Artist & Craftsman Supply Tacoma — Local services in Tacoma

After living in Tacoma for 48 years I've seen artist supply stores come and go and at first I thought Artist & Craftsman Supply would be one more of them. But to my pleasant surprise it is staying... and because it is working hard to bring supplies to us artists and craftsmen I want to give credit where due. All the supplies I purchase from this store are exactly what I want. I like the professional watercolors (more expensive than the student grade), but there is the student grade for a reason. Who would want to pay the higher price of the professional watercolors and then not like it? The store is an ESOP which means it is Employee Owned. I love that the people who work there have a vested interest in making the store a financial success. They are pleasant, attentive and knowledgeable. If you haven't been there, go. Give yourself time to look at everything. You want to be aware of what they carry and that if you are taking a class you get a discount! if the teacher registers the class there. It...

Many people have been suggesting I check out ACS in downtown Tacoma, for a while now. I'm so glad I finally did!

Their paper selection is absolutely FANTASTIC. I was on the hunt to try some new paper for a drawing class in teaching and found the motherlode! There's even some small sample packs of one brand that was new to me, so I really liked that.

I didn't check out the whole store, since I was crunched for time, but I went through their pencil selection and found some brands I haven't used before, as well. Always in the look out for what's new, I brought some home.

At the checkout, I was glad to hear they may be able to special order the Claire Fontaine Pasetelmat that I prefer for some of my colored pencil work. Bonus: they had some fun little bonus items at the register that are making their way into my kids' stockings this Christmas.

What little I saw of the rest of the store caught my interest. I will...

There's something very mid-90s about the aesthetics of this place. It sits casually, with one foot tucked under the other knee, leaning forward so far its elbows hang beyond its folded shin. It wears a fuzzy purple croptop sweater and oversized Doc Martin's. It smokes clove cigarettes while reading a xerox zine. This is the seminal art supply shop in Tacoma. It is well stocked and well organized. There are seminars held occasionally by visiting authorities of various disciplines. The staff are helpful, knowledgeable, friendly, and intimidatingly cool. They carry a vast array of paper sizes, weights, types, and colors. They carry unstretched canvas. Whatever you want, you can get it or have it ordered here. Bring the kids! There is a fascinating section of retro inspired items for children, both young and old. Don't forget to check out the loft upstairs for frames and model supplies. Don't miss this...