in before a show at the Model Center to get some Tombow Markers. I live in Cleveland, but I refuse to shop in that store, because the staff is horrible (rude, childish, not knowledgeable). I went in, and I felt accosted by a staff member that literally ran over and got in my face to greet me and my sister. I felt as though they were acting that way in anticipation for a possible mystery shopper. We'd barely cleared the threshold of the store. I refused help, because it was so off-putting. I ended up wandering around on my own to find the Tombows. When I found them, I was shocked at the price. It was over twice what Joann Fabrics online sells singles for. I don't know how they can charge that much. I would expect Dick Blick to have better prices for an art supply than a sewing company. I left without buying anything, and when I'm in town, I cannot possibly imagine...

A literal hop, skip, and jump from my Alma Mater, the Fashion Institute Of Technology on 27th and 7th, this Blick is perfectly located for when I'm feeling artsy. It's a smaller store than some of the other Blicks in Manhattan, but what makes up for it is the ever-friendly, ever-smiling, ever-helpful staff who are always on hand to make me feel welcome or to help me find certain items.

I was also informed a few weeks ago of the school supply donation/give back progam to which I happily took part in. Things like that encourages repeat business and more importantly, good feelings. I'm happy to announce the 23rd Street Blick store is now my go-to art supply store.

It should be...