Artist & Craftsman Supply: What to Find and How to Shop There

What Artist & Craftsman Supply carries and where to find locations

Artist & Craftsman Supply is a chain of art stores across the United States that stocks materials for painting, drawing, printmaking, sculpture, and mixed media work. The stores carry both student-grade and professional-grade supplies, so whether you are picking up your first set of acrylics or restocking studio inventory, you will find options at different price points.

The chain has locations in multiple states, including South Carolina. To find the nearest store to you, visit their website and use the store locator tool, which shows addresses, hours, and phone numbers. Some locations also offer in-store workshops and demonstrations, so it is worth calling ahead to ask what your local store has scheduled.

Artist & Craftsman Supply also operates an online store where you can order supplies for delivery or, at many locations, pick up in-store the same day or within a few days. This is useful if you know exactly what you need and want to avoid a trip, or if your local store does not have an item in stock.

Key Takeaways

• Artist & Craftsman Supply stocks painting, drawing, printmaking, sculpture, and mixed media materials in both student and professional grades.
• South Carolina has multiple Artist & Craftsman Supply locations; use their website store locator to find hours, address, and phone number for the one nearest you.
• You can browse and purchase online, then pick up at a local store within a few days or have items shipped to your home.
• Many stores offer in-person workshops and demonstrations; call ahead to learn what your location offers.

Painting and drawing supplies

Artist & Craftsman Supply carries a wide range of paints, including acrylics, oils, watercolors, and gouache. You will find brushes sorted by type (round, flat, mop, liner) and material (synthetic, natural hair, blended), as well as palettes, mediums, solvents, and varnishes. The selection spans beginner sets to individual professional-grade tubes and brushes.

For drawing, the stores stock graphite pencils in various hardnesses, colored pencils, charcoal, pastels, and ink. Sketchbooks and drawing pads come in different paper weights and textures. If you work with markers, you will find alcohol-based and water-based options, including brands used for illustration and graphic design work.

Printmaking and relief materials

If you work in printmaking, Artist & Craftsman Supply carries linoleum blocks, wood blocks, and carving tools for relief printing. They stock printing inks, brayers, and baren tools. Paper suitable for printing is available in various weights and finishes, and the staff can help you match paper to your printing method.

The stores also carry supplies for screen printing, including screens, squeegees, and inks. For etching and intaglio work, you will find needles, burins, and specialized papers. Because printmaking supplies can be technical, asking a staff member about your specific project often leads to a better match than browsing alone.

Sculpture and three-dimensional materials

Artist & Craftsman Supply stocks clay in earthenware, stoneware, and polymer varieties, along with sculpting tools, loop tools, and wire. If you work in stone or wood, the stores carry chisels and gouges in different sizes. For mixed media and assemblage, you will find adhesives, fasteners, and materials suited to different surfaces.

Armatures, stands, and work surfaces are also available, as are materials for casting and mold-making. The range means you can often complete a project without running to multiple stores, though specialty materials for very specific techniques may require a phone call to confirm stock.

Paper, canvas, and surfaces

Beyond sketchbooks and drawing pads, Artist & Craftsman Supply carries canvas in various weights and weaves, pre-stretched and unstretched. Canvas boards and paper boards offer lighter-weight alternatives. Watercolor paper comes in cold-pressed, hot-pressed, and rough finishes, with options for different weight and rag content.

The stores also stock specialty papers for printmaking, collage, and mixed media work. If you are unsure which surface suits your project, describing your technique to a staff member usually results in a solid recommendation, especially at locations with experienced artists on the team.

Student versus professional supplies and pricing

Artist & Craftsman Supply organizes many product lines into student and professional tiers. Student-grade supplies cost less and work well for learning and practice; professional-grade supplies use higher pigment loads, better binders, and more durable materials, which affects both price and performance. The difference is most noticeable in paints and colored pencils.

Prices vary by brand and product type. A student set of acrylics costs significantly less than individual professional tubes, but if you paint regularly, buying professional-grade supplies in the colors you use most often often proves more economical over time. Staff members can walk you through the trade-offs if you are deciding between options.

How to shop in-store and online

In-store, you can browse the full selection, ask questions, and see colors and textures in person. Many locations have staff who are themselves artists and can speak to how materials perform. If you know what you need, you can also call ahead to confirm the store has it in stock before making the trip.

Online shopping works best when you know the specific product and brand you want. The website shows availability at your local store, so you can order for in-store pickup and avoid shipping costs and wait time. If you are new to a technique or unsure what to buy, visiting in person usually saves time and money by avoiding purchases you will not use.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Artist & Craftsman Supply have a store in my area of South Carolina?

Artist & Craftsman Supply has multiple locations across South Carolina. Use the store locator on their website to find the address, hours, and phone number for the store nearest you. You can also call a location directly to ask about stock before visiting.

Can I return supplies if I change my mind?

Artist & Craftsman Supply has a return policy, but specifics vary by location and product type. Some items, like opened paints or used brushes, may not be returnable. Call your local store or check their website for the full policy before purchasing.

Do they offer classes or workshops?

Many Artist & Craftsman Supply locations host workshops and demonstrations on techniques, materials, and specific projects. Call your local store to ask what is currently scheduled, or check their website for a calendar of events.

What is the difference between student and professional supplies?

Student-grade supplies cost less and work well for learning; professional-grade supplies use higher-quality pigments and binders, which means better color, durability, and performance. The difference is most noticeable in paints and colored pencils. Choose based on how often you work and what results you need.

Can I order online and pick up in-store?

Yes. Order through their website, select your local store for pickup, and collect your order within a few days. This option saves on shipping costs and lets you get supplies quickly if you need them for an upcoming project.