The Best Art Supply Stores in Toronto
As a kid I used to go to the local Grand & Toy to pick up some Prisma Colors and other must-have supplies for art class. Oh, if only I knew then what I know now about where to get the most rockin' paints, pastels, sketch books and other art supplies in town.
My introduction to the world of Toronto art supplies began on West Queen West. It was during my Abstract Impressionist years (or was it my Blue period?) that I discovered the wonders of Tern canvases and the always stocked aisles of Woolfitt's. And in lean times I'd always price compare at the stores around OCAD or look for a deal at Gwartzman's.
But no matter where I'd go then or where my allegiances lie today, I always find inspiration from the stores on this list - well, most of them anyway. For students, hobbyists and wanna be Picasso's, these are the best art supply stores in Toronto.
Woolfitt's Art Supplies
Serving the Art + Design district before it even existed, Woolfitt's is still a destination for artists and hobbyists who make the pilgrimage here from across the city. Aside from great selection, it's probably the most well-organized store of any on this list. More...
Aboveground Art Supplies
It may be literally overshadowed by Alsop's OCAD, but Aboveground remains the shining light of the trifecta of neighbourhood art supply stores vying for the students' wallets. From brushes to projectors they have pretty much everything in this two floor space. More...
Gwartzman's Art Supplies
There is no art supply store in Toronto that has more charm than Gwartzman's. While this Chinatown locale may not have top of the line everything, they sure do have good prices, plus a variety of primed canvases unequaled in the city. More...
Tern Art Supplies
You know that thing I just said about canvases? Well, if there was another spot on this list that lays claim as the go-to destination for all things canvas it'd be Tern. This tiny store on Queen also had good prices (albeit a focused selection) on paint and other essential art supplies. More...
DeSerres
With four stores in Toronto, DeSerres is well-positioned as the go-to spot for anything arts and crafty. The range of selection - from portfolios to wall stickers - might be unrivaled but prices here tend to be a bit steeper than the competition. More...
Midoco Art & Office Supplies
Instead of clustering around art schools or galleries, Midoco thrives by being the only game in town in slightly less artsy locations like The Beach and The Annex. More than just an art store, they stock a range of office supplies, games and greeting cards. More...
Linseed Art Supplies
This often overlooked store across from the AGO has a relatively small inventory but paint prices tend to be a bit cheaper than Aboveground. They're also one of the few retailers to carry Stevenson oil and acrylic paints. More...
Curry's Artists' Materials
Curry's is sort of like DeSerres. Multiple locations, decent selection but a bit overpriced. Some stores could also use a bit of a facelift. Definitely not the most fun art supply stores to shop in of the bunch. More...
Toose Art Supplies
Toose Art Supplies is where to shop if you happen to go to UofT and don't want to walk a couple of extra blocks to Gwartzman's. Selection here is decent but nothing really distinguishes this store from the competition. More...
Comments (3)
hey finally someone took some time and effort to put it all together(i was too lazy to do that:) some of these places i've never heard before but i'll definitelly check them out. it's really helpful since everybody shops around for stuff and especially when it comes to art supplies. thanks again.
Nice work on the art stores. I check out your page here every now and then for info and destinations. Thanks!
Good job... it is very helpful.
Do you know where I can buy a Pyrography machine?... I would like one that I can moderate the tempeture. Thank you
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