With the neighborhood’s abundant number of murals, art galleries and show spaces, Bushwick has become a center for Brooklyn’s vibrant art scene. And where would the art scene be without the local art supply stores selling the necessary tools?
Whether you’re currently tackling a work in progress, moving onto the next project or want to try something new, visit a local art supply store to give back to the community and talk to some experts while doing so!
Low Brow Artique
This art boutique (hence artique) originally set up shop at 143 Central Ave. but has since moved to 321 Starr St, where the business continues to support street art. Low Brow, as opposed to “highbrow art,” has a wide array of spray paints on display, including Ironlak, Black Montana and Gold Montana, and they’re all selling at competitive prices, many for under $10. The artique also sells sketchbooks and gesso, among other items.
The owner, Bishop203, who is known for his street art, stated in an interview with Street Art NYC that he felt Bushwick, as an emergent art community, was lacking in the supplies department. You can read Bushwick Daily’s interview with Bishop203 here. Low Brow Artique is open from 12 to 8 p.m. Monday through Friday and from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. on the weekends.
Artist & Craftsman Supply
If you visit the Artist & Craftsman Supply website, complete with its own artistry blog, it’s easy to see why any of the business’s stores can be the only stop needed during an art supply run. The 100% employee-run company was founded in 1985 as a small art supply store in the Portland, Maine area and has since grown throughout the United States.
There are three Brooklyn locations, at 1449 Broadway in Bushwick, 761 Metropolitan Ave. in East Williamsburg (at the Greenpoint border) and 307 2nd Street in Park Slope. The stores contain everything from canvases to spray paints, Speedball Ink, Prismacolor sets, paper art and more. The business also consistently updates its social media accounts to include limited-time discounts! The Bushwick location is open all days of the week from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Soho Art Materials
At 36 Gardner Ave, you’ll find the Bushwick location of Soho Art Materials. The store is expansive, and because the area is more accessible by car than the business’s Manhattan location, the space offers discounts on canvases bought in bulk. The store has all the materials you need for painting, drawing and custom framing.
Owners Johnny Siegel and his father Marvin have operated Soho Art Materials for over 35 years. (You can read more about the Siegels and the store’s opening here.)You can visit the Soho Art Materials website to learn more about the items available. The Bushwick location is open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
TALAS
TALAS blends in with its background, so it may be hard to spot. But this conservation, archival and bookbinding center located at 330 Morgan Ave. is a bookmaker’s haven. The store has everything you need when it comes to printmaking papers and canvases. The store also carries different types of adhesives, fabrics, books on the craft, custom-made fabricated boxes and so much more.
Unfortunately, the TALAS showroom remains closed during the ongoing pandemic, but the store offers contactless pickup by appointment. The online store, however, offers the same wide selection of supplies.
TALAS has been a family-owned store since 1962. If you’d like to get in touch with TALAS, its customer service hours are Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5:30 pm.
Tiny Arts Supply
This little gem opened its doors in Ridgewood at 58-42 Catalpa Ave. this past April. Along with fine art supplies, including oil pastel sets, paint brushes and acrylic paints, Tiny Arts Supply carries stationary and art supplies catering to children. Its price ranges differ, so the store is a great option for all.
The owner, Vanessa America, who’s lived in Ridgewood for 12 years, is an active member in the community, having volunteered in food pantries, including the Hungry Monk Rescue Truck. For custom orders or inquiries, you can check out the Tiny Arts Supply website, follow its Instagram account for updates or visit the store Tuesdays through Sundays from 1 to 6 p.m.
The Art Cove
Initially located at 6009 Myrtle Ave. in Ridgewood, this mom-and-pop shop closed down its physical location to go fully online in 2015 and, in 2020, celebrated its 50th anniversary.
You can search by department, category and item name to navigate the website, which sells over 80,000 items and is constantly adding new items. The Art Cove does have a newsletter, which you can subscribe to to keep up-to-date on the business, as well as a bestsellers and new-arrivals section so you can see what’s trending. According to its website, The Art Cove delivery times can take from one to five days, and there are different shipping rate options. If you have a pressing inquiry, you can email the business directly at [email protected] from Monday to Saturday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
All images provided by Allie Iliana Herrera unless otherwise specified.
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