Artist & Craftsman Supply Madison

Category:	Art Supply Store
Address:	203 W Gorham St #1, Madison, WI 53703, USA
Phone:	+1 608-251-2977
Site:	artistcraftsman.com
Rating:	4.5
Working:	9AM–8PM 9AM–8PM 9AM–8PM 9AM–8PM 9AM–8PM 10AM–8PM 11AM–7PM

Location

Photos 57

Reviews 22

Rhea Ewing

Best art supply store in town, they carry a good range of supplies for everything from drawing to painting to sculpting. But.... the inventory and the staff arent particularly reliable. They dont stock as many high quality and specialized items as they used to, and Im never exactly sure if Ill be able to get what I need there. From what I understand, rent has been going up in that area and so they need to sell more high-margin impulse-buy items (like novelty socks and animal-shaped erasers) to keep up. Which is fine, just make sure you set your expectations accordingly if you need a hard-to-find item, even if theyve carried it before. You can order things in with some success, but make sure you talk to a manager directly about it if you can, as the staff tends to lose messages. Some of the staff can be a bit oblivious to their own inventory and how to take care of it. I live an hour away from Madison and try to call ahead to make sure they have what I need in stock before I make the trip, but the information I get doesnt tend to be very reliable and it sucks to drive 120mi round trip only to find they dont carry it after all. If youre in my situation, try to be as specific as possible, and check that they arent confusing your request with a similar item, like mistaking foam core for mat board. A bit socially annoying to everyone, but it could save you a lot of gas. Alternatively: order online. Be sure to inspect the store inventory for damage--I discovered water leaking from the roof and onto some of the paper during my last visit. Staff did nothing to fix and didnt really seem to know what to do. Move the bin the paper is in away from the leak? Remove the paper from the wet bin? Maybe it was just a new worker, but the lack of interest in fixing the problem makes me wonder how other items get treated. In any case, giving things a once-over before you buy is a good policy no matter where you shop. Basically if you go in with low expectations its fine, and you wont find better in the area. If you need your supplies fast and want to support a local place, its the way to go.

Kimm K.

I decided to stop by after work to pick up some art supplies. I wanted to do something crafty like I used to as a kid - even though Im not very knowledgeable or skilled about anything artsy. I arrived excited and left on the verge of tears. My admittedly simplistic questions (again, I know very little) were met with snide remarks and a bad attitude - as if I were a complete idiot. I cant remember the last time I felt so belittled by another person. Needless to say I didnt buy anything, and wont be back anytime soon. Maybe if youre a regular in the art world this is the place for you, but if youre a beginner with questions steer clear.

A Private User

This store has a great selection, but it also has space so you dont feel like youre going to knock everything over like in some other art stores. Pretty competitive prices, good atmosphere. The paper could be organized a little differently (it seems like they do it based on expected use for the paper, but I draw on everything so Im running around a lot in there) but for someone else it might be organized perfectly. This place definitely became my preferred art store (in Madison) pretty fast. Oh, and they give student/teacher discounts! Wooo!

Rob Severson

Whoever would deign to describe the employees of this awesome shop as "condescending", clearly has never been truly condescended to...or perhaps, lives in a sort of gilded, vainglorious reality where their own ego is serviced with the vigor normally associated with an overprotective mother. Staff is knowledge, friendly and patient. Id rather deal with the hassle of downtown parking JUST to talk to these folks, as opposed to some craft-hawking clerk at Hobby Lobby.

Anthony Slusser

Ive gone to this store for the last few years for this and that, and theyve always had what Ive needed for a fair price - and the student discount is usually good enough to knock a few bucks off which is always nice. My only complaint is that organization is difficult to understand and can take a while to find exactly what youre looking for. The employees know where things are though and theyve always been knowledgeable, so thats not the end of the world!

Nick

I bought an art kit from there for a class, and I went back two days later to return the kit (completely untouched) with the receipt in hand because I no longer needed the kit. They refused to allow me to return the brand new kit even though it was untouched, and the manager was rude and did nothing about it. Horrible customer service, and extremely condescending employees. I would much rather pay more to buy supplies elsewhere.

A Private User

This store is hidden gem. The entrance is easy to miss. I was worried downtown parking would be a hassle but metered parking just around the corner on N. Henry made it a breeze. Friendly and knowledgeable staff, along with a great selection of product makes this place top notch.

Coleman Chung

A wide selection of quality materials (and some cheaper stuff if youre not worried about quality). The staff is fairly knowledgeable. Ive always Artist and Craftsman to the University Bookstore. Also students (not just UW students) get a discount, which is very nice.

Dwight Darin

My friend and I had to buy supplies for an introductory drawing class and had no idea what we were doing. We received excellent help, and encouragement along the way too. Highly recommend.

Jessica Simm

Huge selection of art supplies not found in most stores. Carving, calligraphy, acrylic spray paint, Prismacolor, Copic, screen printing... pretty much everything other than fiber arts.

Sophia Carayannopoulos

The staff is great and the supplies is awesome! Also the prices are excellent! I would recommend this to the artist and to the common folk. There is something for everyone!

Emily Cotton Cram

I drive almost two hours to go to this store to buy art supplies, fantastic selection, great prices, good atmosphere. And they have clean bathrooms a rare find in Madison.

aprilbegood

Nice selection of supplies that seems to grow as they include more brands a mediums. Staff is nice and knowledgeable and dont pester you while youre looking.

Timothy Paneitz

Everything you could want or need. Amazing staff that are always going above and beyond to help everyone. Great location and vibe as well.

alissandra green

Love the canvas cheap crayola witch works for cartooning. And love the friendly faces and staff and coworkers always please to see them

Natasha B

Explore this place! Everything you need + knowledgeable staff + cool space. Find the sign on Gorham, walk down the steps, and have fun!

Mimi Mallah

All the supplies you can possibly need at reasonable cost. I could get lost in there... what am I saying? I have gotten lost in there.

David L Gobeli

Great selection of supplies. The staff can be a bit wonky and unhelpful, but Im assuming theyre artists, so I forgive them.

Luke Burkholder

Anything and everything artsy and craftsy. Worth a look around just to see all the pretty colors and fancy tools.