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Jerry's Artarama
Category: Shopping Arts & Crafts Art Supplies Art Supplies [Edit]
6010 N I-35Austin, TX 78752
(512) 420-9359
- Hours:
Mon-Fri 10 am - 7 pm
Sat 10 am - 8 pm
Sun 12 pm - 6 pm
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Private Lot
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
68 reviews for Jerry's Artarama
Review Highlights
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"They have everything from HUGE canvases to handmade paint..." In 9 reviews -
"I saved over $300 this way on my first visit for framing." In 12 reviews -
"It's got everything you need and more." In 3 reviews
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68 reviews in English
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Review from Kimo P.
1/15/2012 1 Check-in Here
They do indeed have alot of art supplies! My partner wanted to make some artwork for our place and needed to find a one stop shop besides getting cheap crap at Walmart...with the power of yelp! we found Jerry's Artarama! Just north of Austin, this place is just a drive down I-35 to the Koenig Lane exit. Once you are at the exit, it's honestly right there and you need to be quick to make the turn to it or else you'll be doing a U-turn around. The building itself is small but the plethora of supplies inside of it is amazing..definitely inspires you to put your ideas on a blank canvas. I ended up buying a sketch book that I use to write notes on, and some cheap frames I needed to place some awards in. And if you have kids, there is also a kids art section where it seems they also have creative sessions for their projects. Staff look artsy and pretty knowledgeable. Definitely worth the trip down there!
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Review from Jared D.
Austin, TX
2/23/2012
Good selection for anything you need and nice enough staff. Doesn't stock the paint that I use but no place in the city does. I would recommend shopping here to anyone looking for a good selection and good deals on art supplies.
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Review from Stephanie G.
Austin, TX
11/6/2011
Love love love this place. There is a wide range of good products, and the staff has always been welcoming and helpful. Their prices are really reasonable and it's one of the biggest points that keeps me shopping there.
Only things that would make this place even better: carry Jacquard acid dyes, and have another store in South Austin. -
Review from Zeke Z.
San Marcos, TX
2/23/2012
I love this place. Went for the first time yesterday, was like a kid in a candy store. Great selection, good prices.
The customer service seems pretty lame though. It really sucks when a place is great but the employees don't seem to give a rat's ass about the experience of the clientele, who make their jobs possible. A guy next to me was buying a bunch of stuff, but seemed to be treated poorly for some reason and was very put-off. Interesting. -
Review from Monica S.
Killeen, TX
9/5/2011 3 Check-ins Here
I love going to Jerry's! I like to stop in just to look at all of the awesome stuff they have in the store. My favorite purchase is lino cutting supplies (a 4x6 block is around $2, as opposed to $4-6 elsewhere). The prices are beyond excellent and I can walk out with a great haul for less than $50 (as opposed to $100+ at some other craft-type stores). Their selection is awesome (especially after a shipment has just arrived), and their staff is friendly, knowledgeable, and helpful. Also, their selection of (and prices for) screen printing supplies are fantastic.
If you make artist trading cards, bring one with you so you can trade on their ATC board when you first come in the store. :)
Also, become a fan on FB so you know when they get new shipments in!
Have fun! -
Review from Juliet J.
Austin, TX
6/20/2011
We like Jerry's because the workers are always super friendly.
There are a ton of great supplies at good prices.
I didn't give Jerry's five stars because they always seem to be out of black markers. And that is the primary reason I come in.
The statue out front is super cute too. -
Review from Heather R.
Austin, TX
7/4/2011
Bought a couple of Groupons for custom framing. The lady behind the counter was super nice and accommodating. She took time with us to find the frames that would work and went over pricing. She even went as far to help entertain our 20 month old that was approaching bedtime and was bored with what we were doing.
The frames came in ahead of schedule, they called when they were suppose to and they looked great.
As far as art supplies, it all looked good to me. I'm not a serious artist or anything, but they had some sketch pads that would work for my pint-sized, aspiring, crayon artist. -
Review from T P.
Austin, TX
12/15/2010
Lots of supplies and terrible customer service.
This is particularly true in the framing department. The "50%" off sale on framing was actually equivalent to a very expensive framing job at many other places around town. I found a few other framers in Austin that will do the same framing that Jerry's does for more than half the price... Plus Jerry's told me it would take over a month to frame one photograph. Seriously.
So for basic art supplies I say go for it, but if you need a custom framing job I would most definitely recommend going elsewhere. -
Review from beth m.
Austin, TX
11/22/2011
I really like going here. I usually find what I want, and it's pretty affordable. The only reason I don't give it 5 stars, is that there seems to be a long line (or a short line with the person ahead of me questioning the price on al 23 items they've brought to the counter). It's not the fault of the store I know, that people love them (or people are kind of idiots, & should keep track of their totals before they get to the register)... It's just that it's every time. And that makes me just a little saddened when it's time for me to wait. I'm impatient- if this were a Marshalls or Ross or the like, I'd just walk out. Take it as you will.
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Review from Nancy W.
Austin, TX
4/22/2011
Heaven is an art supply store - for me anyway. I can cheerfully go and spends hours. I love Jerry's. I love their colored pencils, their paints, their brushes and the paper. I buy so much stuff them you would think I owned stock.
They have good stuff. My only complaint is sometimes they don't restock very fast. I've waited four months for sumo ink or mulberry paper.
But I love them more than hate them. I love the people who work there because they all are creative people who got lucky to work in an art supply store. They all laugh at my jokes and they don't always call me ma'am. They talk about what I buy and not look at it strangely - like "what the heck, do you do with this...." -
Review from kelly b.
Austin, TX
6/28/2010
Customer service in custom framing is horrible.
I arrived at Jerry's this Sunday at 5:20pm. I stood in the custom framing line for 20 mins while the male employee helped some patrons. Once the line died down, a female (male looking) employee asked what I was needing. (Where was she when the line was 6 people deep?) Before I could say much, she told me to come back tomorrow because they were about to close. Last I checked, they closed at 6pm on Sundays, not 5:40pm. I don't think the last 20 mins is for the employees to kick people out. "I'm already here, I've been waiting in line, just help me now" is what I wanted to exclaim. Her excuse as to why I should come back tomorrow? So she can "do a good job"
I really wish it had not happened this way because the store could offer me a lot but that was my first and last time I will be visiting Jerry's Artarama. -
Review from Jenny N.
Austin, TX
11/6/2011 1 Check-in Here
Good prices, extremely organized. Great staff. If you an art lover this is a must "check out". They even sell Rembrandt oil paint which is hard to come by in art stores.
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Review from Colby B.
New York, NY
5/15/2007 ROTD 7/3/2007
I'll tell you a true story about Jerry's Artarama.
You know the Johnny Cash picture of him flipping the bird?
Well, I won one for like $3 once on eBay. I took it in to them and said, "play with mattes. Play with the framing. Just play with it and see what we come up with."
In the meantime, this older woman (say 55 to 60) comes in and unfurls what we all presume to be her grandkids' fingerpaintings. I mean, really, lady. They're just like every other kid's work. Give me a break.
And, the lady is super cranky with the Artaramaists. Everything is too expensive. Everything is just not quite the right shade. The look of pain on her artaramist versus mine's look of glee was the dichetomy of man at $10 an hour.
Eventually, the lady decides that none of it is right for the fingerpaintings. She does, however, have a few other things she has been thinking about getting framed, and plops out 4 original Dr. Seuss prints.
All. Of. Our. Jaws. Dropped.
Johnny Cash never looked so uncool. I mean, ever.
The lady eventually ended up dropping close to a grand getting them framed. Which I highly recommend if you're sitting on some one of a kind prints.
Oh, and my Johnny Cash looks effing great.
One more thing, they told me it would be done in two weeks. There was absolutely no hurry. It took two weeks and a day, so they gave me a 10 percent off coupon on my next framing job without me even asking for it.
I got a BBQ Festival poster framed for my kitchen with the discount. It, too, looks freaking great.
Oops, Jaye just reminded me. The best thing about that Johnny Cash poster is that her dog would sit in the floor of my room and bark at it incessantly. I mean, why would a black dog hate the Man in Black?
I'd also point out that it's great for drawing the ire of your parentals on their visits to your house.Listed in: Tallest Midget, These are my ROTDs
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Review from Camron R.
1/18/2008
I don't know jack shit about art stores. I'd actually never been in one unless you count my mom dragging me into Hobby Lobby to buy things I could have collected out in the field across from our house and spray-painted.
So, I'm taking a painting class starting next week and I need to go get some supplies. I walk into Jerry's and pick out the most eccentric, edgy girl there to help me get the things on my supply list. Her hair hadn't seen a wash in about two weeks because I'm sure she's a disturbed, artist genius who spends all her time painting and doesn't have time for trivial things.
She walked around spastically collecting all the things I'd need for my class. She needed coffee or a paint brush in her hand. She showed me everything I'd need and showed me all the different prices for each item. I mostly got the cheapest stuff and I got out of there with the estimated price on my list.
It was a pretty pleasant experience and I figure I'll be coming back as soon as I need more stuff. -
Review from Indria S.
Austin, TX
1/26/2009
I lOVE this art store, in fact, it's the only one I go to for my main supplies.
* $100 24 X 36 Self Healing Cutting Mat ONSALE for $24.99-SOLD!!
* Mini sketch book $5.99 ONSALE for $1.39-didn't need it, bought it
* 11 X 14 Bristol smooth paper $10.00 ONSALE for $5.55- right on!
* Magnifying glass to look at fabric thread---boring: $4.49
Spent: $39.67
Saved: $84.06!
Pretty much everything in this store is marked down either by a couple dollars and up to 80% depending on what they have going on. They've got everything- from markers, frames, foam core-which is cheap too btw, to tables, glue, and other quirky things.
Wish it was closer to where I live or there was another store, but I can't complain with savings like these, trust me, it's worth the drive. Stop in and check it out. It's got everything you need and more. -
Review from Dawn C.
Austin, TX
11/10/2011 1 Check-in Here
This place has everything a creative art lover could want. I ended up leaving with an easel, newsprint sketchbook, paints and charcoals. And the staff is very knowledgeable.
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Review from Lorena O.
6/16/2008
***Disclaimer: I love words that end in -arama so I loved the store before even setting foot in it.***
I headed here on a fellow Yelper's recommendation. He said the quality and prices were better here than other craft stores. I walked in, supply recommendations in hand, and asked the counter guy for some help. He gave me this look, it was either clueless or apathetic, I couldn't really tell in the low lighting. Luckily, another employee pointed out the various sections housing my laundry list of must-haves and then left me alone. With no point of comparison (I'm not an artist) I shopped and found that there was quite a bit of selection (moreso than the two or three aisles a painter might get at say Hobby Lobby) and the prices varied so you could choose to skimp or splurge.
When I got to the counter, I asked the guy if I could get a gift receipt. This time, the look was definitely clueless. He looked down at his register, then at me and said, "I'm not sure." This is probably the single most annoying answer I can ever get from a store employee. I waved off the request and got out of there with what turned out to be an awesome and highly appreciated gift for my friend at what seemed like very fair prices. -
Review from Jon S.
New York, NY
4/1/2008
This place definitely covers all the basics and then some. Big points for always having ridiculous sales. I walked in today and got away with 3 big canvases and six tubes of acrylic, albeit not the good stuff, for under $40.
You might not find some the fancy stuff here, like a marble-leather saddle-stitched Moleskin sketchbook, or the DazzleTron 5000 glitter gun, but you'll get by...Listed in: These places have nothing to…
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Review from Cade P.
San Francisco, CA
7/23/2006 ROTD 8/7/2006
This place rocks! This is an art supply store, but it's much better than any other one I've been to.
The employees are very helpful AND knowledgable. If they can't answer a question, they will ask other employees until they can give you the information you want.
The prices are generally always lower than any other art supply store, and they often have crazy low sales, sometimes reaching 40-60% off of most of the store.
For starving artists, students of art, or anyone with a creative flair, check out this place. It's clean, large, and full of caring employees. -
Review from Caitlin H.
Round Rock, TX
2/22/2010
You won't find an art supply store in Austin that's cheaper, and has more of a selection than Jerry's... and if you do, please let me know. I started taking an Oil Painting class up in Round Rock, and went to Hobby Lobby, Michaels, even Joanne Fabrics looking for good paints and brushes etc. The paint I did buy at Michaels wasn't even worth the $ I paid for it. It didn't mix well at all, and looked terrible on my canvas. So I decided to shell out the big bucks and bought paint at Jerry's that is SO MUCH BETTER.
I also got some great brushes I'm really happy with there. The only thing I can't seem to get is a stupid turpentine jar with a coil in it. Dag nab it. I want that jar, and they are always out.
Anyways, the prices really are cheaper there. I comparison shopped. So if you're into art, even if you're newer at it like me... go to Jerry's.
PS: I love the little man holding the easle outside of the store, too, he's adorable. -
Review from captain c.
Austin, TX
9/2/2011
Jerry's Artarama is the best art supply store in Austin! It's not quite Texas Art Supply, but then it isn't a round-trip drive to Houston either. ;-) They have a good array of media, and a decent selection of drawing pads, canvasses, etc., as well as ready-made frames. The custom frame shop is fantastic, and staffed by an expert framer who is as creative as the artists she frames for.
I am ambivalent about the other staff. They seem to have some knowledge of art supplies, and most of them appear to actually dabble in art, but they usually fail to really engage with me in the creative process, so I'm left on my own to figure out what I need to buy in order to complete whatever project is at hand. When I know what I want, they know where to point me, so they're helpful in that regard, and they are usually friendly and cheerful.
The prices are good, and when it comes to art supplies and starving artists, price is a big point! Thanks Jerry's Artarama for making it possible for us poor artists to keep on making art in Austin! -
Review from jennifir k.
Austin, TX
2/22/2008
My first experience with Jerry's was last week, five year old in tow, in what seemed like a mild hurricane here in our relatively tame texas weather. After my mad dash to the store, useless umbrella flapping in one hand, my oblivious-to-the-weather son Loki in the other, I was presently surprised by Jerry's spacious interior. And not just because it was dry and wind free.
There was much more variety and bang for my buck then expected. Also, the service was just to my liking. Nobody was hounding me or following me around incessantly, but as soon as I had a question, Bam!, there was a friendly sales associate ready to assist. Did I mention I love ninjas?? And above all, Jerry's was very kid friendly. Always a plus in my crayola covered book. There were lots of kid friendly art supplies and cheap to boot. We'll definitely be back, hopefully on a sunnier day.Listed in: Born to Shop
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Review from R.V. B.
Victoria, TX
4/9/2008
In terms of supply, Jerry's Artarama has it all. But the staff has a few customer service problems that do not represent the vision of the original Jerry's Artarama. For example, a staff member today - with long dark hair - stood their making conversation with a friend - and gave me an irritated-I-hate-Jerry's-Artarama-customers kind of look. She was not helpful or friendly at all. The scene made it appear that she spends most of her time talking to her friends who stop by the store. A customer is simply an annoying irritation.
This store needs to fix this customer service problem. -
Review from Meredith D.
Somerville, MA
7/13/2008
This place has everything your little artist heart desires - and at a reasonable price.
I'm more photography and less drawing/painting/etc., but my boyfriend and many of my friends are. A gift card from here never disappoints the artistically inclined. The prices can't be beat.
The employees have always been cheery and helpful. They know a lot about the products, but not too much about working the register - I've had long waits on several occasions because the girl behind the counter had no idea how to process my purchase and had to call someone else to help. They're always friendly and apologize, though - so I don't mind.
They always have great sales, so look out for those, too. -
Review from Susie G.
12/5/2006
I went here during one of the infamous massive sales, back when I had a gift certificate to Jerry's Art-o-rama and decided I wanted to be an artist. The sales staff were awesome. They dealt with my lack of art lingo, and dumbed down the information to my level. They spent more then 30 minutes making sure I had found what I needed. My mom is an artist and she swears by Jerry's.
The place is HUGE, the possibilities for different art materials are many. Seriously, come here...especially for one of those sales. Art supplies are expensive, but worth it. As for me, I have given up my serious art ambitions..but if I ever decide to dabble again, its back to Jerry's I'll go! -
Review from Kevin N.
5/15/2007 1 Check-in Here
If I was some sort of sleazy club barker, and Jerry's Artarama was a down-and-out dancer, I'd say something like "Let's hear it for Larrrrrge Canvassses...!"
Alas (?), I'm not a barker, and there's nothing I found in my many trips to Jerry's that I couldn't bring home to mom. But that doesn't mean that I don't feel like I'm getting away with something here: I'm nearly hysterical with glee at what I find in this place, from the aforementioned canvases (seriously, huge) to brushes, paints, sculpture equipment, drawing supplies, portfolios and much more. And often at super steep discounts. By my estimation the best selection in the city.
True, it's a little off the grid for folks who don't spend much time in north central Austin, but very well worth the journey. I'm jazzed to head back, stock up, and create!Listed in: Miscellaneous 5-1-2.
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Review from Allison P.
Fort Worth, TX
7/28/2009 1 Check-in Here
Definitely my favorite art store in town. Huge variety of paints, canvases, brushes and everything else you need in an art store. On this particular day I was just looking for acrylic paint and canvases, so I can't speak for the supplies offered for other artistic mediums. The prices are are much better than many of their competitors. Since it might not be the most convenient location for me to get to, I try to get all the art supplies i need while I am there.
For about $60, I picked up 2 big canvases, 3 tubes of acrylic paint and the illusion of becoming the next Mark Rothko. -
Review from Gretchen H.
Austin, TX
10/20/2007
I'm not a particularly art-able individual (but I sure can be crafty!). Someone recommended checking Jerry's when I was looking for some mosaic supplies. Unfortunately, Jerry's doesn't carry those items, but that's cool. I still gave them a high rating because the store seems to have everything else an artist might want. It isn't meant to be a craft store, so it's not their fault they didn't have what I was looking for. They have a variety of canvas types and sizes, portfolio bags, and lots of painting/drawing supplies.
P.S. -- They have a yelp sticker on their door. They must be cool. -
Review from Angela L.
Austin, TX
3/6/2008
There's not much I can add to the rest of the glowing Artarama reviews aside from two tips:
1. Shopping for a frame job here is like shopping at Macy's: you should never pay full price because there's always a big sale coming up. You get the best deals by getting on their mailing list -- they send out coupons just about monthly and they're usually useful. I saved over $300 this way on my first visit for framing. I've been on their list for about a year now, and I find the deepest discounts are usually in the off season when no one's graduating from anything, like February. If I'd waited a little longer, I could have saved another $200.
2. If it's not busy in the frame department, ask to see Dion's photo album of the dolls he's made and make him tell you the stories behind them. You'll find he's one of the more interesting characters in this town. -
Review from Christina G.
Austin, TX
Updated - 7/13/2011
The best selection of art supplies at the best price. They have a huge assortment of framing supplies, canvases, pens, inks, paints, paper... it's a haven for any artist. Not an artist yet? They have great classes to pick up new skills!
Listed in: My Favorite Places
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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11/14/2010
I found out about Jerry's from a Groupon that I purchased, and I can't believe I didn't know about… Read more »
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Review from Mayra R.
Austin, TX
4/25/2008
J-A
we need to keep in touch more often. You make me happy like a kid in a candy store kinda happy.. .. happy like a puppy.. minus the piddling cause that would just be embarrassing. I concur with the statements of how much joy you bring into peoples lives and how easy you are on the pocketbook. You are good people. -
Review from Angel Q.
Houston, TX
8/24/2006
Damn, beat me again. I guess I don't have to get the correct address to write a review of a place, for both times in the past trhee days someone else has beat me to the punch.
I agree that it is a veritable cornacopia of Art supplies.
I spent a half an hour 4 days ago wandering around their aisles.
They are always having specials and the help is truly helpful, eager to assist and bushy tailed. I have a kanda crush on one of the girls who works there. I won't tell. . . -
Review from Victor T.
Austin, TX
2/6/2010
This place is 3 minutes from my house so that immediately makes me a fan. It's on a little side street so if you're looking for it head to Office Depot and it's on the opposite side of the street, but on the same side of the freeway.
I picked up a 'daylight' hobby lamp ($126) and a MASSIVE cutting mat ($40) and I left with everything I came looking for.
Like some of the others on here said, the crew here is nice, but you get the feeling they don't have the buying power or amount of stock some of the larger art stores in Houston have. -
Review from John E.
Olympia, WA
5/22/2008
Helpful staff gave good and highly specific technical advice, saving me a lot of time, confusion, and money--that lifeblood of the American capitalistic system.
They have a lot of stuff packed in there; good range of quality, which is great because I am seldom doing anything "archival" that requires durability.
It is a little difficult to get to (required circling around its iconic sign), but is a whole other class than Hobby Lobby. Check it out. -
Review from Mark L.
Austin, TX
2/9/2009
I went to Jerry's a few months ago because I had 15 different things that needed to be framed. Framing is not cheap and I was weary of having an expensive bill at the end of the process.
What I found was very helpful staff that steered me into a cost efficient and stylish way to have my pieces framed. In the end, it ended up being about $60.00 for each frame they did and it was done in matter of about two weeks and on time as promised.
The store is staffed entirely by (what appears) all artists. They know their supplies and periodically have art show of their own work in the store. There is a large selection of supplies and have locations nationwide. I even turned my father (an artist) onto the store near his home in Florida. -
Review from Stephanie N.
Austin, TX
5/29/2008
Very cool small art store. They have everything you need for your artistic endeavors!
Although they don't carry as much as a craft store. So if you need paint, charcoal, canvas, clay, etc...then Jerry's is the place to go. But if you need fake flowers or beads or fabric...then a craft store like Hobby Lobby would be a better bet.
The staff is very friendly and knowledgeable, and the prices are reasonable. -
Review from Laura T.
Portland, ME
6/5/2008
I love that they have all the really great arty things I need - gorgeous paper, paints, pastels...I could go on and on - but that I don't have to wade through aisles of fake flowers and puff paint and tacky crap.
They've got great sales and good regular prices too and the staff have always been really friendly and helpful to me.
It's pain to get to...involving lots of circling around and under highways and through the mall and going, "I *see* it, but why can't I get there???" if you're not accustomed to it. (I've got it down now, thanks.) -
Review from Candace C.
Austin, TX
11/18/2008
Great Staff! Every once in a while I get a bit of a grumpy butt there, but generally it is organized so well that I just go in and grab what I need. Great brush, paint, viscosity mediums, and canvas selection. They have enlargers and a custom framing department and are open 7 days a week. Online ordering is not as convenient and usually I get back ordering b.s., but it is the best hands down supply store in Austin!
Make sure to call ahead of time if buying mass quantities of specific dimensions of canvases. I have done it too many times that get there and need 10 of one size and they only 0-3 left. Also sign-up online for in-store coupons...20%OFF -
Review from Mala K.
TX
4/13/2007
My collection of Winston and Newton color ink has grown exponentially due to this place! I came here since I got a gift certificate for this place, and I've been coming back ever since. It's a great little art store with a bit of everything, but my problem with this place is that its online prices are quite different from its instore ones. They also tend to say they are out of stock or ordering an item, but strangely enough, they never seem to get the particular items in stock. Huh? I've been looking for Pentel brush pens, and every time I ask about them, they say that they are being ordered. Interesting. Oh well.
This place is also somewhat expensive - why do I keep bringing that up in my reviews? - but they have frequent sales and coupons (find them in the Austin Chronicle.) -
Review from Rolando R.
Austin, TX
4/11/2010
Jerry's Artarama has the best selection of art supplies in town. They have everything from HUGE canvases to handmade paint brushes. The prices here are about average, but for convenience, you can't beat this great one-stop-shop. Make sure to sign up for their mailing list, they'll send you store promos!
If you're feeling overwhelmed by the art supply choices and feel like cutting your ear off like Vincent Van Gogh, do not worry!! The staff here are all very friendly and always ready to help novice art hobbyists like me.
It's a little quirky to get to the store, but well worth the twists 'n turns. Just stay on the frontage road off I-35 by Highland Mall.
