New & Yummy at State of the Art Supplies

As of December 20th, 2005

Thank you, thank you, thank you! This summer I took a big leap of faith, believing that if I needed a neighbourhood art supply store, maybe you did, too. Thank you for peeking in the window while we renovated in June and July. Thank you for dropping in during our sneak preview weeks in August. Thank you for celebrating with us at the grand opening in September. And thank you one and all for your continued and growing support throughout the fall. You've visited. You've told friends. You've come back. We're thrilled, and proud, and ready to work our fingers to the bone making State of the Art Supplies the best little art supply store you've ever seen.

If you've got a minute, I'd like to tell you what we do, what we don't do, and what every artist wants.

Thank you sincerely,
Linda Carson
Artist-in-Charge

What we do

We want this place to be artsie but unthreatening. State of the Art Supplies is a general store for artists, and the people who love them. One of the staff says: "It's Vincenzo's, for artists!" We specialize in drawing, painting, and collage supplies, and we hope you share our weakness for Japanese papers, and Italian pigments. We've got some extra space set aside to help you get started in sculpting and printmaking, if you're prepared to work tabletop. (We don't have the room for heavy equipment. Do you? We can recommend some specialty vendors.) We've also got a corner dedicated to young artists, showcasing our very favourite kid-friendly art supplies.

What we don't do

We don't compete with our neighbours, and we try not to duplicate resources. So if you need a sack of plaster, we hope you'll visit Ontario Seed Home Hardware. If you work in clay, you already know about S & S Pottery Supplies. Ask us where we shop for stuff. We're happy to share all our secrets. (First secret: The way to keep enjoying the convenience of having a hardware store downtown? We shop there.)

What every artist wants: inspiration, and more supplies!

Everybody needs an energy source, someplace you can go for inspiration, and answers, and maybe a 9B water-soluble graphite crayon. (That always pulls me out of a creative slump!)

More art supplies: the "thank you" coupon

We want to be that energy source, for you. Starting today, you'll notice a little something extra when you shop. If you're on The List, every purchase you make adds up. Then, one day, after you spend a hundred dollars, a five dollar coupon will magically appear. Another hundred dollars, another five dollar coupon. It's not a big gift, but then, we're not a big store. It's our way of saying, "We'd like to see you again. Let us treat you to a little something yummy!"

Joining The List is free and easy. Some of you have been on The List for months now, and we've been keeping track of your purchases for you all this time. The "thank you" coupon is retroactive, so you may have already earned a treat!

Inspiration: the seminar series

Let's make an Artist Date! We want to show you our favourite techniques. So let's take over the store for half an hour, and play! We'll demonstrate a tres cool art medium or process, show off our best tricks, and tip you to the books and tools and supplies that are most worthwhile. You'll enjoy, observe, and maybe take a few notes. If you'd like to stay for tea, there'll be more time for questions.

The seminars are free but you've seen the store, so you know that seating is limited. Call 519-725-8585 or email us to reserve your place at the counter!

Encaustic is painting with molten wax
Sunday, January 22nd, 2006, 2:30 p.m.

Linda Carson, Artist-in-Charge, will demonstrate and explain the fundamentals of encaustic, including the materials, tools, safe practices, and best books!

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Stitching art with Japanese papers
Sunday, February 26th, 2006, 2:30 p.m.

Emily Jull, Colour Junkie, has just come back from the coolest workshop, and she wants to share! Incorporate needlework into your drawing, and incorporate paper into your needlework. This seminar is your best chance to fondle all our washi (Japanese paper).

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