Want to Contribute?
We are taking Article submissions for
articles covering the arts throughout Phoenix. As
our readership continues to grow we want to provide
them with more great content; and we want you to be a
part of it. Learn More.
Editorial
Sections
Exclusive content and insights into your world.
We can't say it, but they can. Columns and the naked truth from individual perspectives.
We talk intimately with movers, shakers, leaders, artists and notables.
Our library: research, advice, how to's, and trade secrets shared freely.
More
Articles
Ten things to look for (and avoid) when buying original art prints
A Hidden Gem of the Phoenix Music Scene
Susan Krane, director of SMoCA and vice president of the Scottsdale Cultural Council since 2001, has announced that she will leave her position
ArtBook of the new west is a distinctive editorial magazine as well as a useful guide dedicated to profiling many local artists and fine art galleries throughout the state.
Observing this collection necessitates commitment. The dialogue between artist and observer requires an ability to enter into a shared post-Romantic desire to contemplate the vast and surreal through the smallest details.
"There's room for everybody and everything. This is everybody's downtown..."
Construction work is underway on the Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts' much-anticipated renovation...
His new series of abstract photographs taken in the Phoenix area is being released May 1st and contains a host of striking images that bridge the gap between photography and abstract expressionism.
As odd as it may be to use the word refressing to describe a play about a water shortage, that's what Urinetown is.
PAS's "Best Of" Local Art Supply Dealers
Karen Charleston
It takes a lot to make art: creativity, vision, time, energy, and'materials. As we all know, materials to make art can cost lots of money, a little dough, or, sometimes, no cash at all. The question is, where does one find all these things for the least scrilla and consumer guilt possible? Well, ask no more, because with the help of many local artists, I have compiled the 'best of the best' of local art supply dealers, and I want to share it with all you other folks who have a burning desire for paint and brushes, canvas, clay, metal and all kinds of other weird and fun materials that could be in your next masterpiece.
Where else could I really begin other than with Arizona Art Supply? They've been around for 56 years, and they know what they are doing. They are very conscious of their position as a local standard, and they don't want you to shop at Utrecht[cut] any more than I do (which is to say, not at all). If you need something to pursue a new interest in brush painting, sketching, clay modeling, origami, or even if you need a gift for someone artistically inclined, go to Arizona Art Supply. It's a great all-around store, with lots of space and discounts for bulk purchases, and if you don't care to venture any further than your front porch to pick up your gear, you can order through their online site and get free shipping for orders over $150. Resist the temptation to buy through other online sources; only Arizona Art Supply sales will send taxes back to our very own state, which could be used to supply arts programs in the future. So just say no to out-of-state art supply shopping and say yes to local leaders.
If you're an ASU art student (or anyone who considers themselves reasonably hip), I order you to go to Wet Paint Art Supply and Gallery. You will obey, if only because this family owned and run establishment has their fingers in many of Tempe's most creative endeavors. But not only that, at Wet Paint their staff actually knows their stuff because they use it, so be sure to ask them for advice on all your media-related questions. It's for artists, by artists, so you can meet up-and-coming painters Jes Jordan, Adam Dumper, and Clay Elliot while they show you their unbeatable selection of Montana spray paints, the wall of clay, the large selection of markers, brushes, and specialty papers, and their eye-catching store interior. If you need some music to create by, pick up some deep cuts from their garden of vinyl delights in The Attic when you stop in to fill that list your professor gave you. You can also beg family members to buy you Wet Paint gift certificates, and be sure to stop by for Final Fridays in Tempe for a serving of the
fresh beats and live painting that give us all hope for the state of affairs in our own collegiate suburb.
Now that you have a good idea of where to go for general art goodies, I'll let you in on all those other places that have what you need to go off the beaten path. For starters, if you need general tools, try an Ace Hardware, since they're privately franchised. You can avoid Home Depot if you try, and it's worth the effort. Also, local artists say to cruise the pawnshops for great used tools, but make sure to give them a test before you take them home. I like Central Pawn and Music Brokers just north of Indian School on Central. They've got tools and odds-n-ends galore as well as a huge selection of musical instruments and accessories.
For mixed-media mavens, try Lonnie's jewelry supply shop for beads, findings, and fine-work tools. Have you ever wondered about SAS Fabrics by the Pound? Stop wondering and head over to their Phoenix or Tempe location to be bowled over by the sheer number of bolts of fabric in every color and texture. If you need lace or feathers or buttons or sequins, look no further than SAS. If you're thinking fabric, but you want something a little more heavy-duty, go to Tempe Sales on Broadway. They've got leather and vinyl and upholstery foam and a weird section of crazy Asian import furniture and decorative items. For other crazy found-object fun, pay a visit to ABC Baking and get inspired by plastic cake-topping accessories like tiny cans of Schlitz or wild candy molds. If nutty doodads and silly gewgaws get you all hot and bothered, go for sensory overload to Easley's Costumes and Fun Shop. Performance artists of all kinds will be titillated by the wigs, disguises, and magic tricks, as well as props and makeup.
Do you work in plastic? Check out Curbell Plastics (formerly Daytona Plastics); they have acrylic sheets and other standard shapes, and they'll even cut and finish edges for you. Get a quote first, though'you might need to get some friends to go in on the minimum order with you. Do you need gear for mold making and sculpting? Try Ball Consulting in Tempe for everything, and I mean everything. Don't be fooled by their office-park exterior; they've got a small warehouse of tools, raw materials, and how-to guides just waiting for the serious Phoenix sculptor.
Now, for the hard-core, there are the reclamation yards. These places have everything from traffic lights to electric motors to industrial dishwashers. It's all used, and all you have to do is wander around in the heat for a few hours and you could be the next Marcel Duchamp. Head to my favorite, Apache Reclamation and Electronics, but don't forget some gloves and a truck, you may find more found objects than you first intended to.
Now that you're in the know about places to go to get the goods to make some art in Phoenix, get moving, and get creating. Happy hunting!
[b]
Arizona Art Supply
PHX- 118 W. Indian School Rd. (602) 264-9514
Tempe- 1628 E. Southern (480) 775-4102
Scottsdale- 10869 N. Scottsdale Rd. (480) 948-0802
Wet Paint Art Supply and Gallery
Tempe- 203 E. 7th St. (480) 967-2002
ACE Hardware
visit www.acehardware.com for the location nearest you
Lonnie's, Inc.
PHX- 1436 N. 44th St. (602) 220-0494
SAS Fabrics by the Pound
PHX- 111 E. Indian School Rd. (602) 279-2171
PHX- 9840 N. 19th Ave. (602) 943-7777
Tempe- 1700 E. Apache Blvd. (480) 966-7557
Tempe Sales
Tempe- 412 W. Broadway Rd. (480) 967-4811
ABC Cake Decorating and Party Supplies
PHX- 2853 E. Indian School Rd. (602) 224-9796
Easley's Costumes and Fun Shop
PHX- 509 W. McDowell Rd. (602) 271-9146
Curbell Plastics
call (623) 907-5240 for an appointment or quote
Apache Reclamation and Electronics
PHX- 313 W. Apache St. (602) 254-0613
[/b]
Where else could I really begin other than with Arizona Art Supply? They've been around for 56 years, and they know what they are doing. They are very conscious of their position as a local standard, and they don't want you to shop at Utrecht[cut] any more than I do (which is to say, not at all). If you need something to pursue a new interest in brush painting, sketching, clay modeling, origami, or even if you need a gift for someone artistically inclined, go to Arizona Art Supply. It's a great all-around store, with lots of space and discounts for bulk purchases, and if you don't care to venture any further than your front porch to pick up your gear, you can order through their online site and get free shipping for orders over $150. Resist the temptation to buy through other online sources; only Arizona Art Supply sales will send taxes back to our very own state, which could be used to supply arts programs in the future. So just say no to out-of-state art supply shopping and say yes to local leaders.
If you're an ASU art student (or anyone who considers themselves reasonably hip), I order you to go to Wet Paint Art Supply and Gallery. You will obey, if only because this family owned and run establishment has their fingers in many of Tempe's most creative endeavors. But not only that, at Wet Paint their staff actually knows their stuff because they use it, so be sure to ask them for advice on all your media-related questions. It's for artists, by artists, so you can meet up-and-coming painters Jes Jordan, Adam Dumper, and Clay Elliot while they show you their unbeatable selection of Montana spray paints, the wall of clay, the large selection of markers, brushes, and specialty papers, and their eye-catching store interior. If you need some music to create by, pick up some deep cuts from their garden of vinyl delights in The Attic when you stop in to fill that list your professor gave you. You can also beg family members to buy you Wet Paint gift certificates, and be sure to stop by for Final Fridays in Tempe for a serving of the
fresh beats and live painting that give us all hope for the state of affairs in our own collegiate suburb.
Now that you have a good idea of where to go for general art goodies, I'll let you in on all those other places that have what you need to go off the beaten path. For starters, if you need general tools, try an Ace Hardware, since they're privately franchised. You can avoid Home Depot if you try, and it's worth the effort. Also, local artists say to cruise the pawnshops for great used tools, but make sure to give them a test before you take them home. I like Central Pawn and Music Brokers just north of Indian School on Central. They've got tools and odds-n-ends galore as well as a huge selection of musical instruments and accessories.
For mixed-media mavens, try Lonnie's jewelry supply shop for beads, findings, and fine-work tools. Have you ever wondered about SAS Fabrics by the Pound? Stop wondering and head over to their Phoenix or Tempe location to be bowled over by the sheer number of bolts of fabric in every color and texture. If you need lace or feathers or buttons or sequins, look no further than SAS. If you're thinking fabric, but you want something a little more heavy-duty, go to Tempe Sales on Broadway. They've got leather and vinyl and upholstery foam and a weird section of crazy Asian import furniture and decorative items. For other crazy found-object fun, pay a visit to ABC Baking and get inspired by plastic cake-topping accessories like tiny cans of Schlitz or wild candy molds. If nutty doodads and silly gewgaws get you all hot and bothered, go for sensory overload to Easley's Costumes and Fun Shop. Performance artists of all kinds will be titillated by the wigs, disguises, and magic tricks, as well as props and makeup.
Do you work in plastic? Check out Curbell Plastics (formerly Daytona Plastics); they have acrylic sheets and other standard shapes, and they'll even cut and finish edges for you. Get a quote first, though'you might need to get some friends to go in on the minimum order with you. Do you need gear for mold making and sculpting? Try Ball Consulting in Tempe for everything, and I mean everything. Don't be fooled by their office-park exterior; they've got a small warehouse of tools, raw materials, and how-to guides just waiting for the serious Phoenix sculptor.
Now, for the hard-core, there are the reclamation yards. These places have everything from traffic lights to electric motors to industrial dishwashers. It's all used, and all you have to do is wander around in the heat for a few hours and you could be the next Marcel Duchamp. Head to my favorite, Apache Reclamation and Electronics, but don't forget some gloves and a truck, you may find more found objects than you first intended to.
Now that you're in the know about places to go to get the goods to make some art in Phoenix, get moving, and get creating. Happy hunting!
[b]
Arizona Art Supply
PHX- 118 W. Indian School Rd. (602) 264-9514
Tempe- 1628 E. Southern (480) 775-4102
Scottsdale- 10869 N. Scottsdale Rd. (480) 948-0802
Wet Paint Art Supply and Gallery
Tempe- 203 E. 7th St. (480) 967-2002
ACE Hardware
visit www.acehardware.com for the location nearest you
Lonnie's, Inc.
PHX- 1436 N. 44th St. (602) 220-0494
SAS Fabrics by the Pound
PHX- 111 E. Indian School Rd. (602) 279-2171
PHX- 9840 N. 19th Ave. (602) 943-7777
Tempe- 1700 E. Apache Blvd. (480) 966-7557
Tempe Sales
Tempe- 412 W. Broadway Rd. (480) 967-4811
ABC Cake Decorating and Party Supplies
PHX- 2853 E. Indian School Rd. (602) 224-9796
Easley's Costumes and Fun Shop
PHX- 509 W. McDowell Rd. (602) 271-9146
Curbell Plastics
call (623) 907-5240 for an appointment or quote
Apache Reclamation and Electronics
PHX- 313 W. Apache St. (602) 254-0613
[/b]
© 2008 Phoenix Art Space, All rights reserved.