I went in to Blick for a gift (they have a mechanical pencil that Wirecutter rates the best) and was impressed by their selection of art supplies. I am by no means a visual artist but I had a blast just looking at the supplies. What really blew me away was the customer service. I was greeted right away (as was everyone who entered the store) and informed that there was a sale going on and not to hesitate to ask if I needed assistance. I ended up taking them up on the offer to help as the pencil eluded me, but they put me on the correct path. Checking out was a breeze and they also told me I qualified for an educational discount of 10% everything not already on sale. All said, I got what I came for (along with a few other items) and was very happy with the experience. read more

My first visit to Blick and they had a large assortment of art supplies, very neatly and well organized. Best of all the salesperson who helped me was knowledgeable, patient and able to help me find everything I needed as well as explain different supply options. What a great store experience! read more

--Location/Parking-- Located east of RISD along the popular Wickenden street with many cute shops and pubs. Parking looks to be street parking. --Ambience-- This is a chain art supply store which was fully stocked and is very big store for a small state. Blick chain store are dependable and well-lit and stocked for any art student's needs. --Service/Staff-- The staff was friendly and opened and directed me to the supplies I needed. I was able to find my supplies quickly and efficiently without any issues. --Food/Products-- Blick chain store is well stocked with all your supply needs. I look for them when we need art supplies during my travel. --Capacity-- Plenty of shopping space to accommodate many shoppers that handle any black Friday situation --Overall-- No issues with Blick, I will be back for their dependency on stocking supplies for all my design needs. read more

Off street parking, always 2-3 associates working. They are helpful, many work or study in the field so they not only can locate goods, all are good at explaining. Join their rewards program and they price match. The store also runs education and other events. Well run store and decent prices read more

Best place to go for all things art supplies! They truly have everything. The staff are all super knowledgeable and helpful as well. By checkout, there's a section of random fun finds that I always love looking through. There's always sales and even without, the price points are pretty good. And, if you're a student, you can get a discount. Don't forget to ask for it! read more

Very nice and helpful staff. Small location but has a great variety of painting, pottery and art supplies. Prices are slightly on the higher end, compared to Amazon but if you need it now to finish a project then it's most likely here. They have a small parking lot and street parking available. read more

Has everything including professional art materials. I went in to check it out, but I did get nervous that I was constantly asked if I need help. It would be great if I can just browse and get inspired to buy whatever catches my interest. Still good place for art stuff read more

Just recently went in for the first time Had heard about it from a friend. Art is a hobby for me Not knowing exactly what I was doing it was very helpful the staff at Blick were awesome ! The store is beautiful the neighborhood was fun to explore . I'll definitely be going back read more

I occasionally stop here for colored gel pens, cards and gifts. They have a decent selection and occasionally there are good sales on gel pens. Prices for gifts and cards are a bit high. The sales staff can be a little aggressive so I normally only come in here if I am confident I am going to buy something. This place is not conducive to mellow browsing. Park on the side streets as parking outside the store is at a premium. read more

I have a screen printing business and this is my go to spot for any art supplies or screening supplies. I also bring my 13 year old there for her sketch pads and anime markers. They are priced very fairly and the staff is always helpful. If there is a wait outside it goes quick. All are wearing masks and there is sanitizer at the door. The place is clean, they are going above and beyond over there. However, that is not the point of this five star. I was in there and there was a customer with an item he was having trouble with. The nice lady at the counter had a resolve for him on how to get the item fixed as they don't have parts at the store. Well this guy rips off his mask and starts screaming at this woman about history and legalities of masks and so on and so on. The staff remained calm asked him to put his mask on and after this guy running his mouth a bit more, I had to step in and have some words with him. #1 I don't work nor am sponsored in anyway by Blick, the ladies handled this as professionally as they could. MY words weren't so nice to this gentlemen as I had had enough of his sh#t. He was shortly on his way after our talk. Blick is a private business, meaning they can serve who they want to serve, when they want to serve them. If Blick requires a face mask to shop there THAT IS THE RULE. No masky, no shoppy. Wear a mask, be respectful, its tough times for everyone, and I have seen that staff nothing but professional in there. Thanks Blick, and if there was or were customers or employees that heard my comments, my apologies, Im a combat proven United States Marine. read more

Blick Art Materials - ITS BACK!!!!!!! - Art Supplies Near Me - Providence, Rhode Island

This place is small but great! They have a wide selection of materials available, whether you're an artist or a tradesperson. As a teacher, it can be hard to find local shops for project/lab materials (the only place is usually Michael's) but this place had a good amount for a small business. I entered the store around 5:30 and it was empty. Brady was the only person working and he was SUPER helpful. He answered all of my questions and went out of his way to check on the inventory of any items he thought would be helpful for my project. He was able to find many things that would work for me, and he took me straight to each item to talk me through which parts I should buy and if anything would be ideal to purchase with it (ex. I bought some wooden dowels and he suggested I buy sandpaper for them since I planned on breaking them in half, which I definitely needed!). Definitely would recommend this Blick location to anyone in the area. read more

Just returned from the store in Providence which opened at 10 am. I got there at 9am and had to wait for them to open which was a serious drag. When I got into the store I explained that I needed double sided adhesive mounted sheets 18 x 24. The girl seemed not to know what I was a talking about even though I brought a sample with me. Then she said oh we have them but only in 9 x 12 size. So I bought a package of them in that size. When I got home and opened the package I realized that they were only adhesive on one side. Totally useless to me. An extremely annoying experience all around. Very frustrating! read more

I have been three times, and all three times, I paid more than I expected and I would like to point out some pricing practices I don't like. After talking to Blick customer service, I was told the stores are privately owned and can do what they want. I went in to buy stretcher bars for canvas. They are $3.50 each. On line, they are $2.00 , for example. I bought ten, paid and went home. I needed more, so I went back and bought thirty. Again, I paid more than I thought. The manager told me all the discounts were in the computer and the price was correct. I said it wasn't right. She said; They price match their on line store, plus add a fixed $7.00 to each order to match shipping. This and tax. I have never had to pay shipping to get a price match. So, if I buy one $3 stretcher bar or a hundred, there's $7 tacked on. The on line store had free shipping over $35. You're still going to pay the $7. Also. There was 15% off. I thought I got it. I didn't because it is only off "regularly priced items." It doesn't say that unless you follow down to the fine print. So you put your order together thinking you are going to get another 15% off, and you don't. I laid it all out for the customer service supervisor, and I'm not setting foot in that store again. I wonder how many students walk out of there thinking they are getting a deal like me and are paying more! read more

Blick has always been my go to ever since they bought out my favorite in Savannah, GA (utrecht). Blick almost always has the items you are looking for. Be careful going during finals because the chances of them being out of basic items is high then. At this location, their prices follow every other Blick I've been in. If you don't like the prices, go to the RISD store instead. You might find what you wanted for cheaper. Blick is always pricier than surrounding areas but they are usually way more accessible and convenient to get to. Parking is available but street parking is easiest. If you cannot parallel park like me, go a block in and you'll find parking you'll like more. It's definitely walkable from downtown. read more

I love Blick. It's small but they have a lot of supplies. They also have stuff for kids which is great. It's also the only place I can find a certain rice paper that I use. read more

As someone who only dabbles in the arts, I felt a bit intimidated (in a good way) walking into this establishment. Utrecht Art Supplies is located on Wickenden Street on the East Side of Providence and is jam packed with every imaginable art resource someone could need. I browsed around for a while, taking in the walls of paints, paper, and tools. I was there in search of a handheld matting tool, something that was quite unavailable at all the brand name, dime-a-dozen, chains I am more familiar with. Just as I was thinking that I'd be unable to locate the tool on my own, there it was, hanging amongst a multitude of other similar options. I was able to easily choose an affordable option to meet my needs and proceeded to the register. The wait was not long. . . but long enough to witness the helpful nature of the employees that work here. Without missing a beat at the register, the cashiers discussed appropriate use of lacquers, wrapped delicate paper, and the like. During my turn to checkout, I was quickly signed up for their discount card and thanked for my purchase. With only an occasional need for quality art supplies, I can't imagine I will be a more than regular customer here, but will certainly keep them in mind if the need ever arises again in the future. As a side note, the tiny parking lot is certainly not worth trying to park in. Find a side road and take a little stroll to save yourself the hassle! read more

Great selection and prices for all forms of art. Will be my first choice for online art supplies.

ATTN: RISD STUDENTS. Support your school and get your supplies from the risd store, even if you are closer to Wickenden St. This place use to be called Utrecht and they would always make you take off your backpack and leave it near the cash register thinking you might steal. Because oh yes risd students are thieves. Your student discount on top of the school sourcing the supplies for you at the risd store is why you should only buy from the risd store. The RISD STORE does not make you take off your bag. And no I do not work at the risd store and never did. read more

Great supplies and helpful staff. Lately have been shopping on line, and need to say shopping on line here is seamless. Other art and craft store websites are cumbersome, but I can find what I am looking for with their search. Prices are reasonable and sale prices are great! Thanks! read more

Okay if you need something right away. otherwise just order online and you can sort through everything in your own time. staff seem miserable and annoyed to help every time and i hate going here for that reason. Except for one cashier who rang me up a few years ago (lol i remember her cuz she stood out) this place is pretty okay. If you know exactly what you want maybe it's better. And lastly, I don't think this is unique to this Blick but there should be clearer itemized receipts with Total before Savings. So hard to understand list price, web match, web match + shipping and over $99 before shipping to qualify for no shipping added to stuff bought in store. omg i can't even list it out properly cuz it's been so confusing lol. read more

Everything seems much better now at this location. Very friendly and helpful staff. I was able to get the things I needed and all of my questions were answered. If you are someone who needs help with looking for something and guidance this is the place to go to. As a former art student I get some of the older reviews by students who just want to browse and be left alone. I however, want to get in and out so I need to find things right away. So the help from the staff is appreciated. read more

The specific art paper I needed wasn't easy to locate. The staff was readily available and took me to where I could find it. All had a great sense of humor, making my shopping experience a lot of fun. In addition, at check out, they offered me the Preferred Customer Card that would get me website prices at the store. I signed up on the spot and saved $40! I'll shop there again. read more

I'm not generally an artistic person but every so often I have a bit of creative flare within me that rears its head at certain times of the year. As such, I was walking around Wickenden and stumbled upon this art supply place that is clearly setting itself up to target the RISD students. They have quite possibly anything that you are looking for when it comes to the fine arts. You got your clay, paints, and colored paper of many textures. You have paints of all sorts, colored pens of all textures and a great many paintbrushes and other tools that you would be looking for to make your next masterpiece. Join their membership program (free!) and save yourself some money. Yes, they are on the expensive side but when you're in a pickle and looking for something hard to find, chances are you'll find it here! read more

Utrecht in Providence is quite possibly the most organized and clean art supply store I have ever been to. The service is impeccable, too - they'll take their time to really talk to you about what you're working on to make sure you have exactly what you need and nothing that you don't to make it as smooth a process as possible. They want you to create great art, and that comes across. I could spend hours perusing the paint alone - every color you could ever need in any formulation is available, and if by some off chance they don't, they'll order it for you. They have oodles of options when it comes to easels, canvas, fiber board and brushes. Not bad. I also love the Utrecht club - you really do save a bundle if you're a frequent shopper or not - you get the card (no charge) you get the discount. Nice. The only reason I am removing a star is because the parking is ABYSMAL. Seriously. I have nearly died on several occasions trying to get both in and out, and if it was easy to transport supplies via bicycle, I would. But alas, it is not. So I will continue to brave the parking lot in order to get to the fabulous loot within Utrecht's walls. read more

This is a fine little art supply store. I don't come here often but when I stop by they usually have the pens, pencils or paint I came in for or something similar. They have some small items that would make good gifts as well. If you are in the area this would be a fine place to drop in but I would not necessarily go well out of my way to come here. read more

Polly and crew were awesome! Curbside delivery and phone ordering were a breeze. They are working very hard to keep up with orders in this crazy time. read more

I wasn't impressed by what they have here. Unless you need something super specific that you can only find at an 'art store' - you can find just about all of the things in this store in any of the craft stores (Michael's, AC Moore, or Joann's) usually for much lower and you can use a coupon on the item/order in the craft stores. So I'd say to check the craft stores first - if you can't find it then come here. read more

I did not enjoy shopping at this store on Wickenden and won't bother returning. It has little to do with the inconvenience of Covid, which I take very seriously. It has more to do with my experience with the boss? or owner? Caroline. She was strange to me, she made assumptions about what I was looking for, and then directed wacky comments at me again when she realized she was wrong in order to cover herself. I don't know if it was a bad day, or if it was the end of the day, or what, but it was rude. Also, I noticed that they just don't have that much selection. I understand it's hard when your brick and mortar store is tiny, but they don't make up for anything. You're stuck choosing from what they have. I just don't understand the point, when I can choose from a dozen different online vendors and not have to deal with the hassle and possible weirdness of an in store experience. read more

Blick is amazing and the staff is great. Always a great time. They also let you dance in the store. One of the reasons I shop there with Lucky read more

Limited supplies, mostly targeted to students. They do not carry any of the high end brands one could find in a professional art store. They should spend time training their staff -besides a couple of exceptions, their staff lacks of any knowledge and it goes from ignoring your presence to borderline unfriendly. Unless you are in desperate need to get something "right now", I would rather order from any online store. read more

I wandered in here as a newbie art student, bewildered and lost and confused and intimidated by all the art supplies the store stocked. After I convinced myself that I would never find any of the items I needed to kickstart my semester-long introductory art course, the helpful and friendly staff helped me out with the utmost patience. Half an hour later, my shopping cart had all the supplies I needed! Yay for making art less intimidating! read more

My very favorite thing about this art store (I say with a big happy appreciative smile on my face) is the glaze firing finishing samples they have hanging in their clay department. It can be very disappointing when you spend days/weeks/months on a pottery project; fire it and the color and/or finish turns out to something other than what you expected. Not a problem here because they have a clay exhibit as representation of how each glaze will look once it's fired. Very thoughtful on their part. read more

What a great art store! Very clean and organized, but what really sets this place apart is the amazing staff. I know nothing about art, and finding the necessary materials for my intro art class would have taken a ridiculous amount of time. However, upon entering the store, a lovely employee took my shopping list and helped me pick out every item I needed! I highly recommend this store for all your art supply needs. read more

This blick is Ok, nothing more, nothing less. The prices, the staff, leaves no real lasting impression, and I really don't expect much more because, well, it's an art store. Not really much more I can say about it. Best thing going for this place is the location, being right in the heart of Fox Point. I would recommend this location for art supplies if you RELLY need it, if not, I would try the RISD second time around store. read more

I assume the only reason this place stays open is due to RISD students that don't have a car. The entire store is highly overpriced (for example $7 for Duct Tape). If you're able to then I highly recommend getting your friend to drive you to Michaels where you can use a 40% off coupon every time and don't have to wait for them to order supplies that they don't have. read more

Cheaper than the RISD store, The staff knows their shit, hands down. If you don't feel like buying crap canvas or spending rediculous cash at RISD, chaeck it out. They even give students 10% off now. read more

This store has the prices you would expect for an in-city art store that caters to RISD students, but definitely not the stock. The staff I've encountered have at times been dismissive, awkward or sullen, but occasionally someone cracks a smile or even a joke. If you are in a pinch, this is definitely a stop to make, but I feel the variety of paper and tools could be way better (and what they stock probably has a lot to do with the RISD class requirements). Perhaps my expectations are too high, but as a former student at Maine College of Art, an admittedly inferior institution than RI School of Design, I can tell you that MECA's neighboring shop has a far superior selection... I would never have guessed that Portland, ME would trump Providence, RI for art supplies. read more

I have to admit that I am not even remotely an artist so take my 5-star review for what is: an endorsement of where you go for art supplies when you need all the help you can get. The staff is very helpful - a plus for us when we needed to buy an easel. This is entirely unscientific but I live near this popular art store and I constantly see RISD students walking by with their Utrecht bags, boxes and boards. If the art students from RISD find it a better bet than the art store closer to them, it must mean something, right? read more

The help goes in and out between helpful and rude. However, they have a lot of great supplies, and they're sometimes cheaper than the RISD store. Too bad the two stores have the same hours - if they were different they might not compete so much for the same customers. read more

Always stocked with everything you could need for any 2d project. This store is very organized and the staff are very helpful! Great selection of printmaking papers (as well as all sorts of other "single purchase" papers), canvases (gallery wrapped), and Utrecht's oil colors are great as are their paint brushes. Always some sort of sale going on. Definitely sign up for the free discount card. If you give your email they don't harrass it down with spam, they send coupons here and there that make any starving artist grateful, especially around the start of the schoolyear. Students obviously get discounts, and they usually have their huge catalogs up front so you can take one home for future reference. When there are sales you can get paints, papers, canvases, and easels discounted greatly. I bought a solid wooden Utrecht brand easel when it was on sale, even though it was pricey it was definitely worth it because the thing is solid as a horse. One of the staff assembled it and put it in my small hatchback car for me, definitely superb customer service right there! My word of advice: stock up and take advantage of their clearances* I have to agree parking lot can be annoying, yet every time I have gone (frequently) I have indeed found parking. read more