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Artist & Craftsman Supply
Category: Shopping Arts & Crafts Art Supplies Art Supplies [Edit]
555 Pacific Ave(at Kearny St)
San Francisco, CA 94133
Neighbourhood: Financial District
(415) 931-1900
- Hours:
Mon-Fri 9 am - 7 pm
Sat 10 am - 7 pm
Sun 11 am - 6 pm
- Price Range:
-
$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
About This Business:
We have an extensive selection of yarns, needles, patterns, books, knitting bags and accessories from around the world. Atelier specializes in luxurious… read more »
45 reviews for Artist & Craftsman Supply
Review Highlights
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"Great prices, good inventory, fun to shop here." In 3 reviews -
"...have quite the selection of Blick but the staff know a lot..." In 6 reviews -
"I am SO glad I found this place." In 3 reviews
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45 reviews in English
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Review from Audacity L.
San Francisco, CA
5/22/2012
I'm glad I walked the extra few blocks to check out what all the fuss was about. Pacific Ave is a quiet street, with plenty of higher end storefronts and boutique firms, so how could there be a down-to-earth, funky, yet practical art store in the middle of this road that leads to Pac Heights?
Surprisingly, this paper and art supply oasis does exist. Compared to other art stores, I found it not as overwhelming/overpriced as Flax, more personable and better-stocked than Utrecht or Patrick & Co., and sporting 100% more character than all of these stores combined. And if you're aimlessly moseying around, the knowledgeable staff always makes the extra effort to help you find whatever you're looking for, even if it means walking you up and down the stairs, or through the entire store.
Nifty place. Just wish I was a bit more crafty to justify coming here more often. -
Review from E P.
California, CA
5/20/2012
I love this store. I am so grateful that there is now a place to buy art supplies and those little things in the neighborhood. And that they are not a retail chain makes it that much better. The staff is very helpful and always super friendly when I walk in, and not in that "we are getting paid to be in here so I'm going to fake a smile way". They all have seemed to be interested in what I am going to do with what I purchase. The store is chock full of supplies, and they have a great selection of kids toys and projects right in the front of the store. The prices are very reasonable.
Thank you, thank you, for allowing me a place to buy my supplies that is a joy to walk in. The only problem is now i find myself searching for things to make just to have an excuse to go in. -
Review from Nickolas M.
Mill Valley, CA
4/26/2012
I recently visited the recently-opened Artisan and Craftsman Supply. The building that the store occupies is a beautiful historical landmark.
Since the earliest days of the Gold Rush, the first theater in San Francisco was the Bella Union, located on Portsmouth Square a few blocks away. The Great Quake and Fire of 1906 destroyed it, but it quickly relocated to 555 Pacific Avenue. When the Bella Union eventually closed for good, the building reopened as the Hippodrome, the centerpiece of San Francisco's famed Barbary Coast District.
The entrance to the building featured bas relief panels created by world-famous sculptor and artist Arthur Putnam in 1907. The Hippodrome is the only surviving building that gives a hint of the character of the notorious old post-Earthquake Barbary Coast.
Now the building is occupied by Artist and Craftsman Supply. And while the employees are friendly and a walk through both the upper and lower floors demonstrates the vast array of supplies that they carry, their disrespect for the historical building itself is appalling.
The only true art you will see are the bas relief panels described above--that is if you can see them at all behind the junk in front of them, including a row of garbage cans. It's bad enough that any business would put their garbage cans at their entrance, but covering important works of art with them? How irresponsible and insensitive can they be? What are these people thinking?
If I wanted to go to an art supply store that had no regard for actual art, I'd go to one of the corporate chains.Comment from Larry A. of Artist & Craftsman Supply 5/1/2012
We sincerely apologize that your visit to our store was not… More » -
Review from Daryl L.
Hayward, CA
4/16/2012
After my original method for t-shirt stenciling quickly turned into a disaster yesterday, I perused Yelp for nearby arts & crafts retailers and found this place. My random choice could not have been better, because this place rocks.
As soon as I walked in I was greeted by an awesome lady who took me throughout the store and helped me find a successful backup method for stenciling (discharge paste over a sturdy mylar stencil). I don't think I got her name, but if you're reading this, thanks again.
Don't know why anyone would give this place a bad review, because:
a) employees are helpful and cordial
b) even for being located Downtown, prices are low and discounts were a-plenty
c) unlike other arts & crafts joints (FLAX!), Artists & Craftsman are open when you need to save your butt on a Sunday -
Review from Deanna W.
San Francisco, CA
5/8/2012
This is the best art store in the area! I liked it before when it was small, quaint and in a basement, and I LOVE it now that it is in an enormous beautiful historic building. The prices are great, the staff is super helpful and friendly, I have even had the pleasure of painting with a few of the staff members, and their knowledge of the supplies are more than helpful! I end up going there a least a few times a month and they always have what I need. (I really love the paper room, and their drawing supplies) Thanks Artist and Craftsman supply, you are awesome!!!
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Review from Elizabeth K.
Emeryville, CA
5/2/2012
Not that they need another good review, but this place is great, has a huge selection and the guys who helped me were both very nice. I will be back.
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Review from Jen L.
1/29/2012
Rock the Casbah, rock the Casbah. You know it's going to be a cool experience when you hear this song and other punk tunes when entering an establishment.
With the demise of the downtown Pearl Crafts and Arch flying the coop for Potrero Hill years ago, the arts and crafts side of me was thrilled to pass by this art supply store but it's latest location has only been here a while (think it use to be on Columbus & Chestnut).
Situated in the Hippodrome, a former dance theater in the Barbary Coast, the store offers a plethora of supplies-from drawing to painting to bookmaking to more crafty things like yarn. The place reminds of the long gone Pearl's Arts, an urban, street smart art store with rainbow colored rolled walls and fun handmade signs.
My art side has been asleep most of this winter but eagerly awaits to be reawakened. Rock on. -
Review from Alicia O.
Oakland, CA
1/6/2012
Crafting is not skill I never mastered despite early attempts in grade school including an after-school arts program, and friends offering tips and tricks to the drawing/making/creating trade. I've always wanted to snip-snip-snip a simply folded paper so it unfolds into intricately delicate snowflake or line up paper cranes to be strung together for luck. But no dice.
However, I persist in trying, and I have to hand it to the employees at Artist & Craftsman for their assistance in my endeavors. They take the time to listen to whatever harebrained scheme I have, help me find the materials I need or could use, show me everything they have so I can make my own choices, offer advice if asked and answer all my questions including, "Um, what adhesive is best used on red, sparkly paper that is a strange texture?" and "Exactly how tight do you suppose the glass on this frame is?"
They're patient. They know their store and their supplies. They encourage your craftiness, not their idea of what your crafting should be. It made the act of gathering what I needed a chipper affair rather than a panic-inducing nightmare. I'll be back. Thanks, team! -
Review from Brittany N.
San Francisco, CA
4/1/2012
This store is great. I come here mainly to buy paper for printmaking and they have an awesome selection. The people who work there are also really nice and helpful.I have no complaints.
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Review from Sara D.
San Francisco, CA
3/6/2012
What a wonderful place! A collectively owned awesome art and craft store. The two ladies who helped me, Karmene and Jessi, were very helpful and friendly. Their selection was great and easily navigated. And their prices are so reasonable! Much appreciated : )
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Review from Scarlet F.
San Francisco, CA
12/22/2011
Five stars for a screen-printers paradise.
The only place in the city with silkscreen mesh by the yard. How is that??
The store is also laid out very nicely and seems to have a great selections of artist supplies. I love just walking through the aisles!
The employees are incredibly nice and funny! I had a great time talking with them. I will be back!!!! -
Review from Rebecca V.
San Francisco, CA
8/13/2011
GREAT art supply store. Cheap, good quality brands, and I can usually always find what I went in for.
A little sad it moved, it's original location was closer to me, but I'm glad it's still around! -
Review from Meredith R.
San Francisco, CA
7/21/2011
Ah... wandering around this place makes me want to spend all my hard earned money. I love it here! It's like a toy store for adults, but, um, NOT that kind, people.
Paints, stickers, pens, papers, toys, markers, crafts, cards, glues, magnets, you name it, they have it. So so so much fun to wander around just looking and touching. The new space is just beautiful - especially the stripes they painted on the walls. The employees are super friendly too. Then again so would I be if I worked here all day.
Great place to spend a lunch break - or a paycheck! -
Review from Linda T.
Bellevue, WA
1/23/2012
This place is absolutely fabulous - it's a wonderfully happy experience just walking around and seeing the abundance of supplies and how well it's all displayed. The store itself has no wall or floor or ceiling unpainted and it's a pure feast of color everywhere. The staff are all very qualified artists and knowledgeable - all have been to art school and each one has his or her own area of expertise. Can't wait to go back there!
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Review from Cindy B.
3/21/2011 1 Check-in Here
I am pretty amazed how they were able to keep the price relatively low in North Beach of all places.
Being a basement store, it was a bit claustrophobic as they made every inch count. Definitely well stocked for all kinds of art supplies but the overall selection of decorative handmade paper (which I have an addiction for) was small. They were mostly the scrapbooking type and the packages of Japanese paper were printed on type, not real Yuzen paper. -
Review from anoo l.
San Francisco, CA
3/31/2011
I am not an artist by any means, but I do get an itch to paint every once in a while. I recently moved, and am working on a painting for my new room.
I walked in here first to buy paper, and then yesterday to buy some brushes. The guy at the front, I think his name is Nick was extremely helpful. I was in a rush since I had to run back to work for a meeting. He immediately pointed to the brushes that were on sale, and to the ones he recommends. They don't push to try to get you to buy the expensive stuff, and I really like that. -
Review from Greenballoon X.
San Francisco, CA
9/11/2010
The only downside to this place is that it's not a huge warehouse with *everything* on hand. That said, they have A LOT packed into this place and pretty much everything you'd need. The staff is super knowledgable...
Example:
I walk in asking if they have rubber based relief printing ink because I bought water-based, but then the envelopes I was going to print on arrived and the paper was bonded and I was worried the water-based ink wouldn't take. Dude, didn't miss a beat and agreed rubber-based would be better, but they only had water and oil based, both of which might have difficulty with paper that lacks tooth.
The day before, I had been in there asking about threads to bind an artist book with and had a similarly informed dialogue with whoever was behind the counter.
And everyone's super friendly.
Andy they give you student discounts.
I love this place.Listed in: Daily Grind
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Review from Natalie G.
San Francisco, CA
8/17/2010
On the hunt for some nice craft paper for wedding projects, I called Artist Craftsman needing help. The girl on the phone was incredibly sweet and helpful. I was excited to go to the store and see what she had described to me over the phone.
They had a nice size paper section, with large boards and specialty paper as well. They also had a wall-o-pens, every kind of pen I would ever need. Again, the staff was so helpful and they walked around with me but never pushed me to buy anything I didnt need.
They also have this infamous upside down fish, that floats on its belly in a tank and looks dead, but isnt. Its a goldfish and I can't figure out how its surviving.
Minus a star for quite a bit of dust on the paper I picked up, and had to brush off in order to buy. Allergy attack central.Listed in: Wedding Planning 101
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Review from i. o.
San Francisco, CA
5/22/2008
A couple of weekends ago, the super helpful and congenial staff answered all my detailed "how-to" questions about a silk-screening project I'm about to start. After about 10 minutes of soaking up valuable info (that elaborated on processes I'd read about online), I felt well enough informed to make an independent desicion about the kit I needed. They even gave me the schedule for various craft classes/workshops that they hold in the store at the weekends!!
For silk-screening needs, the service and stock here was remarkably better than Blick, which is more convenient to mi casa. -
Review from ashli s.
San Francisco, CA
11/23/2008
I only found this place via word of mouth on the SFAI campus, its right down the road.My initial thought was that the place would offer shoddy supplies at ridiculous prices.
I am so happy to report that they both have great prices, and a wonderful selection and IF that weren't enough, LOTS of great customer service:
1.Opened early because I needed something before class one morning.
2.Offered to show me how to clean my rapidgraphic pens.
3.Are Highly knowledgeable about the materials they sell.
4. Rarely if ever, have they been out of something I need.
I am all for a small business that so successfully supports part of the local art community. -
Review from Stephanie J.
San Francisco, CA
12/13/2010
Um how is it that I've lived in North Beach for almost 4 years and here I am JUST NOW walking down the artfully decorated dungeon steps that leads into this fantastic supply store??
Unacceptable!
Looking for supplies to start my 28th Year Collage I walked down the brightly colored stairs into a room full of nifty crafting, painting, and drawing goodies lining the walls of this basement haven. I left more inspired to start crafting than ever before! Unfortunately it's mostly a painter's shop (hence no yarns, fabrics, sewing gear, knitting gear etc) but for poster board and glue sticks I was good to go. -
Review from Brianna H.
Huntington Beach, CA
1/12/2010
I am SO glad I found this place. It all started with a hunt for peacock feathers--which really evolved into a full-blown quest . Normally, I would just go to Pearl, which is right by my apartment; however, they've recently been scavenged barren.
So, I ended up calling what seemed like almost EVERY arts & crafts store in the city (including not-even-craft-stores & knick-knacky stores & paper stores) to inquire about peacock feathers. Admittedly, I did not get as far as Mendels, which I heard through the grapevine MIGHT have these (just for the record).
Not only did Artist & Craftsman have peacock feathers, but they had actual WHOLE pheasants, and random things I couldn't even dream of putting to some creative use.
The employees were not only helpful, but funny and knowledgeable. They made sure I found what I needed, and went out of their way to interact (rather than just sitting idly at the counter).
A look around the store proved that there is most everything you could possibly need here. NB: although I dabble, I'm not an art student, a professional artist, nor a serious hobbyist, so my needs are never *too* obscure or particular.
Things I didn't see (but might be there somewhere): yarn, knitting needles, an extensive selection of beads (there are definitely some beads and sequins, though), watercolor boards, and extensive scrap-booking materials.
Things I did see that aren't in every crafts store: greeting cards, knick knacks, MOON SAND!, magnets, pins, colored pipe cleaners, origami paper, sculpting/throwing supplies (clay cutters, etc), clay, crazy feathers (see above), all kinds of glues, a great selection of colored/felt tip pens, and your usual papers, paints, etc.
Prices are decently low.
In short--my new favorite spot. Cooler than Blick, IMHO. -
Review from J C.
San Francisco, CA
7/6/2007
Its easy to overlook this place because its got no storefront to speak of. When you peer into the door at the stairway that goes down, down to the unkown (could it be a dungeon? a laser tag game center? a acid den?) you might be hesitant to go in.
Don't be scared!!!
This is a great supply store!!! Wide selection!! Generous sales!! Friendly staff!! I'm a believer. You should too!
p.s. I found several item for less than Blick! -
Review from Asha H.
Fresno, CA
3/8/2008
Um.
I love this place.
But only in secret, I don't want to get a bad reputation for my love affair with a store.
Honestly, the prices are amazing, definitely cheaper in some ways than Utrecht or Blick, the staff are nice and helpful, and even took back four rolls of sketch paper that I (for whatever reason) mistakenly bought thinking they were tracing paper. The best part is if Sissy or Baby (beautiful -yet huge- dogs) are there. -
Review from conaill g.
San Francisco, CA
10/3/2011
what makes this place for me...are the staff, and the manager, well she is just a delight and her dog is so cute too.
I've been to all the art stores in town...and all of them...bar here(or if you get one of the managers at Flax) need to brush up on their Customer Service skills. Stop being hipstery. It's tiring and I can get all that I want at Whole Foods...anytime.
Money talks, and well...it also walks...mine walked to A&C the first time I went on Columbus and now...I hate if I need something and cant get there and have to settle for Utrecht or Flax etc...
I love this store. I love their stock. I love their vibe. They rock.
and those of you who didnt give 5 stars...shame shame. -
Review from J C.
San Francisco, CA
1/25/2012
I've been to several other art supply stores in the city and this place definitely ranks up in the top 2 art stores in SF. The selection is extensive, the prices are the most reasonable I've seen in the city and the staff is super friendly and helpful. I will for sure be back here for all my supplies.
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Review from Jenny S.
Los Angeles, CA
11/5/2009
I give this place a ONE STAR because of the stupid hairy, smelly, nasty, rude, retarded staff.
I got 5 huge cardboards and asked him for a student discount cus it was like $10 each. He says ok but forgets to put in the discount so when I asked him if he could redo the transaction he gets pissed off at meeh. Yea, it's only 10% off with the discount but it's $5 i could use to buy starbucks!
Anyways, after that I asked him if he could give me a large bag and he asks me "how far are u going?"i tell him "at least 10 blocks up the hills."
he rolls his fugly eyes and tells me "it hurts the environment. just take it without the bag"
um......... i really wanted to tell him that his existance hurts this environment but being a nice ass i told him "i'm a vegetarian and i recycle. give me the damn bag"
i will not go there ever again because of that ho bag who smells.
seriously, u had to see his fricking nasty ass long nails.
so frickin gross. and his hair.. omg, this is not the 70s. he looked like charles manson on coke..Comment from Larry A. of Artist & Craftsman Supply 12/10/2010
Dear Jenny, I would first off like to sincerely apologize… More » -
Review from Daisy C.
Firebaugh, CA
7/28/2007
The San Francisco Art Institute had a tiny supply store that closed down and I was sadden by it because it was just down the block from where I live. Now this opened and I'm guessing it's because there's Academy of Art University in the neighborhood. Whatever the reason, I'm happy to have one.
I just bought rolls of colorful handmade rice papers to decorate my room. I have an old panel glass door and instead of using curtains I'm using these papers for privacy. -
Review from Perry W.
San Francisco, CA
5/4/2011
Awesome art store. They have a great kids' section. I've shopped here twice for art supplies for my toddler and each time the staff were super friendly and really helped me out with what I needed. Prices are (unexpectedly) great also!
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Review from Regina L.
San Francisco, CA
12/30/2006
I knew these guys from the original San Jose location, and while I was sad that they moved, astonishingly enough, I had a class right across the street from here!
Still good and possibly the cheapest art store in the SF area, especially if you ask nicely for the student discount (although you do have to be a student). And what makes them really neat is that they sell a lot of Unemployed Philosophers Guild things as well as really neat kitschy stuff (sushi bandages anyone?). They didn't have it set up the last time I went, but they'll cut down large matboards and stuff like that for you.
I'm kinda sad now that I don't have a class up here anymore, but on weekends at the wharfs, I'll go here again. -
Review from Josh S.
San Francisco, CA
2/20/2011
This place is pretty sweet. Student discounts (gotta let them know though), great selection, pretty decent prices, and a friendly staff. Oh yeah and if you go to AAU like me its, pretty much across the street. As I mentioned I like how the prices are pretty good considering its in a "nicer" area of town which translates to more expensive. Also there are more honkys running around that area than you can shake a stick at. Honkys aside, its a great place to go for some art supplies. It's kinda strange the first time you go in there because you go down a bunch of stairs and then you see a bunch of goofy shit everywhere (fake spiders in some plants); it almost feels like you are going into someone's mom's basement or something. Anyways this place is WAAAAYYYYY better than Utrecht (who isn't?) and just as friendly as Blicks.
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Review from Warren K.
San Francisco, CA
4/14/2010
I want to love this place. It's walking distance from SFAI. They carry some specific items like Sinopia dry pigments and Jacquard idye, which is so bright. The don't have quite the selection of Blick but the staff know a lot about the different media they do carry.
However, the ugly technicolor entry and stairwell and condescendingly crafty hand drawn sale signs make it difficult for a self-respecting artist to enter. -
Review from Karmene H.
San Francisco, CA
LOVE THIS STORE!! And guess what, it's moving to a bigger, better location at 555 Pacific in Jackson Square. They're taking over the old Hippodrome historic building which dates back to being a brothel during the Barbary Coast times!
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Review from Nobu K.
San Francisco, CA
2/22/2010
Do you think Curling is boring game to watch?
It's like bocce ball on ice, right?
And bigger balls.
I think i did similar game using small glass-balls when i was kid.
Also I have seen few dubious men were using Japanese coins playing similar game at a train station or public play ground in Japan when I was kid. I think that the winner who toss a coin most close to a circle on the ground took all money.
The rule is kind of a low-life betting gambling.
We had game like that when I was kid.
No, board games, no card game, and of course, no computer games.
Even Nintendo was just a company of making Hana-Fuda set ( Flower cards that famous Yakuza's game.), and Magic kit.
We did play something very basic, simple, hands on things.
I did draw a lot.
Just pencil and paper.
That's all I need to play all day long.
I still remember that the 1st time my dad got me a set of color pencil.
I was really happy the day.
But when I was kindergarten, everyone else got a set of crayon.
I was a only kid who had color pencils.
I felt I was special, Very special that day.
But, the thing was, crayons make such a strong intense color but color pencil. Color pencil is very sensitive material for especially 6 year old kid.
But my teacher, Otsuki-sensei, she didn't say anything until I finished my drawing of a elephant. She picked up my elephant and say something like " How nobu controlled those fine lines and colors."
She put all 40 student's drawings on the wall of classroom.
My drawing had a star on it. 2 others got the star.
I still remember the day.
That was in my mind when I was in here yesterday.
I didn't know the place is down stairs.
I used to go to places like here ... Flax, Michael's, University Art supplies.
I'm glad I found the place!
I have to Thank my gf because when we were walking by the place yesterday, she said, " hey nobu, this place is open."
I said, "yeah, I see that. I don't know."
She said, " C'mon, let's go in."
I said, "No, it's OK, next time."
She said, "What's wrong with you? C'mon!"
I said, "Nothing wrong, OK, alright, "
....... I don't why I was hesitating.
But I am glad I did go.
And I'll go back again.
Back to Curling.
I'm really interested in the shoes.
Wonder why you can slide with no blade? -
Review from Laurel B.
San Francisco, CA
4/11/2009
Great prices, good inventory, fun to shop here. Lots of options for every kind of artist, from fabrics to paint.
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Review from Robin D.
San Francisco, CA
1/24/2009
I like this place because the people are friendly, they have a good selection, and they are the only place in the city I can seem to find good printmaking supplies. The least scratched zinc plates and the cheapest chunky linolium blocks :). So much good stuff in so little space. Was cute today when I saw a little kid walk by with his mom and he was just amazed that someone's mom let them draw on the walls like that...haha.
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Review from Sameer D.
San Francisco, CA
9/10/2010 1 Check-in Here
I have absolutely no experience in framing, so I came here to get some help and buy some supplies to frame some oil paintings I bought in Europe. One of the staff (I forgot his name) was really helpful in helping me figure out exactly how to do it, and with what style. I decided on using stretch bars, and not framing the paintings and he helped me buy them and figure out the sizes. I'm not sure if it would have costed me less if I got them framed somewhere else, but it was still a good experience to DIY with their help!
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Review from Michelle T.
San Francisco, CA
7/6/2009
Most of the staff are helpful and friendly. Prices are good and inventory of basic materials is adequate.
Listed in: My Neighborhood, Born to Shop
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Review from Anna b.
San Francisco, CA
12/5/2006
Big collection of artist supplies in this basement shop right across from Academy of Art & SF Arts Institute. So neat to be in this new place- lots of stuff and super centrally located. Now if I had the talent to match the tools...
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Review from Buddy R.
San Francisco, CA
7/27/2007
This place just opened a few months ago and is pretty awesome. Great selection of paints and other supplies. They also do framing and matting. They matted some work I had for an art show and it was great. It's also pretty cool that their store is "underground", literally speaking.
