Two floors of paints, papers, brushes, and unexpected little gifts await inside this Maryland art store. That’s a lot of temptation for anyone who came in needing one pencil.
Even the shop’s sales can send you in a new direction, with rotating discounts on familiar art-supply brands.
The shelves cater to beginners and serious artists alike. You can browse sketchbooks, watercolor sets, canvases, printmaking materials, and tools for projects you haven’t even considered starting.
It’s the kind of selection that makes a weekend craft idea suddenly feel possible.
I have a weakness for stores where the supplies themselves spark ideas. A stack of colored paper or a new set of pens can turn into an entirely different project before you reach the register.
The real danger is leaving with three new hobbies instead of one pencil.
An Art Store Owned by the People Who Run It
Ownership matters more than you’d think at a supply store. Artist & Craftsman Supply is 100% employee-owned, and that changes the whole vibe.
The company started in 1985 as a small art shop in Portland, Maine. It grew during the mid-nineties and kept adding new kinds of products.
By the early 2000s, it was stocking kids’ art gear, school supplies, and fun eclectic goods.
The Baltimore location carries that same independent spirit. It’s not a giant chain with corporate shelves that look the same everywhere.
The company says its stores are run by passionate artists, crafters, and creatives. That’s a nice thing to know when you’re stuck choosing between two shades of blue.
Why should a shopper care about ownership? People who share in a business often care how it runs.
It can show up in tidy shelves, solid advice, and a friendly hello.
I like the idea that your purchase supports workers who are also makers. Spending money feels a bit better that way.
It’s like buying a paintbrush and a pep talk for the local art scene at once.
For a Maryland shopper, it’s a simple way to buy local without giving up selection.
Your Corner of the Station North Arts District
Location is half the fun here. The store sits at 137 W North Ave, Baltimore, MD 21201, right in the Station North Arts District.
Station North is known as a lively hub for Baltimore’s creative community. Galleries, studios, and murals help give the area its personality.
An art supply store fits in like a missing puzzle piece.
The shop also takes part in neighborhood happenings. It has joined events like the Second Friday December Art Walk in Station North.
That’s a good sign the store sees itself as part of the scene, not just a place to buy glue.
The building sits on a busy corner, so stay alert at the intersection out front. Traffic here means business.
Watch the lights and give yourself a moment to cross.
Plan your visit like a mini art outing. Grab supplies, then explore the district and soak up some local creativity.
You might leave with new paint and a fresh idea for using it.
Few shopping trips come with a neighborhood that doubles as inspiration. In Maryland, this corner of Baltimore makes the errand feel more like an adventure.
Two Floors Means You Should Clear Your Afternoon
Bring comfy shoes. This store spreads across two floors, and the space is big enough to lose track of time.
Back in 2014, it was reported as the largest art supply store in the city. That’s a bold title in a town packed with art students and working artists.
It helps explain why people tend to wander longer than planned.
The upstairs level is a big part of the experience. Much of one floor focuses on paper, which sounds wild until you see how many kinds artists use.
Sketch paper, printmaking paper, and craft sheets all need a home.
A quick tip? Make a list before you go.
It won’t stop you from browsing, but it might stop you from forgetting the one thing you came for.
The size also makes it great for groups with different interests. One person can hunt for oil paints while another checks out beads.
Nobody has to stand around bored by the door.
Give yourself at least an hour if you can. Rushing through two floors of supplies is like speed-reading a comic book.
You’ll miss the good parts.
Paint, Brushes, and Canvas for Every Kind of Artist
Painters, this aisle is your playground. The store carries acrylics, oils, watercolors, and spray paints, so most styles are covered.
You’ll also find brushes, canvases, and drawing tools. Pencils, markers, and sketch supplies sit ready for anyone who prefers lines over color.
Sculpting supplies round things out for folks who like to work in three dimensions.
The best part is the range. The store serves beginners, hobbyists, and professionals all at once.
That means you can find budget-friendly student-grade options and fancier materials nearby.
So how do you keep costs down? Start with student-grade paint while you’re learning.
Save premium tubes for colors you use most or projects that really matter.
Canvas is another place to be smart. Smaller sizes cost less and let you practice without pressure.
Big blank canvases can feel scary anyway.
Brushes deserve a little thought too. A few good brushes often beat a huge cheap set that sheds bristles everywhere.
Ask staff which shapes fit your style.
Shopping in person also helps you see colors and textures up close. That beats squinting at a screen and hoping the shade is right.
Bookbinding, Gilding, and Other Crafts You Didn’t Know You Needed
Ever wanted to make your own sketchbook? The store stocks bookmaking supplies, and that’s just the start of the unusual stuff.
Shelves hold materials for origami, gilding, leatherworking, scenic modeling, and photography. Gilding means applying thin metal leaf, like gold, to a surface.
It’s fancy, shiny, and surprisingly fun to try.
Scenic modeling supplies are great for tiny worlds. Think model train landscapes, dioramas, or school projects with mini trees.
Suddenly that science fair volcano has competition.
Here’s a budget tip. Try a new craft with a small starter amount first.
A few sheets of origami paper cost far less than a full kit you might never finish.
Leatherworking can be a fun next step for people who love hands-on projects. Simple wallets or keychains make great first tries.
You also end up with gifts that feel personal.
Paper lovers should save time for the paper-heavy floor. Bookmaking and origami both depend on the right weight and texture.
Feeling the sheets in person helps a lot.
Exploring these specialty corners is where the adventure part really kicks in. You might walk out with a brand-new hobby.
Beads, Yarn, and Foam for the Hands-On Crowd
Crafters get plenty of love here too. Beads, jewelry-making parts, felt, fiber, foam, and yarn all have spots on the shelves.
The list keeps going with stencils, stamps, adhesives, plastic films, and paper mache supplies. General crafting tools help pull every project together.
Glue guns and scissors may not be glamorous, but they’re heroes.
This section works well for families and classroom projects. Felt and foam are easy to cut and kid-friendly.
Stamps and stencils help young artists make clean designs without stress.
Knitters and crocheters can check out the yarn. A single skein is an affordable way to start a scarf or small project.
Bigger dreams can wait for the second trip.
Jewelry makers will appreciate the beads and components. Handmade bracelets and earrings make thoughtful gifts on a small budget.
They also look way cooler than another store-bought keychain.
My advice is to plan projects around what you already own. Buy only the missing pieces.
That keeps your craft drawer from turning into a mystery box.
Paper mache is another cheap winner. A few supplies can become masks, bowls, or goofy sculptures.
Gift Shopping Gets a Lot More Fun Here
Socks with personality, anyone? The store sells cool socks, tote bags, pencil cases, and enamel pins alongside the art gear.
The company describes its mix as a place to find something unusual or just plain fun. It also carries greeting cards and other eclectic goods.
That makes it a handy stop when a birthday sneaks up on you.
Some shoppers describe an old-school toy store vibe. That fits the playful mix of trinkets and gifts.
It’s the kind of browsing that makes adults act like curious kids again.
Budget gift tip coming up. Pair a small novelty item with a useful supply.
A fun pin plus a sketchbook makes a thoughtful present without costing a fortune.
Artsy friends are easy to shop for here. Pick up a nice pen, a pocket notebook, or a set of colored pencils.
They’ll actually use it.
Kids love the trinkets too. Small treats make great rewards for finishing homework or chores.
And yes, you can shop for yourself. Calling it a gift for future you totally counts.
Nobody needs to know the socks were for your own drawer.
Staff Who Actually Know Their Pigments
Friendly help can save you money. At Artist & Craftsman Supply, the staff is known for being knowledgeable and ready with advice.
That matters more than you’d expect. Art supplies can be confusing, with endless brands, grades, and sizes.
A quick chat can keep you from buying the wrong thing.
Many team members are artists or crafters themselves. They understand why one paper buckles and another doesn’t.
They can also suggest options if something you want isn’t in stock.
Don’t be shy about asking questions. Tell staff what you’re making and what you’d like to spend.
Clear details help them point you toward smart choices.
The store also displays art made by staff and shoppers. It’s a fun touch that shows real people creating real things.
Plus, it might spark ideas for your next project.
The decor adds personality too, with an artsy, counterculture look inside and out. It feels creative before you even pick up a brush.
Good advice is basically a free bonus here. You came for supplies, but you might leave with a new technique.
That’s a pretty great deal for a Baltimore shopping trip.
Smart Tricks for Parking, Rewards, and Timing Your Trip
Parking here is its own little adventure. A small lot sits below the store, reached by a long set of exterior stairs.
The stairs are to the right of the entrance and lead down the hill. Some shoppers park on nearby streets instead.
Either way, pack light if you plan a big haul.
Hours are easy to remember. The store is open every day from 10 AM to 6 PM.
Weekend crafters and weekday painters both get a fair shot.
Want to stretch your budget? Join the rewards program.
Shoppers can earn savings on future trips, which adds up for regular makers.
Teachers should ask about the educator discount. Classroom supplies get expensive fast, so every bit helps.
It’s a small perk that makes a real difference.
Compare prices on your biggest purchases. With so many grades available, there’s usually a choice that fits your wallet.
Pros can splurge while hobbyists keep things simple.
Artist & Craftsman Supply makes Maryland creativity feel open to everyone. With smart planning, your next trip can be fun, focused, and friendly to your bank account.
Now go make something wonderful.
