Super helpful staff. I ask a lot of questions! Tons of selection. Just name it! They got it! They are a lil pricey but I feel it's just how art is. Paint, pastels, paper, etc. I like to browse here a lot. read more

Columbia Art & Drafting Supply - Art Supplies Near Me - Portland, Oregon

I can't imagine rating Columbia Art & Drafting Supply anything less than five stars; they quite literally have everything and at very good prices. I work nearby and frequently go in for all kinds of misc and only ONCE did they not have what I was looking for, and to be fair to them it was more of an office supply store item than art supplies. The staff is super friendly and on more than one occasion has even let me in right as they were closing for emergency purchases. They're the best. read more

I am taking a couple art/design classes and Columbia was on the recommended list for supplies (or Blick or online). In trying to avoid Amazon and stay in east Portland, I stopped by. I think it's street parking only. I've driven by here many times and not realized the store was here. It's not a huge store but they have a lot of stuff. Layout was not intuitive to me, but the staff at the front was happy to point me in the right direction. I'm not super familiar with pricing for this kind of stuff, but it seems mid to high range. They have a discount for PCC students. I enjoyed the shopping experience and would visit again! read more

Columbia Art & Drafting Supply - Art Supplies Near Me - Portland, Oregon

I've been shopping here for over 20 years and have always had mixed feelings about their customer service skills. I mostly buy 100 pack clear sleeves to protect my art prints. I've had to return some for defects and what is obvious impressions into the product, likely due to carelessness on their part from staking things on them. As a bicyclist, protecting them in transport is paramount. When I've inquired about providing some kind of protection for them, sometimes the sales people act annoyed and fail to give any help whatsoever. Yesterday was even worse. The supposed manager (not the owner or family) told me they couldn't provide anything and said that I should bring my own protection (which I do at times). I pleaded with them and they did not budge. I turned to the newer hire and they were quite accommodating and helpful and understood my concerns. I was still charged for bags I did not use and had to fend for myself and use their recycled cardboard to protect the $30 product I had just bought. I urge anyone that has anxiety issues and bad experiences with customer service to avoid this store. I like to support local businesses but for the sake of being treated horribly - it's not worth it. I will never be shopping here again. I also found the 100 pack sleeves for $5 less at I've Been Framed. Support other local stores that don't racially profile and treat their customers like criminals and just plain rotten, etc. read more

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This place was great! I had a very good experience. People were helpful. Great selection of supplies, especially paper. Better than Blick for sure. Not sure why all the bad reviews. read more

Awesome store, dunno why the website is showing up only on page two with a Google search...other than Google is evil and stuff. But yeah, my go to store for art stuff. David Curtis, Pi-Des.org read more

Columbia has a wide selection of supplies, friendly staff, and very reasonable prices. I was especially excited to see a modest ceramics section, with tools for throwing and sculpting, and Speedball glazes and underglazes. Check out Columbia on your next arts, crafts, stationary, or hobby supply run! read more

They have a very good variety of drafting and art supplies for many interests. Service is low key but always available. Prices are competitive against larger competitor Blick Art Supply. read more

Very well stocked art supply store. Every bit as good as the larger chains if not better. As with any store I'm sure you might be watched by the help if you are a TEENAGER, not because you are black according to reviewer Smith, J.I found that there was adequate, not over- bearing help, but I'm a middle aged white lady..... As a professional lifelong artist I thought their range of inventory was impressive. read more

Columbia Art & Drafting Supply - Grice farm granary, Beaverton - Art Supplies Near Me - Portland, Oregon

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Attention feels a bit aloof and unhelpful here. Much of the sales staff is not well equipped to answer technical questions. And the store is somewhat poorly stocked. The only reason I shop here is because it is close to my studio. I wish shopping here was a better experience. read more

It's nice to have an art store within walking distance from where I am living. Years and I mean years ago, I worked in an art store in Woodbridge, NJ. A huge two story place that graced Route 1 for a long time. On my last visit to New Jersey I saw that it was gone. I never thought that could happen. Well, now on to the present. Columbia is a nice and small art store with basically everything one could need for most all mediums. I will say things are a bit pricey and well, I could take a short hike over to the Pearl and visit Blick but if it is convenience I can just as easily get some quick items here. The place does remind me quite a bit of that old art store in New Jersey. Sort of an organized chaos but it all works. Framing to the right, canvases in the back along with the paper. Easels and brushes up front and the various paints in the middle of the store. It works and being that I have a photo/painting project that I am about to undertake, I will most likely be visiting shortly for purchases. Enjoy. read more

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Anybody else trying to pick up a new hobby or project during COVID? I know I sure am. And thanks to an incredibly positive experience at Columbia Art & Drafting Supply, this is the first place I'll stop the next time I need supplies. Speaking of COVID: their responsible shopping practices are great. They have a clerk watching the door and allowing in only a certain number of customers at a time. I don't know if they require masks, as everybody was already wearing one (and to get on my soapbox... WEAR A DAMN MASK, PEOPLE!), but they also sell great masks right here in case you forgot yours. They ask that you have a prepared list and don't just browse, which again... that's just playing well with others. Something we all should have learned in kindergarten. It was my first time in the store and even though it's well organized and I was able to get most of the stuff on my list with no problem, I had some troubles finding a thing or two. Thankfully there were plenty of staff on hand to assist, and i was in and out within 10 minutes. Easy breezy. Check out was fast and safe, with plexiglass in between the customers and the register clerks. It was from start to finish a positive experience, and one that allowed me to still support a local biz without sacrificing any convenience or sense of comfort/safety. I look forward to returning. read more

Yes, so I called to see if they had a particular pen I was looking for. The gal on the phone was extremely friendly and more than gracious to look. She asked how many I wanted and checked to see how many they had. She pulled them for me so I could just run in and get them. When I arrived she had them ready and was more than helpful in seeing about another type of pen I was looking for. 5 stars!!!! read more

To preface, I'm a broad, tall, half black male. I went here and found most of what I needed. The stock of items was on par, at least for my specific needs. Unfortunately the employees were not, I got followed around, and treated weirdly, as if I didn't belong in an art store and was lost looking for the sporting goods store. This is something I've dealt with a lot specifically in art circles. You can't be a tall minority with above average musculature without being second guessed by "true artists". Literally every interaction made me feel othered. In one specific instance I bought a ton of foamcore and the asked if they had an extra foamcore shipping box I could transport it in. I was expecting a yes or no answer and instead got a questionnaire and was accused of trying to sell the shipping box on eBay??? I don't even know what that means. I didn't know there was some lucrative market for cardboard foamcore shipping boxes on eBay. Other than that the cashier was generally snooty and gave off the "TRUE artist gatekeeper" vibe that I've seen a million times. Usually artists that pretend to be liberal and "woke" but when it comes down to it use their "gut feeling" when a minority with muscalature walks into their sacred artist space. Artist and Craftsman on Lombard treated me completely normally. Completely normal, regular interactions. I'd recommend that place if you're you're a minority and or have ever worked out. If you look like a cartoon stereotype of an artist I'm guessing you are unlikely to arouse any suspicion from the gatekeepers, and won't have any problem at this store. read more

I love this place for the selection of materials snd for the excitement of getting new ideas from browsing here

I wanna thank Bex for helping me out with my thousand questions on supplies. They were super nice and helpful

The staff here are so incredibly helpful and kind. The store is massive, wonderfully organized, and well stocked. Prices are very reasonable. I love Columbia Art & Drafting Supply and how inspired I feel to be creative every time I come to the store. Support this local business!! read more

I have yet to find the art supply store that is a cross between Trader Joe's private source goods and the tenth the price discounters specializing in expired goods. Hey, if that Rembrandt is good, then some tubes of oil paint a hundredth of his age should be OK - right? A favorite is Daniel Smith, but Columbia has all those things going for it that we love in Portland. First, the price is right. I found an item here cheaper than Amazon. And I bought it. The price of framing everywhere is a crime, so I can't comment if his place is any different. Second, they are a local business not a national chain, as is their closest competitor. Third, free parking! Portlanders love free parking. Fourth, great customer service. No more mopey sales people in art stores! Fifth, quirky! Yes, Columbia joins Portland's small museums! They have a collection, well 3, of hand made wood scale warplane models. That's weird! read more

This comprehensive shop is the Powell's of Art & Drafting supplies. Oils, Acrylics, Pre-cut Mattes, Portfolios, Rhodia Notepads, Color Pencils, Water Colors, Charcoal (not the BBQ kind), Canvas, Instruction Books, Kitchen Sinks (not really), etc..... It started me thinking (always dangerous), maybe one day I could open a studio somewhere and just produce and sell art full time (coffeehouses, saturday market, internet, door-to-door :P, galleries, pioneer square). Some photography, some abstract mixed media acrylic, some random ink doodles, some cut-n-paste old school collages, some paint-by-numbers (I'm sure there's a market somewhere). Anyway (I seem to have to say that a lot in my meandering reviews), should this pipe dream even come to fruition I imagine this is where I'd go for supplies. Aside from the replete selection, the level of customer service here is notably outstanding. While comparing expensive starter acrylic sets I was approached by a friendly staff member who quickly ascertained that I was having difficulty locating exactly what I was looking for. A few brief polite questions later she whisked me to another area of the store (that I passed up earlier) and found me a starter acrylic set that was not only a quarter of the price as the ones I was previously perusing, but also included a canvas and three brushes. It's nice to shop somewhere where you can trust the staff to find you what you need at the best price, she could have easily let me walk out with something much more expensive. Anyway (see I said it again), whether you're an aspiring Artist or a true Arteest this is a great shop to find art supplies, drafting supplies, and maybe even some inspiration. read more

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I love this place!! I like supporting a more local store than a big chain. They have everything I need for any project I'm embarking on, and the staff is so fun nice and knowledgeable! I could spend an hour here just looking around and getting inspired. Highly recommend! read more

This store's customer service is absolute & utter excrement. The manager recommended products; doesn't accept returns of said products (after denying she made the recommendations), and then proceeded to try to lecture me. She's a deplorable, bitter woman whose parents clearly didn't love her enough and I urge you NOT to shop here. As someone who has worked in customer service, I'm always shocked that people take jobs working with the public when they CLEARLY they should not be. Furthermore, the supplies are poorly organized and overpriced and the staff is too busy ringing people up to help you - or even notice you. They are also out of many items that the shelves have spaces for. I'm usually a fan of Mom & Pop shopping, but in this case - I'm looking forward to the day Amazon cleans their clock. In sum, they are evil and must be destroyed. read more

Great selection of art supplies. They carry Golden brand paints (my favorite) as well as a multitude of other brands. I like the broad selection of pens and paints. Nice place to shop for any type of art supplies. Most of their sales people are helpful, some are rather indifferent. If you ask for something they don't carry, be prepared for a dismissive response. read more

The first time I visited this place was around five years ago. I'd purchased some oil paintings during a trip to Bolivia, and in order to pack them in my luggage I had the paintings removed from their stretcher frames and placed in mailing tubes. When I got to Portland I had to hunt around for a place willing to remount them on stretchers, and someone recommended Columbia. They ended up doing a great job. I also had them frame the paintings (Columbia Art & Drafting has a large in house frame shop). I couldn't be happier with the results. They did a great job. The framing was expensive (it cost me more than the paintings!), but then again, framing is expensive everywhere. Last week I finally returned to buy some actual art supplies (drawing materials), and again I was pleased with the selection and the pricing. This isn't an 'arts and craft' sort of store like the Michael's Art store chain inasmuch as it lacks the "and crafts" part of the selection. That means you won't find yarn and knitting supplies or glitter and decoupage, or scrap booking materials, or any of that middle brow hausfrau bullshit. It's an art supply shop, carrying paint and brushes and paper and pens and easels, and drafting supplies and whatnot. And in that domain the selection is big. It's a fairly large store. read more

Very helpful staff, social distancing and masks mandatory. Buy a pad of paper get one free. I will be back!

If your a person of color don't shop here! Me and my friend came to buy art supplies and were followed throughout the whole store by a Middle Aged white women who wasn't even even wearing a mask. Me and my friend have never stolen we looked very well put together the only thing that made her follow was the fact my friend was black. It makes me really sad that we were that uncomfortable and at the end didn't even want to buy our supplies but still did. read more

I've shopped here many times and was never treated rudely. When I've needed help I was able to get it. I use some supplies I can't get anywhere else. This is a big store. i recommend them. read more

Damn you, government bureaucracy. Thanks to all your hang-ups about safety, quality control, law adherence, accurate document keeping, and that never-failing love of labor distribution, I burn through so many trees in my daily life. As of this afternoon, the end products of a noble Douglas fir take up space in the shred bins. Even Smoky the Bear would take one look and be all, "You guys are destructive." So you might expect a strict paperless regiment in my unprofessional life. But, sadly for the trees, that is not the truth. I love paper. I judge you by the number of scribble pads you keep around. I sniff fresh reams sent by the office supply store. Heavy card stock, wrapping paper, stationery with scalloped edges in non-offensive colors with envelopes to compliment, origami - if you carry it, I will fondle it. Lovingly, not creepily. Actually, probably kind of creepily. See, I'm such a fan of usefulness coinciding with aesthetic quality. Through my day, I jot down about a page's worth of movies I might like to see, songs I might like to download, errands I might like to do. I need notepads the way other people need Red Bull. But I don't like the primary colored-kind that remind me of elementary schools. Nope, I'm an expensive date. I love writing tablets of a certain class. So the paper selection at Columbia made me drooly and content. They also carry just about any other item your art and draft needs would call for. They even carry an oceanic origami kit for children. For children, I said! There's no way I put that on my Undecided Winter Holiday list. Now if you'll excuse me, I have tiny boxes to construct with my fingers. read more

I am pretty sure this is the worst customer service I have encountered in my many years in Portland. I'm a pretty easy-to-please customer, so that's saying a lot. I took two large prints in to get framed. The guy at the framing counter was very nice and helped me find the pre-made frames I needed and told me they could have the prints dropped into the frames in "a week, maybe less." I assumed that meant no more than 7 days. I paid the pretty steep bill and headed out. Ten days later I come in to see if they are done, as I hadn't gotten a call yet. One is done, one is still sitting where I left it. Okay, well, I'll take the one that's done, right? NO. I can't have it because they have no proof I paid for it, as the counter girl forgot to stamp the paper that I had to relay across the store for them. I don't have the receipt on me, of course... why would I think I'd need to bring that? Magically, my other pictured was framed and ready the next day and with receipt in hand I went to pick them both up. Okay, that's all pretty annoying.. but it's the way it was handled that really grinds my gears. I brought up my disappointment in a very diplomatically Oregonian way and was told basically it was my fault for not telling them I needed it sooner and as for having to come back and prove I paid for it? Well, that sucks, bummer. No apology, just, "bummer". As a business owner myself, I would *never* let someone leave the store so dissatisfied and not at least *try* to make reparations, say I'm sorry or offer a discount on a future purchase because their patronage is important to me. On top of that I literally let the door hit me on the way out as I tried to maneuver the door with my large frames in hand. Some nice customers did come to my aid, and that was the most pleasant experience I had there. Blargh. read more

Pros: -Good selection of things you can't afford. Cons: -Good selection of things you can't afford. As an Asian, I understand how customer service can be different from culture to culture, so in a way, I understand their introvert customer service skills. The thing that was annoying was that there were two other employees talking about drug, sex and alcoholism by cutting table. I'm here to shop for paper; not in a quest to find out how big your 15th boyfriend's penis was. read more

I found the staff to be very helpful and polite. They had everything I was looking for and priced reasonably. I'm stoked that they stock parts for my equipment so I'll definitely be going back. read more

I just started an Airbrushing business. I have MASS experience with these, but not in the specific area I'm going into, so naturally I needed assistance re-establishing my equipment and supplies. Went to Columbia. I was directed to the "Airbrush Expert" and I will say from the start that woman had no idea what she was talking about. And she was rude and condescending. I doubt she ever even picked up an airbrush, but she's the "expert". Everything she suggested, was wrong in some way and resulted in a few returns. The return policy is very strict, but I was able to get them to take back the mistakenly sold items since it was an obvious snafu on her part. I always bought something in replacement, usually spending more then was originally sold. Then I had to buy a regulator and it all went down hill from there. The "expert" became rude, then hostile and then just walked away from me in mid sentence. I'm incredibly nice, so this was just uncalled for. Unfortunately for me, I really needed her help to purchase the correct part. I got the "regulator" she recommended, and it was not a regulator for the size tank I had. I returned that. I needed this for a gig the next day, so I was determined to get the right regulator. She then sold me the more expensive model and told me to go to the hardware store to make it fit, because she didn't have the parts. Turns out THAT regulator (CHEAP) was NOT suited for a 5lb Co2 tank either, but a 12oz can of Co2. That part they sold me could have cracked under the 5000lbs of PRESSURE it was under, and taken shrapnel to some poor sap- probably me, maybe a client- but I knew when that thing started FREEZING over it wasn't safe to use and my gig was shot. Hundreds of $$$ lost. Never once used the thing after the first try. The point- Her ignorance put me or my clients in physical danger. When I tried to return this the next day- none of the employees would deal with me, and they brought out the owner, who blamed me for everything and told me to leave and never come back! They took their shotty regulator back after I put up a fight, but I have already spent over $1000 in that store over the last year. I am a professional and expect professional equipment and supplies. But I never expected to be treated SO BADLY. These folks have the worst customer service I've experienced in memory. Buyer beware, if you buy tools or equipment here and have to return it- YOU ARE OUT OF LUCK. Run, don't walk, to the next Art and Drafting Supplier. I recommend Utrecht. If you need a regulator, Buy one from a welding shop. They know what they are talking about and that will keep you safe. read more

I really want to like this place more. I really do. With the recent sale of Art Media to the Dick Blick art store empire, buying local is more difficult than ever. When it comes to drafting and airbrushing supplies, this place has a better selection than pretty much anyone else in town. The selection here is good. Despite all the "sale" items, most of what you are seeing is the discount off MSRP, which almost nobody charges in the art supply world. Don't get too excited. The prices aren't bad, but they aren't anything to write home about either. They have an extensive selection of airbrushes and replacement parts. What they don't have, unfortunately, is customer service. I am pushing forty years old real hard and I don't think I have the look of a creep, and I don't really like being followed around the store and glared at as if I am shoplifting. I went to buy some parts for a Badger airbrush once, parts amounting to maybe 15 or 20 dollars, and the rude person at the airbrush counter INSISTED on walking them to the front counter for me, I guess so that I wouldn't steal them. By the time I got to the counter where I was intending to ask them to hold onto the parts so I could look around my total was already rung up and a hand was out waiting for payment. This experience has had me looking elsewhere for anything having to do with airbrushes ever since. I went back recently for pen and ink supplies and perhaps the memo has gotten to the owners that treating everyone like a potential shoplifter is not winning them any friends. I found the customer service better, and one employee in particular who was stocking shelves was very personable and helped me pick out some ink for technical pens and showed me where some other odd-ball things are. Today's experience is why I am giving this place three stars instead of the one or two I was planning on giving it. Hooray, for the guy with the close-cropped hair. read more

I went there with my grandma and I was overwhelmed with the number of supplies. I only got a few things but I wanted to get so much more. I definitely will come back again. read more

This is THE BEST art store in town. The staff is always friendly, helpful and accessible. I can find things here that other stores don't carry. Their selection is really amazing and they keep the shelves well stocked. The paint brush sales make me so happy! Their prices are a tad higher than some other art stores, but it is well worth it to not have to make multiple trips. read more

4 years ago as a fresh-faced architecture undergrad, I walked into the Columbia Art & Drafting to pick up a few things I figured I would need as a design student in the coming years. While excited for this new adventure, I must have looked confused as hell, for upon entering I was almost instantly asked what I needed help finding. I explained my school plans to an older gentleman who (if memory serves correctly) was a retired architect in town. He beamed and started at one end of the store and walked each aisle with me telling me what I was sure to need in my studios and what tools were simply a waste. I ended up with a basket full of all the basics and a student discount at the register. When I got to school a week later and received the "Freshman Architecture Supply List" from the bookstore I'll be darned if it wasn't almost identical to what I had purchased (and for a much more reasonable price!) My subsequent trips home for holidays and summers have since included a trip here with a loose list of the general things I need, but I always end up with items much better. From erasers to scales to drafting boards I have been 105% thrilled with everything I've purchased! Bottom line: This place has everything and the staff knows their stuff. read more

Let's just say this place is no chain and every visit there can be described as "colorful". I've visited over a dozen times. Once (quite awhile ago) I heard a man in the back yelling at the top of his lungs at some hapless female (who tried to defend herself verbally). It went on quite awhile and I thought...... that guy yells like the guy on "Hells Kitchen". Apparently we are dealing with some sort of familial hierarchy here and (as in our own families), there are going to be good days and bad days, resulting in this wide variety of reviews. I've felt the eyes on me that have been described by other reviewers. I can only think that there has been so much shoplifting they are suspicious of everyone. For some reason this doesn't offend me, maybe because I like so many things about the store. I love the sketchbook section (the best in Portland) and they sell things that are hard to find (like boxes of d-rings for framing). I give them 4 stars because, despite all the unusual vibes from the staff...they have items I use and parking is easy. Just pretend you are shopping in some other country where courtesy is not always the watchword. read more

NIB SELECTION: They have a larger variety of nibs than any other art store I've seen in Portland thus far (I'm comparing Columbia to 4 other stores I've gone to on both the west and east side). PAPER DEALS: There is a constant rotation of different types of paper pads for "buy one, get one free." AMAZING deal and such a good way to experiment with new surfaces...which as most of you know can truly change the outcome of your work. SERVICE: Not sure why there have been complaints on the service. Every person from the family has been extremely kind and helpful to me. They go out of their way to make sure I leave the store with all the supplies I need. There is nothing worse than making a supply run, and then coming home with that one essential missing part. Yaaa know what I mean? read more

This is my first time coming to this art store, I came here for an art project I was working on. They had everything I needed and more. Their selection was pretty impressive and robert helped me out with finding all my supplies! Definitely would come back. read more

Great store with a large paper selection and very easy to get in and out of... almost everyone in the staff is helpful and knowledgeable... and if you can't find it here ... it probably doesn't exist. They carry nearly every supply you might need for nearly any art/craft, except the "scrap-bookers", note, this is an ART store, not a photo decoration store, try PaperZone for your scrap-booking, glue stick, ink pad, stamp maniac, and die-cut needs. Plus it's only a few blocks from my house, so that's a big bonus. read more

My home area is full of Michael's and AC Moore and thus really really lacking in physical access to any higher quality or more niche art supplies. So when I travel, I like to find places that I can actually see and handle the products I would ordinarily have to purchase online, sight unseen. For pens and markers, the selection was amazing. I was a little disappointed by the range of paper/notepads/sketchbooks. I would have liked to see a couple other brands and grades of paper available. Prices on everything I was looking for were very reasonable. I don't know if a certain grumpy mystique is part of the schtick here, but either they need better signage to make it clear where everything is (calligraphy nibs were a struggle) or employees who seem less disinterested in talking to customers. That said, I will still be back again. read more