Shout out to Zoe for helping me with an art project today. I appreciate your authenticity and welcoming atmosphere of the art shop. If you haven't been by to see the new mural, head over and check it out! read more

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You don't usually find art supply stores as complete as this little gem in towns the size of Atascadero. The ARTery (puns can be fun) may make most of its money from custom framing, but it is the art supplies that got my attention. If you're a painter in pretty much any of the main mediums, you'll find a rich selection of tubes and cans in a rainbow of colours here. There are stretched canvas' and even some wood panels, you have to special order those from Michael's. Run for the last 15 years by mother/daughter team of Bobbi and Zoe, The ARTery sits on a corner in an old style storefront in the vintage downtown area. Within its lath and plaster walls rest a large collection of coloured papers and drawing pads as well as lots of other art supplies and art-related knick-knacks. During my most recent visit, Zoe was giving a demonstration to one of her customers on how to use some liquid inks in alcohol. The mother/daughter team are happy to show you the technique necessary and even let you get your hands wet if need be. We are all artists and it's small art stores like The ARTery that bring it down to a local level, where it all starts. Take a short walk past the Carlton Hotel and browse the handmade card selection or maybe have a sit-down in the book section and flip thru The Big Book of Art. Highly recommended for all local artists and those of you that don't yet know you are artists. read more

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Walked into the Artery, to find the owner teaching the festive Mexican Folk Art of Papel Picado and paper skulls. The owner was generous with her time and supplies, as she even gave me a pattern. I continue making them at home, using her pattern and had to stop to thank her via this review. There is Great Customer Service for sure, as well as a welcoming atmosphere, with no puressure to purchase! read more

The ARTery - Art Supplies Near Me - Atascadero, California

It's so refreshing to go in to an art store that has an intelligent helpful staff. I was there this afternoon and had questions about some of their supplies. It can be very expensive to experiment with art products that you are not so sure about. I was helped right away by someone who knew what she was talking about . It's a lovely shop. I was very pleased! read more

Friendly, exceedingly knowledgeable staff plus a great selection of supplies. I needed some photography matted and mounted for the fair and they got it done the same day so I could meet a deadline. read more

The place is nice in the sense that we need a good art supply store here in town. I like to support local businesses. I agree with one of the other comments that they are often closed during regular business hoirs and sometimes difficult to reach by phone. I have to say that customer service is not their strong suit. While friendly enough when they are open, in my experience they have not been especially responsive to customer concerns about details in job orders, nor do they follow up well over the phone, so I had no idea about the status of a particular order. Of course, all this can be easily corrected by paying closer attention to the needs of their customers, rather than just masking their shortcominngs in customer service with friendly banter. More action, less talk. read more

Awesome little shop full of eclectic art wares. Visiting from out of town found just passing by, got myself some art for take home

This place is great!... when it's open. It's incredibly frustrating when you get there during posted store hours to a locked door and a closed sign and absolutely NO notes and no signs as to why they needed to close early...I went there today, a Thursday, at 5-5:15 (they say they close at 6 on the door and on google) and they were closed. The only sign on there said they took a lunch between 3:30 and the second time was rubbed off. That tells me, the customer, that they probably took off at 3:30 which is absurd. This isn't the first time I've experienced this, either, there are other reviews from years ago that say the same thing and they still haven't cleaned up their act which is sad. It's not worth my time to go here when they're always closed. I wish they were actually there when they say they are because this is really a great little art store. You guys are losing business by not sticking to your store hours and its nothing but a frustration and an inconvenience to your customers. read more

They seem to have nice stuff through the window! But I have YET to be able to get into this store. I have stood outside at least three different times waiting for a good 30 minutes during business hours alongside several other customers with all of us wondering when and if they would ever show up. No sign regarding they will be away. No message on their phone. I'm surprised they can afford to stay open since they are... um, not open. lol read more

A terrific little shop, with quality merchandise, attentive staff and a great vibe. Bobbi, the owner, was very helpful, wether she was selling us something or not. A great spot for artists and art lovers. read more

Love this small-town community-active art supply store. Small, but stocked in the supply basics ans well as cool treasures & fun novelties. Owners are personable, care about about-making art and their town. Unique for Atascadero, & appreciated. The only problem is that I always seem to show up when they are closed :( read more

Despite my lack of time in recent months to paint or draw, this shop is my go to art supply store! They offer top quality products at competitive prices. Bobbi is always happy to share her knowledge and advice with me. Sure you can go to the big box art stores and save a dollar here or there but just remember small businesses like this one are the life blood of our community :) Highly recommended! read more