Great service by all the staff on all my questions. They offered a professional opinion and great direction

This place is awesome!!! This is downtown Kansas City! It's situated north of the Plaza, and in a nice busy area of town. Currently, the City is extending the Streetcar line, so there is a lot of construction barriers and road plates to overcome. The cute store has a nice private parking lot with 2 entry points. The employees are super friendly and extremely knowledgeable about the products. I was inquiring about leather paints for shoes. The clerk was provided awesome service making sure I understood the paint and all the needs to clean it up. I didn't feel pressured to purchase anything. They offered individual paints or sets for this particular type of paint. They had a selection of "specialty" colors that are made in small batches and a little more exclusive than the regular. Their open stock pens are glorious!!! Whether you are looking for an inexpensive Flair pen or Sharpie, or a more spendy Copic, you can choose from many different brands, and price points. They have canvases, and lots of blank bags, pouches, tshirts and other items that you can alter to share your art! They have numerous types of clay, molding clay, pottery clay, fine art medium and even novice kits. Prices: I shop a lot at other hobby and craft stores, so I would know if the Dick Blick prices are out of range. They aren't, in fact the prices were great! Stop by Starbucks and get a drink, and wander across the street and browse! i think you will love their selection and the wonderful atmosphere that appeals to your creative side! read more

It was my first time in the store and I went with the intention of buying paintbrushes. Since it was my first time, I walked around to look around the store to see what else they had and it became very uncomfortable. I noticed an employee walking around glaring at us. I'm not sure what about me seemed suspicious as my friend and I were just looking around and talking about different art projects and supplies. There were two different employees wandering with their eyes locked on us. It was really uncomfortable and I had no idea what I did or said to come off suspicious. Perhaps my melanated skin? Eventually, I went to check out and the cashier wasn't being explicitly rude but definitely had an off-putting attitude. This was really disappointing because I was excited to learn there was an art store near me but I suppose Im going to stick to Artist & Craftsman Supply where I actually feel welcome and at ease to shop around. They have a bigger selection too! read more

Staff is knowledgable and always super helpful and friendly. Well organized. Lots of options in each category!

Super happy with the service & the selection of COPICS available. My only issue is one of the markers I bought was cracked & therefore totally dry. COPIC sent me a replacement, so not a huge deal. I should have checked, but was in a bit of a hurry. Just recommend that when stocking the case, they check for cracks, so that customers don't end up getting damaged markers. read more

I tried out Blick after a disappointing encounter at what used to be my favorite local artist supply shop. I was not in the mood to go into another art shop after my encounter earlier in the day but my fiancé convinced me. As soon as we walked into Blick everyone was above and beyond with their service! Which turned my mood around for the rest of the day. They were amazing and the prices at Blick and material selection they offer are great. Great quality! Love love love. When I was ready to check out I asked about student discounts and rewards program, the lady helped sign me up for everything, she was so helpful and very kind! Blick is officially my go to art supplies shop stop! read more

Blick Art Materials - Canvas, canvas pad, erasers, mechanical pencil - Art Supplies Near Me - Kansas City, Missouri

Thank you to the helpful staff for helping me solve what items I needed for my project. Also, thanks for greeting people at the door and clearly marking the paths in the aisles, I felt safe shopping in your store during this time of COVID -19... e.s. read more

The world of art materials is a new one to me, so I went into Blick without a lot of knowledge about where to go or what to get. Blick had what I was looking for, although I had to comb through the store to find it. A recent marketing event at a bookstore showed me how fun it can be to channel your inner 10 year old and color. The new trend of zen adult coloring really is an excellent way to relax and get away from the digital world for a bit. I was introduced to the adult coloring trend with some top notch colored pencils and markers, but the group putting on the event was sold out of all the best utensils. That's what led me to Blick. We weren't exactly helped along the way here as the staff was occupied despite it being slow in there. We had to make our way through all the aisles to find the markers and pencils, but once we did it was pretty self explanatory. They have some scratch pads so you can test the products out and make sure it's what you need. Not a memorable experience by any stretch, but got the job done and I would definitely go back! read more

I decided to start painting. Not such a step up for me, I have a creative zen like artist in me, as I knit and I do collages, and other things....so I decided I wanted to paint. The "art" section of Hobby Lobby or Micheal's is a department I can spend hours in. BUT....the art section often doesn't always have the quality of material I knew I would need. Why waste money on cheap materials? So,I'm often drawn to places like Utrecht's. And I love paint in tubes.It intrigues me. I love canvases. So,I drove to Utrecht. Upon opening the door,I was lost in a sea of paint tubes, then a complete aisle of canvasses, then more canvas. then pens and sketch books. Before I got there,I dreaded the parking, knowing you absolutely can't park at Creative Coldsnow in Westport. I was in for a nice surprise. The parking is pretty much plentiful. There's a hair shop next to it, going out of business, where i finally bought a special brush. Hair shop..I could spend hours in there. I found the staff at Utrecht helpful. The thing is, 4 stars...I kept looking for black canvas,and a black sketch book. As far as I could see, there wasn't any. I did find black canvas at Joann's. Utrech has a complete supply of tube paints at excellent prices. Great price on brushes, and everything you need. Quality canvas.I don't care if you are just starting out, you need to start out with the right products. That way you won't be defeated. I bought some Utrecht tube paint,and I love it.It truly stays where it's put. That being said....why couldn't I find any black canvas? read more

If negative stars could be used, I would do so. This is the first time in my life that I have been treated with this level of abuse and disregard. These folks make Randall's Pharmacy seem like a trip to Mister Roger's Neighborhood. Stopped by today for supplies to finish a small project. My husband was with me. We went to the aisle where the paper I needed was stocked. I am nearsighted & wear prescription glasses so couldn't read the tiny print on the paper drawers. Lifted my glasses to read which meant lifting my face shield. I have a documented medical condition and can't wear a face mask. Its never been a problem anywhere (traveling and working through several states). From across the store an employee literally started screaming at me. I tried to begin to explain what I was doing to her, but she interrupted me with more yelling. Absolutely no effort made to listen to me, to find out what was going on or anything. I finally raised my voice and asked for assistance. She very reluctantly approached and finally began to try to help. Unfortunately, a second employee came over and started yelling at me again, and like the first one, interrupted me and would not listen to anything I tried to say. This second employee yelled that I was not allowed to wear a face shield and that I would have to order online and use curbside pick-up. My masked husband was standing right there, but apparently her authoritarian zeal clouded her vision as well as her hearing. The sign on their door did not exclude face shields. What irony that a segment of society that considers itself to be among the most progressive should behave in such a gestapo-like manner. Shameful. read more

Full Disclosure: I worked at this Utrecht from 2004-2007. That being said, I know it really well. I also don't know it in a way, because they just moved next door (now at 4144 Main instead of 4142) into what had been a dry cleaning place. With the move came greater space, tons of new product, and lots of beautiful new displays/shelves. They also have little shopping carts now! The main thing that I love about Utrecht is that they offer a variety of art supplies, at a variety of prices. One of the largest areas of the store is painting, and Utrecht has their store brand of paint in addition to several other brands of each kind of paint. The store brand is less expensive, but you generally don't suffer in quality. It is good stuff. If acrylic is your thing, besides the Utrecht brand, they carry the largest (or at least largest I've seen) selection of Golden paints and mediums. Utrecht is not all painting though. There are tons of drawing supplies - every kind of sketchbook you could possibly want. With the expansion came a HUGE selection of Moleskine books and Rhodia sketchbooks. Lots of Prismacolor pencils and markers - individually available or in sets. My personal favorites - Pitt pens and Micron pens. Charcoal in every form, pencils, a zillion erasers, sharpeners, etc. There is a row of flat files with individual sheets of printmaking papers, drawing paper, watercolor paper, and more. There is a very respectable printmaking section, and quite a large architecture/drafting section. I think the main area that is not covered is photography. A few tips: Back-to-school times can get a little crazy, but they usually have great sales on basics, and are keeping stocks up. Truck days used to be Wednesdays (not sure if they still are) so Tuesday you might find something not in stock or low in stock, and Wednesdays everything is getting put away though by the evening it is generally readily available. They are really good at placing special orders, and at trying to find what you need if they don't have it. The staff has extensive knowledge of product, and really works with you to solve problems or find the best materials for you. Now, if someone is new, they may not know tons yet, but they are usually very good at grabbing the more experienced person to answer questions. There is almost always a sale or coupon out there. The ArtSmart card is just a savings card. They seriously do not sell information, and all you get in the mail are coupons, and a fat catalog once a year. Another of my favorite things is that all kinds of people shop there. You will see tons of students, professors, professional artists, hobbyists, kids, everyone. I just found out that Adam Jones, the guitarist from Tool, was in there when they came through town a month ago! Damnit...I love Tool! read more

I was expecting one thing, but experienced another. We went in here the other day to pick up some drafting/school supplies. I was amazed with how many people were staffing the store. We were offered help on every aisle, and each staff person was super helpful. One person in particular gave great, budget-conscious tips to help guide our purchases. The icing on the cake came when I tried to use the yelp check-in coupon for 20% off a single item. This budget friendly clerk was kind enough to say, "oh no, let's use the student discount 'cause it will save you more." That's it, I'm sold on Utrecht! read more

I had a horrible encounter with an employee who scolded me and said, "you can leave" when I could not pay with my card because it didn't have a PIN and apparently there was no way around it. I didn't gather her name, but she was short in height, with short, curly, colored hair. I will not be returning to this store because of this interaction. read more

Let's face it, college students need bargains. Furthermore, college students who also have a mortgage REALLY need bargains. That said, Utrecht offers a plethora of bargains to the art-savvy student. Being mostly a photography student, I rarely found a need to visit Utrecht; however, recently I have been attending drawing and design classes that require me to acquire certain materials. The college bookstore is way too expensive, so I turned to Utrecht for their weekly coupons and in-store specials. I have found that the materials that I need are almost always on sale. And if they're not, then my inbox presents me with a beautiful 40% off coupon that I can use. Plus, the staff is always welcoming me as I first enter the store. As I trek deeper, with a kid-in-a-candy-store look in my eyes, they always chime in with, "Is there anything I can help you find today?" When I say always, I truly mean it, as every member of the staff is willing to help you, no matter how busy they are. I give this Utrecht 5 stars for friendliness, availability and price. read more

This place is just ok. They staff isn't the friendliest and not knowledgeable on products.

Richard right away assisted me when I showed I was in need of help picking out so many materials. He helped me on and off for about and hour while I took my time. He was very knowledgeable and seemed genuinely happy to teach me some things. I am new at calligraphy and he was experienced. I can't explain how much of a difference he made in my whole experience give the man the recognition as an employee he needs to hear it! Thank you Richard ! read more

I had two very different experiences at Blick. My first visit I had a lady help me that later I felt shafted. I told her I needed a specific type of charcoal. She selected a different kind and told me they were exactly the same. They are not. I needed a portfolio. I mentioned that I would be carrying it distances. I selected an inexpensive one. I felt after our conversations, she should have told me that it would not hold up well to my needs. The straps immediately broke making the portfolio useless for my needs. I will say the store made it right by refunded my cost of the portfolio, but it would have been nice to get something appropriate for my needs from the start. I needed more items and went back a few weeks later. This time I had a lady helping me that was fantastic. She explained differences in items to help me understand what would be more appropriate for my needs preventing me from ending up with something that would not work and having to buy more stuff like previously. If you know exactly what yopu need going in, this is a great place. If you get the right person to help you, this is a great place. If someone doesn't have the knowledge to help, they should get someone else and stay at the register. read more

Great experience and great products. First time in the store and I got great customer service. The store is small but has a lot of great stuff. The employees helped me find what I needed, advised me on quality vrs price and made asure I got what was best for me and my budget, and even wrote down an item that I wanted and they didn't have so they could see about ordering it in. The prices were great and almost everything I bought was on sale read more

I am totally non artistic but I like to mat and frame my photos. The staff is always friendly and helpful. They don't act too artsy to help me. Unlike a place no longer in Westport where they made me feel like I was too "un artistic" to even walk into their store. They have a line of picture frames that are really nice and affordable and the glass is UV protected - a big plus. It also doesn't hurt that it's right on my way home from work. I like that they are open on Sundays since I do a lot of my matting on the weekends and seem to always manage to run out of something. read more

I visit Utrecht Art Supplies because of its convenient location. It is located on Main Street, near 43rd Street, which is a great help when purchasing supplies for classes with the Kansas City Art Institute (whose building for Continuing Education and Professional Studies is just a stone's throw away) Utrecht has a good selection of products for a variety of mediums. They also offer discounts for students and instructors of the Kansas City Art Institute (KCAI) with valid ID. read more

I'm not an artist but when I've tangled myself into some sort of creative project I have no idea how I got into in the first place - it's always a good idea for me to stop here to get my bearings. Utrecht meets the technical needs of the artist: supplying the paints and brushes, the easel, the canvas, the frames and the portfolios, everything is covered. Last year when I had dyed a silkscreen of Bob Dylan brown - it didn't quite turn out as planned - so I double dyed it in a lighter pink color and the result was this crazy funky pattern that looked like pink smoke clouds floating across a brown sky. It was unexpected - I was just experimenting but as soon as I saw the change, I knew I had to frame it. An art teacher I knew told me to bring it to Utrecht to get some advice on what size to purchase and how to put it together. The staff was artsy, Westport-y and very helpful - they took one look at my silkscreen and handed me what I needed! It was too easy and I felt like such a newbie in there, like I didn't belong among the artists buying their real supplies for their real art. But the staff didn't laugh at me as I expected, they didn't judge my work - they only helped me get the outcome I wanted from it. Utrecht is the only place I'll buy art supplies that go beyond markers and construction paper. read more

I'm a pencil artist. I have trouble finding colors. Too often they need restocking and I am forced to shop online and pay horrible shipping. Love the store but frustrating read more

My first trip to this location (Tuesday October 20th). I had been to a store in Vacaville, California initially. This store is the best art store I've found. The staff was very helpful and friendly. They had a huge selection-found everything I'd wanted and more. The only caveat was that they don't carry the paintbrush type spatulas. (This tool resembles a paintbrush but has a wide soft rubber where the bristles normally are) Great store and staff. Loved it! read more

Good selection and prices, even sales. But I am sorry - SNOOTY. Which surprises me based on other reviews. I didn't hear the exchange in question, but after another patron left the store, they were criticizing his inquiry and acting like he was a total dweeb. Then one of them said: "obviously you are not a REAL artist!" Really? What does that mean? And even if the guy was a total egotistical tool, you really can't say that in front of other customers. You sell things. People give money to you in order to leave your store with your goods. There is no pedigree nor license required to do so. I don't care if that guy was going to use his poster board to advertise a garage sale, shut it. Then when I checked out, the gal said: "your Utrecht card???" and when I told her I didn't have one she replied: "like, at ALL?" Really? read more

The employees at Utrecht Art Supplies are very helpful! They pointed me in the right direction, and were very friendly!! Definitely stop here!! read more

I went to Utrecht to frame a Pastel that I have done.. 18 x 24". The girl assured me that this two sided full sheet of 18 x 24" sticky stuff would work for mounting it. She didn't tell me about using small pieces of matting to keep the pastel from hitting the glass. the main thing is she had no real idea what she was talking about though she acted like she did. I put the sticky stuff on and as I told her I am not a professional at this at all. She said i would be able to reposition the artwork on the sticky piece of paper. Well guess what. It got stuck in the wrong position.. I couldnt move it without the paper ripping and the artwork.. ruined. NOT happy. read more

Love Utrecht; cheapest prices I've found around the area and a plentiful selection (except for drawing pencils, for some reason...but perhaps I missed that aisle?). I really appreciate the prices being even lower with their student discount and the staff is friendly and helpful. read more

I really like this place! Sometimes I get my canvas stretchers here. It is a little pricey, but very high-quality, good supplies. Staff is helpful. Store is clean and well-organized. read more

Wow! I ALMOST got some customer service here. Almost. You have about a 51.9% chance, as the women are helpful and polite but the men are snots and want to make you believe you don't know your pastel from your crayon (which you do) and that you should wait 10 minutes to pay for your items (which you don't). I will go to Coldsnow's in Westport from now on. read more

I was surprised by my last few visits to Utrecht. Unprofessional. As I browsed the store, looking for assistance, I over heard conversation coming out of their office space. The woman, who I gather is the manager was talking to an employee about something they had done wrong. She was loud enough for me to hear with the door almost completely shut. I felt uncomfortable I just needed assistance with an item, and wanted to be on my way. I have come to realize from other visits that this woman is very domineering. She talks down to employees, and she has been very short with me in the past. I have never written a review of a business, but I feel that this store needs to hear whats up. Not all the employees are bad, but you never know who you will get when you walk in. I hate to leave their great prices and some of the good exchanges I have had with employees, but I would rather shop at a giant crafts store where no one talks to you, than be made to feel awkward or unwanted due to someones lack of professionalism. I will not be back. read more

Good selection? Mostly. Prices? Nooooo. So FW Acrylic Inks price out at seven and change here, five bucks at Hobby Lobby, Michaels, etc. They had their cost printouts on display during my visit, $2.30. 200%+ markup? No thanks. Price gouge another demographic instead of a market of artists trying to make it. Thumbs down in my book. read more