Worcester, Massachusetts, isn’t just a city known for its rich history and beautiful landscapes. It’s also a rich hub of creativity, brimming with art galleries, museums, and a thriving community of artists.
The city’s artistic heart beats strong, supported by a vast array of local art supply stores that provide the tools and materials for creativity to flourish.
Whether you’re a professional artist or a hobbyist, knowing where to find the best art supplies can make all the difference in your creative journey.
This article will guide you through the top ten art supply stores in Worcester, helping you find the perfect place to fuel your imagination and artistic endeavors.
From paints and brushes to canvases and sketchbooks, Worcester’s art supply stores have got you covered. So, let’s dive into the colorful world of Worcester’s art supply scene.
The Top 10 Art Supply Stores in Worcester
Worcester, a city known for its rich cultural history and vivid arts scene, is home to numerous art supply stores catering to the needs of artists of all levels.
Here are the top 10 art supply stores in Worcester:
1. CC Lowell Art Supply Co.
CC Lowell Art Supply Co. is a cornerstone of Worcester’s art scene. Founded in 1852, it holds the distinction of being one of the oldest art supply stores in the United States.
Located at 455 Pleasant Street, CC Lowell offers a comprehensive range of art supplies including professional-grade paints, canvases, drawing materials, and craft supplies.
The store also features custom framing services and hosts art classes and workshops. The knowledgeable staff are artists themselves, ready to provide personalized advice and recommendations, making CC Lowell a trusted resource for artists of all levels.
2. Michaels
Michaels, located at 541 Lincoln Street, is a national chain well-known for its extensive selection of arts and crafts supplies.
In Worcester, Michaels is a go-to store for artists looking for everything from acrylics, watercolors, and oils to knitting, scrapbooking, and home décor items. The store often runs sales and coupons, making it an affordable option for bulk purchases.
Michaels also offers a variety of classes and events, such as painting workshops and kids’ craft sessions, fostering a sense of community among local artists and crafters.
3. Joann Fabrics and Crafts
Joann Fabrics and Crafts, situated at 68 Stafford Street, is primarily known for its wide array of fabrics, but it also boasts a significant selection of art supplies.
Artists can find everything from sketchbooks and pencils to paint sets and modeling clay. The store frequently offers discounts and holds regular sales, making it an economical choice for purchasing supplies.
Joann also provides sewing and craft classes, which can be a great way to expand your creative skills. Their online ordering with in-store pickup option adds convenience for busy artists.
4. Worcester Art Museum Shop
The Worcester Art Museum Shop, located within the Worcester Art Museum at 55 Salisbury Street, offers a unique shopping experience.
It features a carefully curated selection of art supplies, art books, and museum merchandise. The shop specializes in high-quality materials that cater to both professional artists and enthusiasts.
In addition to art supplies, the store sells art-themed gifts and souvenirs, including prints and reproductions of famous artworks from the museum’s collection.
The connection to the museum provides inspiration and access to art history and contemporary exhibitions.
5. Artist & Craftsman Supply
Artist & Craftsman Supply, located at 440 Park Avenue, is a well-loved, employee-owned art supply store that provides an extensive range of materials for all kinds of artistic endeavors.
From fine art supplies such as oil paints, watercolors, and pastels to craft supplies like beads, yarn, and paper, this store has it all.
The Worcester location is known for its friendly and knowledgeable staff, who are always eager to help customers find the right materials for their projects.
The store also frequently hosts community events and workshops, making it a vivid part of the local art community.
6. AC Moore Arts and Crafts
Although AC Moore stores have been rebranded or closed following their acquisition by Michaels, the legacy of AC Moore continues through the offerings available at Michaels locations.
AC Moore was known for its wide selection of art and craft supplies at competitive prices. The Worcester location offered a variety of products for different types of arts and crafts, from painting and drawing to knitting and home décor.
Many former AC Moore customers have seamlessly transitioned to shopping at Michaels, where they can find similar products and enjoy the same level of service and variety.
7. Target
Target, with locations such as 529 Lincoln Street, might not be a specialized art supply store, but it offers a surprisingly good selection of art materials. Artists can find basic supplies like sketchbooks, colored pencils, markers, and paints.
Target’s craft section includes items for DIY projects and school projects, making it a convenient one-stop-shop for both household and art supplies.
The store’s affordability and accessibility make it a popular choice for those needing to pick up supplies quickly or on a budget.
8. Staples
Staples, located at 541B Lincoln Street, is primarily known for its office supplies but also offers a solid range of art supplies. This includes drawing tools, markers, sketchbooks, and presentation materials.
Staples is particularly useful for graphic designers and professionals who need art supplies alongside office essentials.
The store also provides printing and copying services, which can be beneficial for artists needing to create prints of their work.
Staples’ focus on professional supplies makes it a good choice for artists who need high-quality, reliable materials.
9. Dollar Tree
Dollar Tree, with several locations in Worcester, offers budget-friendly art supplies. While the quality might not be on par with specialized stores, Dollar Tree provides a range of basic materials such as crayons, markers, colored pencils, and craft items.
It’s an excellent place for beginners or those working on casual projects who need to stick to a tight budget. For teachers and parents, Dollar Tree is a convenient option for stocking up on affordable supplies for kids’ art projects.
10. Worcester Center for Crafts Gallery Store
The Worcester Center for Crafts Gallery Store, located at 25 Sagamore Road, offers a unique selection of handmade goods and art supplies.
This store is part of the Worcester Center for Crafts, which provides a variety of classes and workshops in ceramics, glassblowing, metalsmithing, and more.
The gallery store sells high-quality supplies tailored to these crafts, as well as unique handmade items created by local artists.
It’s an inspiring place for artists looking to explore new mediums or find unique, artisanal materials. The center’s focus on craftsmanship and community makes it a valuable resource for Worcester’s artists.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I buy quality art supplies in Worcester, Massachusetts?
In Worcester, you can find a variety of quality art supplies at local stores such as Framed In Tatnuck and C C Lowell Art Supply Co.
What art resources are available in Worcester?
Worcester hosts Institutions like the Worcester Center for Crafts, ArtReach, and New England School of Fine Art that offer special art classes and workshops.
Are there opportunities for continuous learning in art in Worcester?
Yes, schools like New England School of Fine Art and the Worcester Art Museum offer art classes for continuous learning. These classes encompass a variety of topics and skill levels.
Can I rent an art studio in Worcester?
Yes, spaces like the Creative Hub and Technocopia offer creative studio spaces for rent in Worcester. These studios cater to artists in need of a dedicated workspace.
Where can I get professional framing for my artwork in Worcester?
Institutions like Framed In Tatnuck, Atlantis Picture Framing, and The Prints and the Potter Gallery offer professional framing services in Worcester.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Worcester, Massachusetts, is a city that nurtures creativity through its rich array of art supply stores.
From the historic CC Lowell Art Supply Co. to the versatile offerings at Michaels and Joann Fabrics and Crafts, artists of all levels can find the tools they need to bring their visions to life.
Stores like the Worcester Art Museum Shop and the Worcester Center for Crafts Gallery Store offer unique, high-quality supplies and inspiration.
Whether you’re a professional artist, a hobbyist, or a student, Worcester’s art supply stores provide a supportive environment for artistic growth and exploration, making the city a rich hub for creativity and artistic expression.
Natalie Kurtzman