I have lived in Iowa City for a while now and have never been into Blick's until this weekend. What was I thinking?! It is a great place for all kinds of fun if you're in need in some inspiration. The staff is super nice and were able to help me find what I was looking for quickly. They have a great array of stationeries (my favorite) available for a slightly higher price but still reasonable considering the high quality and service. I will be back for future creative endeavors or if I just want to look some inspiration! read more

Blick Art Materials - Art Supplies Near Me - Iowa City, Iowa

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This is a very cool and fun store, with every kind of art tool or item you might need. I also always find the most amazing gifts here, everything from unique coloring books and cards and journals to jokey office supplies and tchotchkes (I bought a harmonica and mini-sewing kit on my last visit...). Of course the main event here are the art supplies--you'll find many options for every kind of medium, and for every price range, from beginner (or just-putzing-around) to professional grade. On my most recent visit, I was interested in two sets of watercolors and was glad I asked an associate about their prices...because one was around $10 and the other $45. Same thing with a cool set of dual markers/pens I almost bought...I had not looked at the price correctly and the associate pointed it was $161. She kindly found another set for me for less than $10 (which was all I needed). Art things are expensive in general but you can definitely find some good deals here, especially during their sales. The staff here are all very cheerful, helpful and friendly...my favorite store in Iowa City whenever I visit the area. read more

Blick Art Materials - Art Supplies Near Me - Iowa City, Iowa

Blick Art Materials is part of a chain, with this branch located within Iowa City's Capital Mall (ground level with both internal and street access). Blick truly has something for everyone (at least Art related), with my preference being their selection of Lamy and other pens. I wander through ever time I'm in Iowa City as it's maybe a block from Campus and with easy access to the associated Capital Mall Garage. I consistently find staff to be both helpful and friendly, but unobtrusive at the same time. read more

I cannot say enough about the wonderful management and staff at our local Dick Blick. Their eye for color and sense of design will take all of your framing projects to the next level. Everything I have had them frame, precious family photos, posters etc. I hang proudly in my home and have received many compliments. If you need something framed, Dick Blick should be your one and only stop. read more

I wish I had more reasons to frequent Blick Art Materials! I always leave with what I came for and a smile. The staff is, more times than not, delightful. And I never spend a fortune. Blick has something for everyone. From aspiring kiddos to professionals-- the range of merchandise they sell is insane. Come here for drawing, painting, ceramics, print making and general art supplies. There are canvases, brushes, assorted paper, easels, frames and more. Plus books and unique gift items are sold here. A one stop shop for all things crafty, that is for sure! I window shop this location often, seeing as it is conveniently in the heart of downtown RIGHT NEXT TO a parking ramp. (First hour free.) If you're doing something artsy, stop at Blick Art Materials! read more

Wow, I can't believe I haven't been here sooner! I called ahead to make sure they had the supplies I needed - they answered the phone promptly and were very helpful. When I arrived, I asked someone to point me in the right direction and they took me right to my materials. As a handmade shop owner, I go through a lot of random art supplies... various varieties of paper being one of them. Blick has the best selection and prices I've found locally yet. Some of their items are pricier than buying online or at other shops in the area but in most cases, they carry the nicer-quality brand and in general, you get what you pay for with art goods. read more

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It's a Blick art store in Iowa City! As an artist who has newly moved to this area, it was a pleasant surprise to find this here. That being said, it's still a Blick art store and for the most part, it has everything that any other Blicks do. There's comfort in that. It does have a few items that I haven't seen carried in other stores. Blackwing pencils were an excited find. They also frame art there too. Never saw that before. If you need paints, drawing materials of any sort they got them. They also have stuff cheaper than Michael's or JoAnn's. Both places which I go to as a last resort. Hours could be better at Blicks, but I guess they don't get the foot traffic. Staff was friendly and store was clean. read more

This review is only for the custom framing service offered at Blick, and not for their store as a whole. Based on my experience using the Blick custom framing service, I cannot in good faith recommend anyone having a custom framing job done there. First off, the facts about this service: - You can expect to pay around $400.00 retail price for a framing job on a larger print (~26" X 40".) This is for the standard glass with a wood frame and a matte border. Expect to pay more for higher quality glass or frame. Both times I've had custom framing jobs there I've paid about $300 with a 30% off coupon. - The turnaround time was bout 2-3 weeks both times I used their service. The reason I've used their custom framing service more than once is because the first print I had framed there turned out pretty well, until I had it hanging on my wall for about 2 years. The print came loose from the matte inside the frame, and started to sag. Note that the print was never handled roughly or dropped. It was only transported from Blick to my home. I took the print in to get adjusted, and when they finally got to it after about 2 more weeks, I got a call from an employee who told me the frame was cracked and would need to be replaced. He also said that the wrong type of frame was used and was not strong enough to support the large amount of glass used. When I originally picked out the frame I had done so based on the advice from the person working at Blick! What gives?! They also said it would cost about $200 to get a different frame put in, after I had already spent over $300 and been advised to put the wrong type of frame on the print. I would be happy if they replaced the frame for free, but they would not do that. Overall, it was a very unpleasant experience. I would strongly advise people to avoid the custom framing service at Blick, and will be passing the word along to people I know! read more

A bit of Heaven on earth for me. I only wish it were larger and had better parking options...but oh, the treasures I find when I visit!

great variety of art and craft supplies and some unique gifts. always someone there to knowledgeably help with whatever you need. they have a preferred customer card that offers regular discounts. check it out when you're downtown. read more