In general I do not write reviews. Allard's Art frame shop however is worthy of it. The entire crew- Anna, Michael, Mario & especially Ger, a master at his craft- are all very professional, good humans, adept at their craft. I have been framing my art/photography for years. I have favorite frame shops in Portland & Berkeley that are excellent. Allard's here in my hometown Fresno is all around the very best. Thank you Allard's! read more

Allard's Art - Yosemite Dawn - Framing Near Me - Fresno, California

Walking in to Allard's unprepared is dangerous! You think you're coming in for an eraser and instead, $75 later, you have a new pencil, three markers, a gel pen, a coloring book, three sketchbooks and a bottle of ink! The knowledgeable clerks can help you with almost any question and they're willing to order you things they don't normally carry. I've had specialty paint ordered for me before! The prices are comparable to other speciality art stores and the fact that I'm supporting a local shop is super important to me! Allard's also offers classes and there's usually student art on display to show off what students are learning! Located near the old Trader Joe's on Blackstone it's a spacious building filled with art! read more

Allard's Art - Wall of sketch books - Framing Near Me - Fresno, California

See all

Everything went well. My daughter has an Art class and she needed some supplies. The teacher recommended to go to Allard's to buy them. She had a list but when we got there we were lost. We didn't know where to start. So, we asked for help. The young worker was so nice and very helpful. We gave her the list and in no time we had everything we needed. We would've been there just looking and looking for the things all lost. But thankfully we were in and out. The prices are reasonable, they were some items on special and we had some savings. The cashier also was very nice. She offered the rewords program and we signed up. So we can get savings. They have a big variety of art supplies. Anything you need from sketching and paint definitely you can find them there. Very great experience. read more

See all

great store locally when you need something right away! They carry an excellent variety of watercolor acrylic and oil painting paints brushes mediums and accessories. The pen selection is fantastic as well as inks to use with fountain type pens. They're also carrying posca markers which is great. read more

I could spend hours in here! Some of the nicest staff! Doug is extremely knowledgeable about fine pens. They always have some good sales. One of if not the only fine pen retailer locally. Plenty of art supplies for all modalities. read more

They did a archival restoration on a John Lennon lithograph with signature they did a beautiful job at a fair price in a timely manner.

Great place for artists whether beginning or seasoned! I took a watercolor class a few weeks ago and loved it!

Absolutely love this place; they have hands down the most varied art supplies in the Central Valley. The employees are always helpful and have a great attitude, if you ask they will be more than willing to help. Their prices are actually really good compared to competitors. Love love love it, will always make the drive to come to Allards read more

This is an amazing store! We have been here a half dozen times for paints and pastels and pencils. The staff is extremely knowledgeable. If you need art supplies, bring them a list and they can lay out all of the options. They also have classes and camps for kids. read more

I stopped by this art store while on vacation and BOY do I wish I lived near it! Great selection, friendly staff. I only went in for a visit, I didn't have any real art supplies in mind, but it had many tempting watercolors, colored pencils, and paper options. I recall it had a great selection of fountain pens too. read more

This place is amazing! The staff were all incredibly friendly and were willing to offer great advice on products available based on customer needs, interests, skill's, etc. This is an absolutely wonderful place to spend time, pick up some arts and crafts products for little ones and those young at heart. Wanted to give a big shout out to Doug for spending time with my son teaching him differences between different pens, techniques, and products that will help in his passion for drawing. This place is awesome! read more

It's a wonderland for artists! So many selections. The staff is willing to help you with any questions. I go in half the time with one of my many crazy projects. If someone doesn't know the answer, they'll usually find someone who does know. I had a very specific question about brush types and the girl at the cash register was a bit stumped but she called one of the other girls who knew and she was able to help me. I want everything they have there. Price varies a lot depending on what you're looking for and the quality for the material you need but it's not too bad. Also if you're a student, they will give you a student discount if you bring your student ID. read more

Allard's Art - I needed some gouache to add more detail to my painting. - Framing Near Me - Fresno, California

I went to Allard's to get a custom frame for concert memorabilia. I wanted to use a local art store that would understand my vision. The store associate listened and offered great suggestions for this project and took his time and was patient with me. The frame came out perfect and I'm very happy to have used them over a corporate store that may not have spent as much time to focus on all the details. If you have special moments you want to capture beautifully, then Allard's is the place for all your framing needs. read more

Have you ever walked into a store and just felt like you were home? It has been a long long time since I've been in a real art store.... especially in Fresno. And then I meandered into Allards. I was an art major in college, which was a long time ago, and have decided to start dabbling again. This place has everything I'm looking for and many things I forgot about--including how many different types of pencils and erasers there are (and yes-they all have different and specific purposes!). If you are looking for a neat project to do with your kid (or yourself), if you want to take a class, or just pick up supplies--this is the place to go. They have journals, classes, kits, hard core supplies, framing materials--anything you need and even stuff you don't. I wish it hadn't taken me this long to find this place.... and trust me..it won't take me that long to find my way back! read more

A tyro walks into an art store--my sister asked for some specific paper and pens for her birthday. I know nothing so I walked in "blind." A young man treated me respectfully, did not upsell or confuse, and in short my sister is very happy with her supplies! read more

I had wonderful, expert help in selecting a custom frame for a newly purchased piece of art.

Great art supplies. Always have good deals running. Especially on canvases. Lots of more professional stuff available you won't find any other set suppliers. read more

I just spent $50 in here. The clerk barely spoke. Unfriendly and more interested in chatting with another employee. If there was another store with the stock I need I would go there. I can deal with Amazon if I want to avoid unfriendly clerks read more

Locally owned art supply store with great service. Convenient location at Blackstone and Barstow with lots of parking. This has been my go-to art store during the pandemic as they have all the protocols in place. The service, the merchandise, the location are all perfect for the way I like to shop--locally. read more

I highly recommend the store because it has a lot of specialty items in art and the customer service is great. The employees are extremely knowledgeable. I can not believe I have drove past this art store 50 million times... The employees know a lot. I was recommended this store as they sell canvas by the foot... 4 bucks a foot a canvas that is AWESOME & Iwent on a sale tons of watercolor supplies... I was Like a little kid in the candy store I couldn't make up my mind... Please don't be like me learn from my mistake of driving past the store and please try it. It is not a teacher store it's an art store it's next door to a teacher store but it is not. It is also a local business small business. read more

Just had a great time at a rock painting class! Had lots of fun, met some nice people and learned some new painting techniques.

Very Knowledgeable staff, who take time to help find the exact right item. Very diverse selection, with a variety of options in price and quality. Gift cards are easily available. Honestly the staff turned a shopping trip into a highly enjoyable experience. read more

If your an artist definitely come to this store!! In the past 2 years I got plenty of supplies and they are still going!!10/10 recommend this place!!! read more

I haven't been over here for some years. Personally, I order all my art supplies online and frequent at other hobby stores. Unfortunately, my employment uses Allards as a vendor for orders on art supplies. On my first visit about 2 months ago, I came to purchase around 30-40 canvasses for my job and got weird looks and cold shoulders. No one even helped me load the items. The employees just kinda looked at me struggle. I shrugged it off and thought to myself, weird, oh well, maybe it was a bad day. Today, I came in to make a $500 purchase and got the same vibe. Cold shoulders, most employees were snappy and seemed like they just did not appreciate my presence. I assume maybe the amount of theft got everyone paranoid or something. I just did not feel welcome. Wasn't my money and I didn't want to spend it there. If I am in need of art supplies, I will not return. If it's a purchase order, I'll bite the bullet and make a quick round. For sure, I'll talk to my employment to change vendors. Just drains my soul being there today. read more

I love Allard's! I am by no means an art expert, but I do enjoy various art forms, (watercolors, journaling, hand lettering mainly). Allard's has everything I need! I can spend hours on end here browsing the aisles for new supplies. I appreciate that they run specials so you can always find something new to try on sale. I love their collection of Tombow dual brush pens and how they're neatly organized. They also have a wide array of art classes, although I haven't taken one I am interested in the wide selection. It's also super nice to support a locally owned art store. I will echo was others say about the customer service, it would be nice to improve on that just a tad. read more

I'm always really happy with Allard's, and I'd say I visit at least once a month or more. It is the only locally owned art store in town (or further) and the only one that offers some of the higher-quality materials. I've taken numerous classes with Laura here and even when I think I know the medium, I always learn new things. I can always find someone to help me get Poscas out of the case and someone to advise me on the type of adhesive best suited to my project. read more

My go to store for art supplies. It can be a little pricey but it's always worth it. The staff is super helpful and experienced in all types of art so they can pretty much answer any question you have and point you in the right direction. Oh, also the sales are ALWAYS the best times to stock up. Prices get so low around school starting and November ish. There's all different kinds of classes available to take at pretty reasonable prices for all ages so I definitely recommend those. read more

Absolutely terrible hours. Who closes at 6 on a week night? I guess they're not looking for business from the actual working class. How unfortunate. Keep their lack of hours open if you choose to go with this business. read more

Needed an eraser to take off ink from a document and found one here ! Really helpful people here

Today I went in to find supplies for an art class. I was nervous walking in because I was absolutely clueless as to what I was even looking for. One of the sales associates, Kirsten, was so sweet though & she helped me find everything that I needed. read more

As an artist, I really dig this place. So far, they have had everything that I've gone in there looking for. When I was pregnant, I got into a sort of funk and so to cheer up, I went in there looking for something new to try out. Three employees helped me choose something that was easy and safe (non-toxic). They showed me the different options, recommended things and acted like they were genuinely interested in what I was looking for. The store has everything laid out and it all smells so papery and good that you want to buy everything and run home to create a masterpiece. Can't wait to go back here to be inspired. read more

I have discovered the ways of Allards.... Yes, Michael's is bigger - But Allards knows what they are doing. ;) Seriously, the staff at Allards is what makes it. When you ask technical questions about the products elsewhere you just don't have the same confidence that they really know what they are talking about. But the people I've talked to at Allards (in person or even just on the phone) actually KNOW something about art, and about the various products. ( at least painting products and all related aspects). And they are genuinely friendly and personable. Michael's checkers usually look like they would rather be anywhere but there. And when I try to ask someone for help in the aisle, I always end up feeling like I am interfering with their day. Allards leaves you feeling like you got just what you needed and like you were truly appreciated. read more

Thanks to the wonderful frame department staff for helping me frame my gigantic art piece for such a reasonable price. They also did it with quality and care, and it was finished on time. I was lucky they had the options I wanted on sale as well. I suggest getting your framing done at Allards instead of michaels. Sometimes, michaels has new trainees who don't really have a clue what they're talking about, and their estimated cost for frames are really expensive! At allards I believe they have the same framing expert working there for years, so the quality of what you get will be consistent. I've also been coming here for years for different art supplies, and I haven't been disappointed yet. They don't carry all the rapid o graph sizes I need, which is on. Obviously they are no blicks so they won't have everything, but I'm glad I'm supporting a local business. They also have great back to school deals for art students. Hope you will give them a try! read more

I can't tell you how many times I've been here over the years. As an art major I practically lived here. If you're an artist or enrolled in any fine art courses, this is the best place in town to come. They're local which is a plus because you're supporting local businesses. They stock all sorts of items for screen printing, drawing, painting, printmaking and more. They do custom matting and I think framing too. They work with the local professors at Fresno State and City to stock the right supplies students need. I know when I started taking some art courses I didn't know where to find certain supplies like linoleum for a printmaking class I was taking. I tried looking at a flooring store, but then after asking around found out Allard's carried it. You can find anything your art courses require here, which is convenient since you don't have to run around town. During the beginning of each semester when syllabuses go out and professor's give you a list of supplies to buy, Allard's always comes out with a flyer advertising a majority of those items on sale. That's the best time to buy. They also offer students a 10% discount; you just have to mention it. read more

Back in the day when I was a young art student I dropped many a dollar buying art supplies here. It was between that and Aaron Bros (does that still exist?). Numerous pens, pencils, paper, brushes, you name it. Good to see an independent art vendor still survive this day and age. read more

Anything art-wise you can get at Michaels, you can get here. Better customer service and shorter lines. Shop Local

I really love this store. Walking in, you just know its a great art store and not filled with random crafting crap like fake flowers and plastic beads. Their prices were really fair and I don't know of another place that sells things for cheaper. They have a great selection and I got all that I needed here. I especially love that they have Prang watercolor oval refills that you can buy individually (45 cents!). Just a bonus for me because Prang is my favorite brand of watercolor. I'm a really big fan of buying just individual items instead of shelling out more for a pack of 5 that I end up just losing. For example, they have a bunch of individual tortillions on the counter. Unfortunately (and I am really sad about this) I do not actually live in Fresno and I've only been here once. But I loved it; it was a great experience. If I actually lived in Fresno I would go here all. the. time. read more

Downs- Slightly over-priced. It was a much smaller venue than I thought.It's between Trader Joe's and the teacher supply store, and so i couldn't immediately find it. For an art store, I thought they would have a galore of art supplies. I was sadly disappointed by their somewhat empty shelves and few choices in many items that I was looking for. They did have a great selection in Golden paints, and in canvas and paper stock... but the little things, like pencil selection, markers, colored pencils, etc... weren't up to par to Michael's or Westminster's Art Supply Warehouse. Ups- They do provide an additional 10% to teachers if you pay cash or credit card. But they don't have an additional discount for P.O. (purchase orders). read more

Went in here with my grandma the other day. They had a display case with some cool iPad stylus's and pens, I asked the woman behind the counter if she had the ones that connect via Bluetooth, she said she didn't know, so I explained what it was and she rolled her eyes and cynically said no we don't have that and then literally turned her back to be and just stood there. They had a bunch of tacky overpriced prints on the wall, the least they could do is display the work of local artists and not some cheap Chinese knock offs. Edit: was 1 star The manager contacts me to apologize for the incident. I'll give this place another shot to see if I get better treatment. read more

This place has everything (well when it's not the beginning of the semester and students buy out EVERYTHING). And if they don't have everything you need, you simply write it down and they'll give you a call when it comes in. they also sell really great local artist work. Staff is very helpful and knowledgeable. I pretty much get all my art supplies from here. I stopped going to Michael's not only because this place is locally owned, but their prices are great. They also do onsite mount board cutting which is super convenient, because I have to buy LOTS of mount boards and the exacto knife isn't always exact. (.50 per cut). read more