Columbia Art & Drafting Supply

Elite '08

56

538

Michael A.

Portland, OR

In a bunch of ways, I like Columbia better then Art Media. I love AM, but sometimes there is a kind of hipster-haughtiness going on. Columbia is more of a meat and potato's kind of art supply store. They have a great selection of art and drafting supplies and the prices are very reasonable. For what ever reason, I love rulers (I know, I have problems) and they have a HUGE selection of them. I got this sweet-ass Alum Cutter #1344, 24 inch, black anodized, underside padded, steel inset cut edge ruler that.........see, I have a problem. Don't get me started on their selection of C-Thru rulers. Ooooooh, rulers.

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Elite '08

81

46

jaine p.

Portland, OR

This is THE BEST art store in town.  The staff is always friendly, helpful and accessible.  I can find things here that other stores don't carry.  Their selection is really amazing and they keep the shelves well stocked.  The paint brush sales make me so happy!  

Their prices are a tad higher than some other art stores, but it is well worth it to not have to make multiple trips.

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1

28

Erin E.

Portland, OR

A friend of mine suggested this art supply store to me, and I'm glad she did. I was on a mission for something I was unable to find elsewhere, and was not surprised that this huge and well stocked store had what I was looking for. I liked the feel of the place, too - it seemed laid back and like it would be a cool place to work. I knocked off one star just because I found their prices a little higher than other stores in the area, but the selection will keep me loyal to Columbia.

*Tip: they are not open on Sundays.

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Elite '08

15

57

Jenny C.

Portland, OR

4 years ago as a fresh-faced architecture undergrad, I walked into the Columbia Art & Drafting to pick up a few things I figured I would need as a design student in the coming years.  While excited for this new adventure, I must have looked confused as hell, for upon entering I was almost instantly asked what I needed help finding.    

I explained my school plans to an older gentleman who (if memory serves correctly) was a retired architect in town.  He beamed and started at one end of the store and walked each aisle with me telling me what I was sure to need in my studios and what tools were simply a waste.  I ended up with a basket full of all the basics and a student discount at the register.  When I got to school a week later and received the "Freshman Architecture Supply List" from the bookstore I'll be darned if it wasn't almost identical to what I had purchased (and for a much more reasonable price!)

My subsequent trips home for holidays and summers have since included a trip here with a loose list of the general things I need, but I always end up with items much better. From erasers to scales to drafting boards I have been 105% thrilled with everything I've purchased!

Bottom line: This place has everything and the staff knows their stuff.

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26

512

Kelly M.

Portland, OR

When I finally ventured to Columbia, I was disappointed that I hadn't been in there before.  A huge selection of art supplies, plus tons for framing, drafting and everything else you can imagine.

I probably spent twenty minutes in the pens and markers section alone, but if I had more time I could've gotten lost in the papers, canvases and paints, too.

This is an awesome and well stocked art supply store conveniently located in inner southeast.

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Elite '08

105

499

Krista T.

Portland, OR

Huge selection and falls into the "don't have to go outside city limits to run errands category"!
I go for packs of canvases in multiple sizes and sales on paint brushes.
The staff is very friendly.

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4

33

Leanne M.

Portland, OR

I think this is the best art store in Portland. They have a very helpful and friendly staff, tons upon tons of every art supply you could ever dream of finding, plus an amazing sale section where it is usually buy one get one free of practical, staple supplies (not "Buy one panda & tigers paint-by-numbers kit, get one FREE!").

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