I love going to Blick to look at all of the supplies! There is a lot to choose from so it is easy to get overwhelmed with their available choices. On my last visit I was recommended a paint that would be easy to manage for my daughter's project for school. The associates here are always so kind and helpful. read more

Forest was so helpful!! I'm starting a painting class and had a list of things i would need and wasn't sure what some of the dimensions and materials would be- they were so helpful! Knew exactly which aisles to take me and gave me all the time to go through the list with me and make sure I had everything! GREAT customer service! read more

Blick Art Materials - Art Supplies Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Well since Blick put all of the other art supply stores in Chicago out of business and bought the last one (Utrecht), they have a monopoly. Since covid, they've decided to only be open until 7 pm permanently and there's nothing a working stiff can do to get art materials later than that in the U.S.'s third largest city, except to go to Michael's. Thanks, Dick. They are weirdly strange about people trying their art materials and then don't like giving you your money back for materials that fail. You'd think this company would want to stand behind their products. The rare times I've had to return something that failed that clearly was a Dick Blick product, it's without a receipt because I *used* the item of course, and they act like I'm trying to rip off the store. Most retail will take back faulty items without question. With Blick it's a struggle. In addition to their almost banking hours, they have staff who stand around talking to each other instead of scanning the room for customers to help, then they get impatient when a confused customer who could have used help earlier needs help at the last minute before store closing. This has happened on numerous occasions. On my recent trip, there were three employees chit chatting while another poor schmuck was struggling at the register with people waiting. What the heck? I looked towards them for help (because I wanted to return something) and no one caught on. You could be wandering the store for hours and no one sees you until they're ready to close, then all of a sudden they appear your elbow: "can I help you with anything?" The people in the framing department are especially weird in attitude and unhelpful. Do they belong to another business? They seem like a store within a store like the people at Jewel who hand out food samples, unable to help you - don't bother them with questions, by the way. I wanted a complete list of reproduction prices and it was like extracting teeth and they look at you like you're crazy for asking. Where's the clearly laid out store brochure with pricing for their services? read more

art supplies yes--framing maybe reconsider OR atleast be sure you tell them not to glue your valuable irreplaceable art pieces to the foam core when they frame your piece. It is unnecessary. I've been a framer for several years we never would do this! i had a large expensive limited edition signed print from my favorite artist, framed and this year I'm moving so I wanted to roll it up to take it with cause i can't take the frame. Unfortunately it's ruined, stuck to a piece of foam core and now I have to throw it out cause they glued the mat to the edges of the print as well. I rarely write a review but I hope this saves someone else from having the same experience. maybe just tell them not to do that if that is their practice. fine if you're keeping it framed forever in the same frame and don't care about glue being on your pieces but sometimes life throws you curveballs. read more

Got a print and frame job done and it turned out PHENOMENAL! Such high quality and it looks stunning. Joe over in the frame area helped me out and he was such a pleasure to talk and nerd out to, so shoutout to my guy. In general, the staff here are so warm and welcoming, I couldn't recommend this location enough for your art and frame needs! read more

Blick Art Materials - D&D moment that we got commissioned and printed/framed at Blik! - Art Supplies Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Love the clearance section. I could buy art supplied for hours but they have really good items on sale!

I went on a nature journaling excursion a week ago and I really enjoyed it, and want to continue. For that reason I stopped into Blick to pick up some supplies. Mechanical pencil, pen, and the like to bring with me when I'm out and about in the forest preserves or parks. My experience here was good. I was looking around and one of the employees paused on their way to help me, which I appreciated since I have never been in one of their stores and had no idea where I might find anything. As you might expect, they have all the art supplies you could want! Paint, pens, pencils, easels, framing. The staff were helpful which I appreciated as someone with not one iota of artistic talent or knowledge of such items. Checkout was quick--it's the weekend before (some) schools in the CPS system start class and so there were a bevy of somewhat frantic students and parents looking for their remaining school supplies, and when lines got long they called up some staff to get the lines moving. Parking was a surprise. In this area of Near North I wasn't sure what to expect, and thought it would either be a tiny parking lot or no parking lot. The one here, which is shared with a few other shops, was actually a pretty good size and parking wasn't a problem at all. read more

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I love this store . Great place to get glazes and underglaces for my pottery. The attention is amazing. read more

had original art framed 1 lg 2 smaller. Joe is knowledgeable and read/guided our search like the pro he is.

The staff is always really helpful! Sometimes missing some price signs on paint and canvases.

Remember when this used to be Argo tea? I came here yesterday in search of gel pens that would write on a card made out of black paper. I had fun looking at all of the pens and found it soothing being in the presence of fresh stationery and writing implements. The selection of art materials is vast, and there is a lower level to the store as well. It was interesting to see how this space was repurposed. I spent quite a bit of time poking around, even though I have not one iota of artistic talent so probably wasn't the target customer in terms of the many oils, acrylics, canvases, mounting/presentation boards, and even sculpture supplies on offer. The previous location of Blick State Street seemed to have a lot more Moleskine branded notebooks. In fact, this used to be a go-to source for purchasing my yearly planner. The selection at this location seemed smaller by comparison, although it was well-organized and easy to find. I did end up purchasing a three-pack of Moleskine cahier notebooks. With 80 pages each, these will set me on a good path to journaling, to-do list taming, and notetaking in the year ahead. read more

I needed 10" x 10" art frames, outer dimensions, for a gallery show that had these as strict parameters. I called the store to confirm this accurate and was told that was correct. Product was shipped and it's actually 12" x 12". When I returned the frames in person I was told they couldn't refund shipping. This info was served up with some surly art school dropout attitude from the store associate. Double fail. It was obvious they never checked the size and doubly obvious the store associate has no business working retail. read more

Blick is perfect for nerds like me. Art is a huge part of my life. Blick has little trinkets for kids and adults like quicker stickers. Lots of art supplies even for the simple to the novice in art. Above all even if you think you have zero creativity or art skills give Blick a try at least you may find it new hobby! read more

A wonderful selection of watercolors and pencils! I went in and came out with a great haul to bring home with me. The staff was so accommodating and willing to help out, definitely the place to go for high quality supplies. read more

This location has the most helpful employees!! They looked everywhere to find the item I had been looking for and found it for me. Everyone is so kind! read more

I had a great experience here; I am an obsessed artist, so Blick Art materials is like a stumping ground for me. They have everything I could possible need as an artist. This store is one of those places that make you feel like you're a kid in a candy store. The customer service here is great, the selection is amazing. Free parking lot, many products to choose from. I have no complaints, this is a great store and a great location. Blick art materials isn't a very 'budget friendly' store but they do have many products you may not be able to find anywhere else, so keep that in mind. Don't go here expecting to save money, just a heads up. You can always look online for sales and coupons before heading to the store. They have discounts for teachers and students so make sure to sign up for those discounts if that applies to you. They also have a loyalty program anyone can sign up for. Definitely check them out, if you're looking to create some art!!! read more

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I fail to understand why I've given this place four stars instead of five. Out of multiple Blicks I've been throughout the world, this one is definitely my favorite and quite honestly it beats most other art stores I have been to. I guess what I was debating was whether this store really made me think "hell yea five stars!" because it really is a place that I do my shopping and then I'm done with it. Their prices seem like they're slightly on the high side, but art supplies are as such. You can get a Blick card and save a fair amount. They usually have exactly what I am looking for but on occasion they don't have that super specific thing I need. But no biggie. What this place has over online purchasing is that you can usually test most of the pens and actually touch and hold the items. read more

This store has everything that may be needed for any level artist. For anyone new to art, it can be a little challenging to understand some of the system for getting paper kn the trays, because that did not appear clear to me. Otherwise the store is clean, neatly organized and appeared well stocked. read more

Blick Art Materials - Outside - Art Supplies Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

This store is a pain in the ass to get to on a Sunday, but once you get in there, it is heaven. My daughter needed art supplies for her class this week and we needed it right away. Went in with a list and started looking for items...woman in the checkout counter saw us with the list and immediately asked if we had a list for supplies and called up a young woman to assist us and she did. She walked us around and found everything on the list, including making some recommendations for a better product/cheaper option. I hate shopping in real stores (Amazon is my jam) and I was dreading this adventure (but we do what we need to do for our children), but this was a pleasant experience. And it was on the way back to La J's dorm, so another plus. read more

Blick Art Materials - Art Supplies Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

the associate refused to give me eye contact or listen to me. They continued to ignore me and try to double check the fragments of things I said with my school partner who was paying for the pick up. this made the experience confusing for them and frustrating for me. As a teacher this was a less than subpar experience for picking up supplies. honestly, I'd prefer the loop solely because it's closer to my school. never had a bad blick experience before this. read more

Employees are very helpful. I got a print framed and the woman helping me was fantastic. Another more senior employee also helped. A very positive experience. The store is packed with great stuff for artists. read more

Normally I order online but was in the neighborhood and stopped in. They have a Very helpful staff and huge selection of supplies

Arrived here looking for Parker fountain pen ink, and found everything but... and so much more. Found a couple nice brands of fountain pen ink, in several shades: black, blue-black, dark blue, and blue. Then, I found the perfect 24-set Sharpie-pens in 'fine.' I love these for note-taking. I, then, stocked up on my favorite type of pencils (Ticonderoga 2, soft) and a ton of erasers. Picked up a nice sharpener, as well. It was such a fun time browsing this store. It was incredibly inspiring, and urged me to write (more) letters with the new fountain pen ink to my husband, and loved ones. Staff was SO friendly and helpful; will return for more neat finds. read more

Great store and mostly friendly staff. Went to buy some mats and had a few questions about online pricing versus store pricing . There is a bit of a difference there. The lady who was checking me out, was visibly bothered by my questions and starting yelling at me. I was appalled! That's not the way you treat clients Blick!!!! I don't go to your store to spend money and get yelled at!!! read more

This is a solid art store - lots of supplies; I've always found what I'm looking for and when I've had questions the staff have been knowledgeable and helpful. They also have a lot of fun items for kids - I go there a lot to find unique prizes for my students. Oh and they have an easily accessible parking lot, too. read more

Art everything. Love this store for all my painting and print needs. Now they offer pruning and framing. Lots it paint canvas and easels. Staff is knowledgeable and friendly. They almost always have everything in stock. Don't like that coupons exclude a lot of items. Otherwise love his store ! read more

Blick Art Materials - Art Supplies Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

I've been to this location about 5 times. I am putting up a show next month and have a limited prop budget, so this shopping trip had to be well calculated. It wasn't until I needed it, that I noticed how much acrylic paint they have. I kept thinking I'd go far enough down the line and run into the oil paint, but it didn't happen. Certain paint brands/types were on sale. I picked up two Liquidtex tubes of paint. They were marked down %40. That was the highlight of my day, until... I was about ready to check out and went down the paint aisle again. I hadn't looked at the shelves across from the Liquidtex paints. That's when I saw the Blick brand paint %51 off. That was the actual highlight of my day. The quality is comparable, so I come out on top all the way around. Plus--I have never seen so many associates in a store that size. I saw many of them stocking, so I assume they were there to unload a delivery. Either way, help was always there. read more

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I recommend framing elsewhere. We have been longtime customers, and per their new Covid rules, did what we were supposed to and set a 6pm appointment to discuss re-framing one piece. They let the 5:30pm appointment go more than 20 minutes into my appointment before not helping me. They didn't even try to have other associates address me while seeing I was sitting there waiting for the appointment they made me set. They do not value your time, and do not deserve your business. Nor are they creative in finding a solution for you. read more

Do not buy this company's Museum Gel -- seriously. I bought some and its instructions assured me that it would not stain. I has permanently disfigured two different solid pine bookshelves AND a very expensive Uttermost limed oak étagère in my Oklahoma City home; it has also disfigured solid pine cabinetry at my vacation cabin in Eureka Springs, Arkansas. I am very upset, and can in no way recommend this product to ANYONE. read more

I walked into the Lincoln Park store at 8:30, 30 minutes before closing expecting to have everyone roll their eyes at me! But Ren was so kind and approachable once I asked about art projects for my nieces and nephews. Ren lead me directly to the perfect mixed media paper, suggested a number of options for paints and brushes that would be perfect for preschool through elementary aged children. Ren was the sweetest, kindest, most knowledgable employee!! Ren made my last minute run such a pleasure!!! Employees like Ren deserve a big, fat raise!! :) The store is beautifully laid out, so clean and inviting. I love Blick!!! read more

I really dig this Blick location. The people working here are always friendly and beyond helpful. Angie is such an art angel! I had a lot of questions about watercolor blocks and several other supply questions (that I honestly wasn't expecting for anyone to know all the random shit I kept bringing up) but she knew exactly what I was asking about and even turned me on to some new materials. Dwayne has also been incredibly helpful and so super nice! I come to this Blick often for supplies, and it's always a pleasant trip. I feel like the team appreciates the customers and enjoy working here. Thanks for not sucking! :) read more

We just left Blick Art after having a minor issue with an original drawing I had framed at the end of July and I am fully satisfied. Andrea is terrific. She apologized for something that really was no ones fault, explained in detail how the issue was fixed at no cost to myself same day, and thanked me for my patience. Earlier in the day, I was greeted like an old friend by Klaudia (?). She is always so friendly and immediately finds me everything I need, and a few things I didn't even know I needed, LOL! When Chelsea took in the drawing, I was impressed that she looked up my receipt without interrogation (why didn't you bring it, what do you MEAN. You don't have it - NONE of that nonsense). What a pleasure to deal with a company that keeps the info in their system. Chelsea explained exactly how she wanted to fix the issue, but apologized that I would need to leave it for a few hours. Since it was minor, and and we get numerous items framed there, it was able to be included in our previous charge. Wonderful service, especially since we were a bit upset at first about having to come back. Oscar is there usually at night when I drop a lot of the art work off, so I was so sorry that he wasn't there to say hello to at either time today. He is newer at the counter, but a fast learner, and I like his opinion on the second color when I go for a double mat. He doesn't even get mad when I have him show me a bunch and end up picking the same eggplant I always go with... sorry! Everyone at the store is great and it felt like I was committing adultery by going to Blick in Evanston the other day, (I swear, it was just the one time and it didn't mean anything). Seriously, Lincoln Park is my go to store when I need framing or art supplies. read more

I had found a pad of vellum that I needed online at a reasonable price so I headed down to the store to pick one up. They claim to do webmatch on their prices online but this is. It true. The manager was very rude and expressed that I would be "paying for shipping anyway" which also wasn't true because the pad of paper that I needed would qualify for free shipping since it was over $35. The reason I went to the store was because I needed the pad faster than shipping would've allowed and since this store is based on "artists serving artists" you'd expect them to be more understanding and try to actually web match like they say they do. I unfortunately had to buy the pad which was marked up about $10. It would've been cheaper to order it online. I miss the Blick that was based on ripping off artists because they have the market cornered. read more

My favorite store. The staff is courteous and always helpful the assistant manager of the downtown store is super helpful! The Lincoln Park crew kept me afloat and active when quarantine shut us down. The store is clean and safe! read more

Great art supplies and fun gifts keep me coming back. The staff is always helpful and friendly. Love this store!

Sorry, but this is the last straw. Dropped off some images to be scanned for prints for an art show. Had to come back two days later because the drop off required "an appointment". Was told that it would take two weeks to scan 4 images, then the day I am finally available to come pick up the scans, I am informed I won't be able to due to the store being unexpectedly closed for 3 days. Just lost an opportunity to sell art... And Blick Lincoln Park just lost a longtime customer. Thank you guys for the lack of information on everything in the past two weeks. read more

I wanted to saw what a positive experience I had with the framing department at Blick. The customer service was EXCELLENT, and I will definitely be using them/recommending them for future framing needs. read more

I love this place, it is one of my favorite art stores. I love that they have all kinds of little things up front that are artsy. Things that I would find an urban outfitters. They have a wonderful selection of ink, watercolor, acrylic, colored pencils, paper, canvases oh my God you name it it's there! read more

Honestly Fay and Carlos saved my life with their service. They found me some items I had been searching for all day in other stores and they not only found these items but also offered some great advice on things. THANK YOU!!!! Xoxoxo the frame girls read more

Squeal!!! Eeek! Oooh! I need that ! I like to get my art on. I like to get my supplies from Blick. It comes very close to being my favorite store ...right after Sephora. read more