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Best of Toronto

The Best Art Supply Stores in Toronto

Posted by Tim / September 22, 2008

Art Supply Stores TorontoThe best art supply stores in Toronto are mainly clustered around OCAD and West Queen West. 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 supply stores began on Queen St.. 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 Aboveground 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 art supply 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

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

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

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 »

DeSerres

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

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 »

Curry's Artists' Materials

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

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 »

Discussion

28 Comments

drew / July 15, 2009 at 09:07 pm
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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.
Gee / October 13, 2009 at 10:44 pm
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Nice work on the art stores. I check out your page here every now and then for info and destinations. Thanks!
Dunia / October 21, 2009 at 01:49 pm
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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
Betty Seshpape / November 29, 2009 at 08:17 pm
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Midoco sucks... nice selection but way overpriced. They sell Montana spray paint for 12$ when anywhere else its 7$
patrick replying to a comment from Dunia / December 17, 2009 at 06:39 pm
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do you happen to know where to buy pyrography equipment yet?
jen replying to a comment from Betty Seshpape / January 22, 2010 at 12:20 pm
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Midoco is fairly priced when you consider the convenience of their location. There are many factors that make a store a good store and sometimes location is a reason. The stores down by ocad have to keep their prices low to stay competitive and they make up for it in quatity.
Kathy / February 10, 2010 at 07:17 pm
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I'm looking for black wooden inexpensive frames to frame small
watercolours 8x10 or 5x7 - I need 50 frames. Any suggestions?
jase / June 27, 2010 at 02:35 am
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Hey Tim,
What are you into as far as art goes cause I have to disagree with alot of what you say about these places. Midoco - tight, dirty, mucho $$$, never the colours I need. Same with Linseed, also smells.Deserres - craft snobs, never any prices anywhere and never any staff who know anything. Aboveground, lots of stuff, prices OK but not any better than currys or Gwartzmans which is dingy, poorly stocked, some good staff but the management is whacked. Woolfitts - not the cehapest, staff is hot & cold (they don't seem to stay long) Can't say much about Toose, haven't been there in years. Terns is gone now. Currys is my pick - I like the shop on Yonge, staff is laidback but helpful, usually lots of stock, prices are usually the lowest if you take the time to check. Currys by OCAD is OK but much smaller so tight for space. They have another store on Queen west, a bit small but packed with stuff.
lalaforu200 / July 18, 2010 at 11:13 pm
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I love Midoco but I feel it's a bit overpriced; however I love Curry's! I'll definitely check out the other places
Carolyn / August 1, 2010 at 08:52 pm
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I've only been to the Curry's on Yonge because I live so close to it. I've always had the feeling that it was a bit on the pricey side but now I've got the tools to know for sure. Thanks a lot Tim!
bobbi / September 4, 2010 at 10:35 am
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would be nice if the links worked. but its great that its all together. :)
Alan / September 4, 2010 at 10:48 am
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curry's on queen west is good...staff very friendly and helpful...
Elaine / October 20, 2010 at 05:03 pm
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I've heard about a place called Studio Two???? What do you think and do they have a web site or location? I live north of Whitby so would like to avoid downtown if possible.
Thanks, Elaine
Armelle / October 27, 2010 at 11:31 am
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There is a Curry's in Whitby. Just north of highway 401. Sorry, can't remember which street. Just Google it and you can get directions.
Andrea / November 8, 2010 at 10:28 am
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Does anyone have any insights on where I can take an intro drawing class in Toronto?
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SNEAKERS SHOP / August 9, 2011 at 05:31 am
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I love Midoco, but I think it is a bit overpriced, but I love curry
ali / August 22, 2011 at 10:10 pm
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Where can I get Drafting Triangle with metric measurements on it?
Eleanor / November 14, 2011 at 02:53 am
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Hi, which store have the cheaper art supplies? Thank you
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WHAT ABOUT GRAFFITI STORES!
label stickers / July 17, 2012 at 11:52 am
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Thnx for publishing these details to the web.
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Cosplay / September 26, 2012 at 05:31 am
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Nice work on the art stores. I check out your page here every now and then for info and destinations. Thanks!
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