Best of Toronto
The Best Art Supply Stores in Toronto
The 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
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 »
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 »
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Do you know where I can buy a Pyrography machine?... I would like one that I can moderate the tempeture. Thank you
watercolours 8x10 or 5x7 - I need 50 frames. Any suggestions?
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.
Thanks, Elaine
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