The Art Store

The art-supply world gets its Starbucks

by Nina Willdorf

The artist's life isn't exactly known for being well-ordered. And stores that cater to artists tend to be similarly messy and haphazard, in a creative-ADD sort of way. Boston's newest art-supply store, however, is anything but chaotic. Like several of its new neighbors in the Landmark Center -- Bed Bath & Beyond, Boston Sports Clubs, Staples -- the Art Store is designed to provide a clean, sanitized, and inspiring atmosphere for a potentially sweaty, dirty endeavor.

With its bleached-wood floating displays and polished-steel surfaces, the store seems aesthetically closer to Starbucks than to Pearl Art & Craft. The scattered wood-block islands are thoughtfully zigzag, the posters placed at immaculate diagonals. It's so cleanly designed that you might begin to suspect no real artist would set a paint-splattered sneaker here.

You would be wrong. The only people to be found browsing last week were in fact professional artists and art students, filling their baskets with necessities of the trade.

The Art Store is an 11-branch national chain that was founded in Los Angeles 15 years ago. Owner George Granoff says that Boston was a natural place to expand, given the large student population here. One of his main goals, he says, is to supply the "Sunday painter." To do that, the store has assembled starter kits for drawing ($59.98), watercolor painting ($59.98), oil painting ($182.98), and acrylic painting ($89.98), which include instruction books, all the necessary supplies, and listings of local continuing-education courses.

Sunday hobbyists are covered as well. They can choose from the Superman journal ($9.95), the colored origami paper ($3.55), and the bags of mosaic tiles (bag of 24 for $2.48), to name a just few possibilities.

For all its careful displays, fancy photo boxes ($6.98), and cool-looking calculators ($12.98), the Art Store doesn't skimp on supplies for the serious. There are easels ($95.99 to $299.98), drafting tables, books, tons of paint, 2000 types of paintbrushes, and 72 sizes of canvas.

The ultimate critics seem to be satisfied with the wares. "I found everything I need," said Jennifer Niederhauser, 19, a new student at Mass Art, as she snatched up a large black portfolio the other day. "And I get a 10 percent discount for being a student."

Laura Desantis, a children's-book illustrator and a student at the Museum School, roved the isles slowly, luxuriously taking it all in. "I've been going to Pearl for years, and I don't plan on stopping," she said. Then she paused and looked around. "But this -- this is just beautiful."

The Art Store is located on the Brookline Avenue side of the Landmark Center, 401 Park Drive (Fenway), Boston. Call (617) 247-3322.