I was pleasantly surprised to find such a well-stocked art supply business in the area. I'd driven by so many times and never noticed it, but I'm so glad I finally did. There's a variety of art mediums and options for any kind of craft or project you have in mind. It's slightly pricier than some other places, HOWEVER when you consider the sheer quality of the products offered, it makes perfect sense. The owner is very friendly and is so helpful in helping you choose the right art supplies. She'll even help you save money on products you don't really need. Definitely recommend a visit here. read more

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Not. A good area in houston. Most expensive art supplies in houston. If you want better places for at supplies keep looking. read more

Vicki and Ben are Icons of the Houston Art World. I call the owner, Vicki Trammell, Vickipedia, with endearment, because she has encyclopedic knowledge of our town and the artists who create here. From bookbinding supplies to handmade paper, alcohol inks to fine framing, Art Supply On Almeda is simply the best because of the abundance of unique supplies they carry, excellent brands in abundance, competitive prices and valuable creative information available to those who ask questions. read more

If you want an Art Store that is not a craft store, this is the place for you. If you want puff paints & construction paper, you may want to try a craft store like Texas Art Supply. Only filled with the real deal stuff, for real deal people. read more

Small selection and expensive, even with the "discounts". There's way better art stores out there. Anecdotal: YEARS ago (I'm sure the person involved doesn't even work there anymore, about 12 years ago, she mentioned she was an art student), before cell phones were common, my friend was checking the time on his cell while I was shopping, then he put the phone back into his pocket. He was accosted by an employee, who accused him of sneaking an item into his pants. After she demanded to see the item, he took it out. Lo and behold, it was a cell phone. She apologized and slunk away but the experience left a bitter taste and I never went back. It ain't easy being brown. read more

This is my first semester as an art major-- so I walked into this store not even knowing what 90% of the things on my art supply list were. Spray fix? Vine charcoal? Kneaded rubber eraser? Eh? As soon as I walked in, I was greeted by Vicki-- who (thankfully) took the supply list off my hands and walked through the store with me to retrieve each one... explaining what each item was and what it did. I don't know how long i would've been in there without her-- or if I would've even picked up the right supplies! The atmosphere is very low key, but welcoming and intimate. i agree with the previous reviewers about this not being a crafts store-- you definitely will not find any toy plane modeling kits or faux flowers here. You WILL find a helpful and knowledgeable staff of artists-- that can help you find exactly what you're looking for. OH yes, and they're always having some sort of sale... so it may be helpful to call in before your visit to find out what kind of specials they have going on that week. For instance: this week, they're having an anniversary sale-- everything in the store (excluding already marked down items) is 40% off! AND if you purchase something this week during their anniversary sale, they'll ask you when your birthday is-- then if you come in and buy stuff on your birthday, they'll give you ANOTHER 40% off of your birthday purchase. Epic win. read more

Unlike the other reviewers, I did not find the prices here to be very good. I bought several items at full retail price whereas normal price at Texas Art supply would have been 10-15% less and Jerry's probably 30-40% less. I guess it depends on whether they are having a promotion when you go in. That said, the selection here is very good if you are looking for professional grade art supplies. As others have mentioned, they don't waste any space on low end 'craft grade' products which allows them to have a more extensive selection of the products which artists really care about. And the service is top notch. This is a 'mom and pop' shop, so to speak.. The owner is usually on hand and she is extremely knowledgeable and eager to help you. read more

Incredible store, great selection, above and beyond customer service. Cannot say enough good things about this place!

I'm an artist and I belong to Watercolor Society of Houston, I love to shop at Art Supply because they carry the best brands and selection you can find around here. Besides that, the staff has great knowledge about art and the products. I'm always very happy to go there and buy lots of art supply by myself instead of having to buy them online, very impersonal. At Art Supply you can touch and see the colors for real. I feel like a the artist I'm because of the variety, the quality and wonderful staff, and also knowing I'm buying ART SUPPLY not Craft supply. They have all kinds of prices within any budget. Discounts for students. read more

When I first decided I wanted to paint - maybe 10 years ago - someone directed me to Art on Main. I believe to this day if I had gone to another Art Supply I would never have started painting. I am an Accountant - I knew nothing about painting. But with the help from people that actually paint I got the answer and practical advice that helped me get started and to keep painting. There new location on Almeda Road is not far - it will always remain my Art Supply Store for products and friendly advise!! Don Dale read more

This is the best place in town. Not the cheapest, or the most convenient to get to, but the best. That Vikki lady is also super great read more

Experience was great! The staff was extremely helpful and knowledgeable about their stuff. They do tend to hover but I never once felt uncomfortable (despite being a POC). They will invest every ounce of their time to make sure you are taken care of, and I never once received this level of attention anywhere else. I wouldn't come here if you're in a rush though. The store is small, but there is quite a lot of materials and mediums in stock. They always have a 20% discount on supplies, so it's worth checking out if you're tight on cash. I'm not exactly sure what kind of savings people are expecting from an art store, but after the discounts, I saved about $100 from my last visit. Definitely recommend this place for all artists or hobbyist! read more

Art Supply on Main is the best in Houston! They carry a wide variety of quality supplies for drawing, painting, and printmaking. The owners, Vikki and Ben, are big supporters/promoters of the arts and are a great resource of information. read more

Very friendly and knowledgable staff. I found some high quality supplies at a good price. I hear good things about their framing though i haven't personally tried it yet. Feels like an artists art supply store :) read more

I have known the owners Vicki and Ben for many decades and have always purchased my art supplies from them. They have recently moved from their space in Midtown on Main Street to a new space on Almeda, very close to the Museum District. Vicki knows more about art supplies than anyone I know, and she has given lectures at the Museum of Fine Arts Houston Glassell School on different topics: oil paints, acrylic paints, paper, brushes, various painting media. In addition, they have been friends and supporters of the Houston art community for 50 years. Highly recommend!! read more

Great store, great supplies, but I had to buy extra pens that I did not need because I was paying with cards and they wouldn't run a card for less than 10$ . read more

Just signed myself up for an art class and was completely flummoxed by the supplies list provided. The nice ladies in the store were extremely helpful - answering all my newbie questions with patience, and really helped me select the right supplies within my budget. This was the second store i visited after the well-known Texas Art Supply. Texas art was huge, well lit, organized, etc. but the staff unfortunately weren't as knowledgeable about the items sold. The staff at Art Supply really knew what they were talking about - all of them are experienced artists who have tested out the items. For a newbie who was trying to navigate a pricey supplies list with (frankly unreasonable) brand specifications, i found their experience and knowledge helpful to find equivalent/better brushes and paints at lower price points. Also, I felt that with the Student Discount (20%), the prices over here were comparable/cheaper than Texas Art. Great store. The selection and location might be a little less accessible than Texas Art, but the experience and knowledge of the staff here more than made up for it. read more

Very small selection, and not the best place for students. They carry a lot of the high-end supplies, but nothing below that. Plus, their supplies are overpriced, even with a 20% student discount! I went to Texas Art Supply and found the exact same stuff (specifically, I was looking for oil paint brushes) for $2-5 cheaper! The staff was helpful, but if you want to save money, look elsewhere. read more

We stopped by having never been to the store before. Not the best experience, the sales person (though nice enough) followed us around so closely the entire time it was uncomfortable to browse the selection. Maybe the have a theft problem and can't be too careful? Not sure, but it wasn't very comfortable shopping. read more

I live in the neighborhood and had a backpack with me on my way to the park. I decided it'd be a nice day to draw or create something so I searched for the nearest art store! I came across this shop near midtown park. As I enter I grab a basket and before I can even get to browsing I am stopped and ask "can I help you?" with puzzled eyes on me. I explained the materials I was looking for and she asked me to leave my backpack behind the counter. I understand but the approach was a little off putting. I said sure I'd just like to take my wallet out of it first, and I receive the response "we don't want your wallet". I felt this was unnecessary because how do I know that? Just like you did not know if I was intending to steal art supplies or purchase them. At that point the questionable behavior had left me questionable. The associate wasn't eager to help but did guide me through their very vast selection of art supplies to find what I was looking for. I will say the store was large and the most likely will have what you're looking for. However I did feel profiled, especially as a young gay man. I do not like to leave bad reviews but I'd rather have spent money elsewhere that appreciates the business. I also see I am not the only review that has had this experience. read more

Came here on my lunch break to grab a few watercolor supplies. Staff was really friendly and helpful. They had a good selection of artist grade supplies in addition to student grade. I was looking for a pan set of artists grade paints but didn't see any. I may have just overlooked though. Student discount was generous - 20% off of non-sale items. I got a really nice mixing palette, a small sketch book, a half pan field art, some empty half pans and a set of mixing pots with lids for about $50. I probably could have saved a few bucks buying online but I prefer supporting local business. I will be back - as someone who works and goes to school downtown, the location is unbeatable! read more

Great art supply store, they have much variety and the staff is really friendly and nice, also they know what they are talking about when you ask them questions read more

Friendly staff and ideal location for commuters right on the rail. Definitely my new spot to buy art supplies on the way to and from work.

the most knowledable/professional artist store in town, if they can not solve a problem they will not stop until they have the solution. they really should be paid a consulting fee, really. go in interested, excited and full of questions and you will love your experience. NOT the store for quick in-and-outs. got to tart for that ish read more

You get excited about art, go to the big shops, buy a lot of expensive stuff you don't need. Then, you start to work and study. Then you go to Main Street Art Supply. Vicki Trammell is a living treasure of art knowledge! Many a time she has recommended paint combinations I thought couldn't possibly work. Three weeks later, after studying dozens of color theory books, I realized she was absolutely right. I'll walk back in, head hanging in shame, and say, 'Vicki....you were right, why didn't I listen!' She'll just smile knowingly. Do yourself the favor and forgo the big chain stores and benefit from the advice of an art master.... read more