Design Stores
Gwartzman's Art Supplies
A tour of Toronto art supply stores (if there was such a thing) wouldn't be complete without a stop at Gwartzman's. Located on Spadina on the edges of Chinatown, it's about as fun a place to shop for art supplies in the city as there is.
The long, narrow store, which has been around forever, oozes character with its worn, hardwood floors and its cluttered walls. At the back of the store is the raison d'etre for coming here - huge slabs and rolls of primed and un-primed canvas. They've got primed and ready sizes here that simply won't be found elsewhere in the city. In fact, some stores in Toronto actually buy their canvas directly from Gwartzman's.
What else is here? There is the usual assortment of paints, pastels, and sketch books, all at discount prices, but the selection doesn't rival what can be found at places like Aboveground and Wolfitt's. But for UofT students it's a short walk and better alternative than College Street's Toose.
Plus, it's more fun and you just might bump in to the original Gwartzman himself!
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most affordable, great selection of canvas, awesome quirky stuff..... and the always charming :) Mr. G
I've sworn by them for years
After a heated conversation, he reluctantly agreed to make them, and I have them in my hands 3 days before my exhibition opens. Not sure this is a happy ending, but thought it was only fair to follow up.
But the praise ends here. The selection is lacklustre; products that are slated to be in stock are not in stock until very late. And lastly, although rare, the quality of the products are questionable. So if shopping here casually, you are likely taking chances getting products you need at good quality.
Then I walked to the sidewalk and had a good cry.
It's always a great pleasure and experience exploring the variety , quality and resonability of the prices and discounts avaiable, along with getting supported by the thoughtful staff around you. And personally,it was really nice to know Mr. Gwartzman too!!
When you (the customer) call, either ask for someone else to speak with( perhaps the lady of the house ) or tell Gwartzman he has no manners on the phone. Maybe if enough people tell him this FACT then he will smarten up. The old fart actually said I'm taking up his time (after about 20 or 30 seconds on the phone). Old prick !!! I want to know what you sell before I drive 30 km to China Town. Get it !!!!!!
And Gwartzman, I called your store 3 times in my life. Third time I learned my lesson. I never want to talk to your bitter, grumpy ass again. If you don't like talking then hire some to someone to answer the phone, you cheap bastard.
When you (the customer) call, either ask for someone else to speak with( perhaps the lady of the house ) or tell Gwartzman he has no manners on the phone. Maybe if enough people tell him this FACT then he will smarten up. The old fart actually said I'm taking up his time (after about 20 or 30 seconds on the phone). Old prick !!! I want to know what you sell before I drive 30 km to China Town. Get it ????????!!!!!!
And Gwartzman, I called your store 3 times in my life. Third time I learned my lesson. I never want to talk to your bitter, grumpy ass again. If you don't like talking then hire someone to answer the phone, you cheap bastard.
Thats who he is .... a beautiful guy.
Store Hours:
Monday-Friday 9am-6:30pm
Saturday 9am-6pm
Sunday 12pm-4pm