In the midst of the ever escalating, anxiety-creating news stories, I want to offer something for my clients to read and enjoy.  Something to warm your hearts, inspire creativity and increase a sense of community.  So even if you don't live in Vancouver BC, I encourage you to shop the little guys, get to know the shop owners and take a break from the daily grind and big box stores.

Here are a few of my favourite go-to art supply shops, I hope you will visit them next time you're in the neighbourhood.  Shop small, build community, support local and feed your creative souls. 

1. Kroma Artist's Acrylics

This small batch, Vancouver artist run paint shop is located on vibrant Granville Island.  Their colours and products are fantastic and the staff are super knowledgable and friendly.  They also carry some hard to find unique products from Portugal - trust me it's worth a stop in if you are feeling creative! 

2. Art Ryan

I have been going to see Hale for my custom framing (the owner of Art Ryan) for over 10 years now.  He is the hardest working one man art shop that I know of! His framing is impeccable, prices are great and he is so caring about each of his customers, I truely consider him a friend.  Not only is he a fantastic framer, his shop is full of amazing art supplies at low prices, aaaaand he won't boast about this but he's seriously the most talented realistic oil painters I've ever known.  Please stop by to view his work and support his small business.  Clients include everyday people like you and me, and Michael Bublé and Mission Hill Wineries too.   

3. Rath's Art Supplies

Stan Rath ran his art supply shop and custom canvas stretching first in Toronto, and later in Vancouver.  He coached me through my many art problems and questions as I learned the ins and outs of running my own business.  Sadly, he recently passed on, but his shop and name lives on through it's new owner Teresa.  Please stop by and check out the rows and rows of gorgeous art supplies, carefully sourced and curated by Stan Rath over the years of his ownership.