AZ Art Supply is usually the place I go to buy my paint; they have a good variety of it, including brushes, and also a nice selection of paper. The staff is always pleasant and knowledgeable, and are always helpful in finding what I am there looking for. read more

Today my husband and I decided to check this place out for the first time. I was very excited since we are both artist and we spend a lot of money on art supplies. When we walked in the lady at the counter seemed very nice. I grabbed a shopping basket and talked to her for a min. Then she asked me to give her my purse. It's a small backpack and they don't allow people walking around with backpacks. I understand this but it's my purse and I don't allow strangers to be alone with it. I also do not leave it in the car. I spoke with the manger and was told I couldn't shop with my purse on my back. The whole time I was in the store a older lady with no tattoos was allowed to walk all over the store with her large designer bag slung over her shoulder. Her bag was bigger then mine but because of how I look I guess I'm not allowed the same respect. I have now read so many reviews on other sites from former employees even that are not good. Apparently the owners are homophobic and continually use the N word also. I'm so happy I never gave them a single penny. read more

this place could be SO much better. remember pearl? the selection for every medium here is tiny. the only selection that seems to be quite large is the drawers filled with letraset sheets. but i think i might be the only person still buying these. i will go here if i really need something with a quickness OR those rub on letters, otherwise i will just order anything i need from dickblick.com. read more

This shop is great! The clerks always have been helpful and friendly, and seem to know what they are talking about. It's great to find an art store that people understand what I'm doing, even if it's weird, and can offer helpful tips. They are also very GBLTQ friendly. read more

great inventory of art supplies incredibly helpful and friendly service love that all the staff i have met are artists! good supply of materials for all price ranges! best of all it is a local arizona business unlike Michaels read more

Unfriendly little place. Big sign on the door --- check backpacks and large purses. I can get with that --- I understand that they need security. So I walked up to the counter and asked for a tab for my purse. No tab system --- was told to just leave it on the counter! I couldn't believe it! My purse had money and my passport in it! They're so worried about stuff being ripped off from their store --- but they appear not to be worried at all about handling their client's important items. I had to insist the guy put it behind the desk! Following that, we found the clerk who helped us to be the epitome of bored and blasé We're from out of state --- used to friendly (and secure) treatment from Daniel Smith Art Supply in Seattle. These folks need to take some customer service classes there --- and while they're at it, maybe they could turn the lights up --- we went in at about nine am and the store was gloomy and dark. The only reason I'm giving this a two star is because we actually did find what we wanted. The supplies seem fine --- but the clerks need to go to a customer service training course. read more

A great place for everything painting/drawing related. Some sculpting and silk screening as well. Unfortunately I was under the impression that this place was more like a Michael's, containing various craft supplies such as twine, ribbon, buttons, etc. for the projects I am working on. This is really a place for a serious artist, not someone who is just needing a few odds and ends like myself. I am still giving them 4 stars because for the audience they are actually targeting, they are great. A wonderful local art place- I will recommend it to my painter friends. read more

This store has the most absurdly terrible customer service that I've experienced in a long time. There are nasty signs all over the store (such as - don't touch the paper if your hands are grubby, and don't test our pens to make your masterpiece). At first I thought they were just being comical, but then as I was browsing a gentleman who I can only imagine is a shift manager stalked me around the store. He kept popping up every few minutes with a very unpleasant smile to "make sure I don't need help" in spite of me telling him repeatedly I am browsing, but thanks. At the register he complimented my (VERY small) purse in a snide manner. I managed a retail store, so I'm well aware that this is the behavior you display when you think everyone who enters your store is trying to steal from you. Not sure why I would buy several small items totalling about $40.00 if I was stealing. I made certain when I took my wallet out to pay that I opened my purse on the counter for all to see. Hmm, no stashed brushes or ink in there. But the kicker was when an item rang up for a different price than it was labled. By a small amount, about a dollar. When I brought it up, we walked over to the display to confirm that it was marked incorrectly. His response? A customer moved those brushes, we can't be responsible for that, followed of course by a nasty smile. Are you kidding? When I protested, his response was, No that's ok. We won't be doing that (referring to honoring the price). I have had to tell customers no before. I wasn't mad about being told no, I was mad about the way it was done. This gentleman clearly thinks of his customers in a very adversarial way. It's really unfortunate that they are willing to lost customers over less than a dollar. That being said, this place has an AMAZING selection. I have a fine arts degree, and have been to a lot of art stores in my life, this one has one of the best selections I've seen. And it's less than a mile from my house! Too bad they clearly don't have any interest in treating their clients with respect. read more

Your typical overpriced art retail store staffed with minimum wage high school or college art students sporting ear gauges, pink hair, and facial piercings. What does that mean? Don't expect anything more than average customer service with ridiculously high prices. Check this out: I paid $4.69 for a product that I can buy for a $1.08 online. Literally. I only purchased because it was time sensitive and I needed it immediately. If you can wait a few extra days for shipping and have an Internet connection avoid this store I guarantee you can find much lower prices elsewhere. read more

I had a wonderful experience here. I was new to painting, and someone took the time to walk around with me and explain everything from paint brushes to canvases and everything in between. He gave me an extra discount because I bought so much stuff. It is super expensive, and he told me his prices were lower than other places, which wasn't true. That is my only complaint. Upon further look, it is cheaper here than michaels without sales, but more expensive than Jerry's Artorama's in tempe. read more

This store changed my life! An over exaggeration? I don't think so. They offer all kinds of different art classes from painting to sculpture. I took a sculpture class there about four years ago and have been going there ever since. Art therapy was needed to help recover from a car accident. By taking the class and being able to buy the supplies there, I was able to get something g that was mine again. The employees are nothing but helpful and nice. They have recommendations, show you where to find things and explain to you why something may or may not work. If you're part of the Sonoran Arts League they will give you a discount. I drive 40 minutes to get to this store and I think it is 100% worth it. Check it out for yourself, or better yet take one of their classes! Ps - I read the review about the employees yelling at a customer. I find that so difficult to believe. The employees that work there are the most gentle, amiable souls I have met in Arizona. There are 2 sides to every story. I suggest you go to the store and make your own decision. This is a small local business, please help support them. read more

I have been buying artist materials in many states from the major supply stores for 20 years. Dick Blick and Daniel Smith in WA, Jerrys Artarama jn NC and AZ, Dick Blick in CA and AZ ... then there's AZ Art Supply. I went to AZ Art Supply and was told I had to leave my purse up front. I was flabbergasted. I'm 70. I was dressed very presentably. I refused and felt insulted. The snarky kid insisted. There was whispering. It got loud. "How do I know you won't steal something from my purse?" Oh he was mad and stumbling all over himself. I barged on in feeling dirtied and against my better judgment bought over $250 of Rembrandt Oils. Went to my car shaking and started to cry. As I sat there, I witnessed a girl enter wearing a scant black leather top with spiked black hair and tats. I went back inside to observe. They told me I had to leave if I wasn't going to buy anything. How did they know if I was going to buy something else??? I watched her for a few seconds noting SHE HAD HER PURSE ... WTF. So they've had the no purse policy for 20 years! Are they fools? You lost ANOTHER customer. Now I drive to Tempe for supplies. 50 miles one way passing right by their Phoenix location. read more

This place is definitely high-end, meaning the supplies are slightly more expensive than Michael's (and they are already expensive.) But I got some really high quality paper here for a music video, something that wouldn't have worked as well for the tearing scenes if it was cheap paper, so the quality is there as well. While searching for a gift for my wife here, I came in wanting oil paints for her. I asked the clerk (I forget his name but it started with a G or J) to explain oil paint to me. He patiently told me how it works and when it didn't fit into my budget, he suggested a high-end brush-pen that is used by professional illustrators. It is so beautiful and I know my wife will just love it. I will repost here with her response when I give it to her. read more

this place is just awesome! I know beans about art supplies but I have an aunt who paints. And the staff was able to help me find a nice gift for her within my price range! No upselling; just really terrific customer service read more

I LOVE this place!!! Very easy to find the supplies I need. Great staff. Lee is so knowledgeable and patient, with impeccable customer service. Alex is a pro and also amazing. Thank you staff, for making my art supply trips fun and easy! Easy to spread the word to my friends about the bargains and service here! read more

Had the paint and canvas that I needed and the backdrops for photography I was looking for. Next up see if they have some thermoplastics or worbla. read more

I came here with my boyfriend while on a road trip! We stopped in Phoenix to visit his dad; and since we're both artists, we spray painted a mural on his dad's work trailer to advertise his business. We needed to find spray paint and ended up coming through here. The staff was super friendly!! Really! If I ever lived in Phoenix I could make a habit of coming to this place! read more

I would like to start by saying this is the only place I will shop for my art supplies. You have access to high quality products with an extremely helpful staff. However, during my visit today I had to endure an extremely awkward outburst from one of the staff with the short reddish hair. She somehow thought it would be appropriate to discuss her bowel movements (in detail..) loud enough for everyone to hear at the front. Other members of staff seemed equally confused and uncomfortable and I know at least 3 other guests heard her as well. No one wants to hear that....ever.... I still stand by my high rating, as this is my go-to art supply store but that was a giant turn off for me as a customer and it made me second guess which employees I would actually approach for help. Because it won't be her... read more

I like to shop local but I was turned away at your store because I had a small backpack. You see Arizona Art Supply it's hot outside, so most people carry water, I'm an artist so I carry supplies, and I take the bus. This is why Amazon is billion dollar business and where I'll be shopping instead. read more

im a native and have bought my supplies here for years. well i wil never step foot in this store again.. here is why.. 1. I called before iwent down there and asked them if they cut art board and the girl said yes 15c a cut i said ill be right down.. 2. its 115 out and im disabled and i drove several miles to get to store.. i walk in clearely disabled trying to hold my large papers,and the girl said "oh i thought you were going to buy it here" so she said no buut she went to the manager to check . 3 im told by the manager NO we doent cut paper from other store.. i even told them i would pay for the cuts and even buy something while im there i needed gesso.. he or she didnt care. so i told them fine ill take my busness somewhere else. and i left they didnt care they said fine. so there are not handcap friendly , neiborly friendly. they are rude people .. if you want to support a nasty rude company that doesnt honor what they say over the phone then be my guest. read more

My sister and I came for a demonstration class put on by Golden Paints and painter, Nancy Reyner. We learned a tremendous amount And got a goody bag! The employees of the store were nice, as well as helpful. Their paper stock is beautiful and we both picked out selections that we will hang as posters. This is a store where the clerks will make time to talk to you and help you expand what you already know. Enjoy! read more

Everytime I have an art need, I look forward to going to this store. The store itself, even though in a somewhat old building, is always very well laid out and displayed. Things look fresh and exciting. I am always like a kid in a candy shop and I know I'm not alone! But the staff is just incredible. I have gotten to know a number of them over the years and so enjoy chatting about techniques and new products with them. They are helpful, professional and knowledgeable. THANKS for being there and I look forward to see you again soon! Enjoyed the demonstration by Casey Cheuvront and the excellent price on the Sennelier Rive Gauche! Appreciate you bringing that product into the store! read more

Amazing art Supply store that has everything you could want to create. Much bigger then the Scottsdale location. Staff is super friendly like the other location and helpful. read more

This place is great!!!! they always have what I need and they even have a class on Thursday for painting. I am always inspired when I go in there. Great prices and great selection read more

Honestly as a professional artist, I have spent over 5K in the last year here.. and today for my experience I will NEVER return! All I wanted to do was return as art book for my little girl and they wanted to give me a hard time and tell me about some return policy, first its 21 days, next its one item.. make up your mind! Do yourself a FAVOR and shop ONLINE and save the money.. this local art store doesn't care about your business and having a family they lost mine! What a shame! read more

Best place ever. loads of options and cheaper prices!

I have been shopping here for 25 years but no more - because of the incident there today. I bought what was labeled as tempera paint (and the label clearly states it washes off with soap and water) for a sidewalk/street painting project for a Festival and the product is clearly misrepresented. I scrubbed for two hours with a push broom and soapy water to try to remove the so called tempera paint with absolutely no success with a couple of the colors - and partial success with a couple of others. The Streets and Transportation Dept. finally had to come paint over it. When I tried to take the paint back with my complaint I was basically told that oh, this is a high quality tempera paint that is made to last. So why does the label say it washes off with soapy water? They tried to imply it would not come off because of the unusual surface, but then went on to say it is meant to stick to anything and stay there because it is high quality tempera. I asked what the difference was then between the tempera they are selling and acrylic paint and could get no good answer (oh, we can call the manufacturer and ask what is in it!). I have always been a bit irked by their so called discounts for Artlink members, when in reality whenever you ask for a discount you are invariably told the item is already on sale, therefore not eligible for a discount. From now on I will be taking my business to Jerry's Artarama, even though it is all the way over in Tempe. read more

I went in there because I thought I had broken my airbrush machine so I wanted to get it looked at. Francisco is the gentleman who helped me out on this. He was SO AWESOME! Broke down my machine cleaned it, took the time to explain everything about it and what could be the problem and was super patient! I will definitely be back for his help if I need assistance again! read more

Arizona Art Supply is a Phoenix institution--they've been around forever. The service is great-they have spoiled me with their friendly, attentive staff. BTW, their staff is comprised of artists (unlike Michaels, etc.) who know what they are talking about--and if they are not sure--they find out for you! I went there this weekend--they are having a big moving sale-- they are moving down the road to a new store with classrooms-so that should be cool (although it is a mile farther for me, oh well). In response to other posts-I shopped at Pearls, and I am glad they are not like that store. I couldn't find anyone to help me, and, a real art supply store should not have enough dried flowers to choke a horse. I've gone into Jerry's and couldn't get any help--the front cashier was too busy texting, and the floor person looked scared (or annoyed) that I might ask for help. Also, they are not that pricey-I've called around to other stores on big ticket items, and I'll pay a few bucks more for better service, especially since they are locally owned. It is the best art supply store in Phoenix, bar none. read more

Huge inventory and great prices! Staff is always friendly and helpful. I live 3 hours away, and need to drive to Phoenix for my art supplies....I'd never go anywhere else. You'll find everything you need right here. read more

Love this place! Great selection, and all of the employees are super nice and don't make you feel dumb if you don't know what you're looking for. read more

I walked into this store, looking for some drawing supplies that would make a nice gift. Mark was very helpful, and I walked out 10 minutes later with a perfect assortment of good quality supplies. Thank you! read more

Good variety, helpful staff.

i have been going to AZ art supply for awhile now. never really put much thought into the store. the selections of supplies are good, they have rows for each type of supply you might need. i can usually walk in and find what i need and be on my way. i still get a student discount even if i'm no longer a student. who am i to complain about that right? i was buying supplies FOR a student, so i guess it really still counts. now why is this not a 5 star review? well i silkscreen, and the silkscreening supplies are dismal, not a whole lot to offer me, and the prices are allot higher then Dick Blick, which is usually where i will pick up supplies because it is more affordable. yes i know supporting your local business keeps the money local, i've read the flyer a few times, but sometimes i need to get the most for my money, especially in these trying times. but if i cannot wait to have something shipped to me, yup for sure i will head to AZ art supply instead of some craft whore like Michael's read more