Tacoma Art Supply open for business (updated)

According to an email tip, the Tacoma Art Supply is now open for business. They're located in the Carlton Building near Pacific Plaza on the corner of Commerce and Jefferson. Although I haven't peeked my head inside yet it seems like having a high profile store like this so near UWT and the local museums is a solid idea. Parking may be a hassle but the best spot would likely be one street up on Broadway. If not that, you could always park at the T-Dome and hop on the Link.

More once I stop by and snag some non-drive-by photos.

(Thanks Erik!)

Update (2006-07-26 @ 7:39pm)
Had a chance to stop by after work today and chatted a bit with the owner Warren Caves. According to him and his website, they're not having a grand opening just yet and still have some work to do. The framing area of the store needs to be unpacked and setup but the rest of the place is pretty well stocked. I told Sarah the store is very utilitarian and feels like a hardware store for art supplies -- which is nice, actually. Some art store can themselves be a little too influenced by the owners idea of art and can overshadow what's being sold.

Their hours will likely be 9am-6pm with some later times toward the weekend. With a few schools so close, Sarah thought it would even be wise for them to post "finals hours" around that time of year when students need supplies last minute at odd hours.

Kudos to Warren and here's wishing him many successful returns. It's great to see some life taking a foothold in such a beautiful building and part of town. Whether you need canvas, pain, brushes, pads, custom frames, and much more it seems like this will be a good place to rely upon for it.

Comments (5) | To Top

7/26/2006 @ 1:40pm

Verily exciting news; Tacoma has her own art store accessible by light rail! Can't wait to get in there and scout the prices.

by Richard Ryan Anderson

7/26/2006 @ 2:32pm

I'm hoping to make me a poor man's photo light box and will see if they have what I need. It'll be interesting to see if they have supplies for simple art projects for guys like me or more specialty, high quality stuff.

by KevinFreitas

7/26/2006 @ 3:37pm

I walked in there yesteday. Great location, especially for those working with the Art Mart and UWT students.

The view from their store is pretty amazing.

The Art Mart is very imporant to Pacific Plaza as it is right on the edge of it and has a great potential to give some life to the plaza.

While you are there, peek in the suchi restaurant they are completing there. Looks hip.

Want to be an artist? Here's your chance.

by Erik

7/26/2006 @ 4:26pm

Can't wait to see if the Art Mart takes off!

And, yes, sushi restaurant. I've been looking for signs of them opening. Can't wait for that one!

6/20/2007 @ 12:07pm

I find I can pull up to Tacoma Art supply and walk right in. I have never had a parking problem and I never stop by there at 12 noon. Warren, and sometimes his wife, are friendly people who I love to talk to. I personaly would never move from there because of the location and view. Across from TAM, what could be better?

BC ROSE

by B.C.ROSE

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