The customer service representative went above and beyond all the other stores I called... Even though they did not have what we needed just to speak with someone who cared enough to respond and search for what we needed was just what my wife and I needed. It's frustrating that T-shirt transfer vinyl suppliers are so limited in the DC area. Yet it was refreshing to interact with someone who cared. B&CJenkins read more

Great local Art Supply store! The staff was very friendly and the prices were decent enough. They had every product well laid out and organized. They also have a rewards program with discounts which I thought was cool. It's actually pretty big when considering the size of the building. Highly recommend instead of a big commercial store. read more

Hm, so from the outside all you see are a bunch of windows and doors that can't be used...but the inside is a different story. I'm talking floor to ceiling art supplies, for everything you could possibly imagine. It's a different world once you step through those doors. I promise. They also have a free membership program which gives discounts, so signing up is definitely recommended. The employees are very friendly, and will ask multiple times if you need help. The sweet woman who rang me up was kind enough to offer a few tips (thank goodness), since I had no clue about my chosen items. Really. I thought I did, but I didn't. At all. If you take a little time to observe the crowd, they're clearly seasoned artists who know their way around the store. There might be one or two who will glare pompously as the nice cashier offers a few tips, but all you have to do is glare back. Amateurs, you have every right to be here too. Don't let them scare you :P It was a pleasant experience overall, and I can't wait to come back and explore the aisles a bit further :) Just remember to park alongside the street or in the garage on Silver Spring Avenue (by Kaldi's Social House). read more

Need something framed? Look no further, I found your winner! My hubs and I yelped, called and visited multiple custom framing stores before deciding to go with this one. It wasn't even a tough call. (If you're an instant gratification fan, or a Dr. Seuss fan, here's the final product: http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/fPIwYfHNLSxW2mzcDX-X8Q?select=x3evD8xuoKyXfiMl2aoc4Q) The shop's got a laid-back, neighborhood feel, and when we first walked in I was worried that they wouldn't be super professional, or careful with our five-foot-tall (and expensive) piece of art, or in tune with making aesthetic decisions...but all of those fears were quickly put to rest! The lady who helped us (wish I knew her name!) was warm and friendly, casual but clearly experienced in handling artwork, treated our piece with care, and was WAY more patient with trying out different looks and putting up with our indecisiveness than any of the other stores we'd visited (which is necessary, I think, given how much an investment framing can be). She let us try practically every frame corner on the wall, and seemed to be as interested and enthusiastic as we were! She was also willing to offer her own suggestions and opinions but was careful not to push them on us. Not only was the service the best we found, the PRICE was way, way better. It was over $200 cheaper than a DC store that was allegedly running a 30% off sale and had offered to beat any price because they were so sure we couldn't find cheaper. We didn't even go back to ask them to beat this price, because we liked this store so much better. We got our piece back on time, and it was exactly the look we were going for! Totally in love with it! We'll definitely be back here if we need anything else framed! read more

Plaza Artist Materials & Picture Framing - Art Supplies Near Me - Silver Spring, Maryland

If you're any type of serious artist, this is the place for you. I went in here looking for a certain type of paper. Granted, artists pay premium prices for their materials, so be ready for a little bit of sticker shock - but they had anything and everything I needed. I was sent in for BRK Rives paper. Since that was a little too pricey ( as I was buying 60 sheets and at 4 dollars a sheet that would have been 240 dollars), I asked one of the stores attendants to help me out. She did her best with her knowledge and went to ask other sales associates for help when she needed it. All in all, a paper was found that was a better size, better price, the problem was that they only had 1 packet of it in stock. I needed three. They called the other store and had 2 more packs put only hold immeadiately. Customer service here was tops. Also, if you need a really specific type of paper - they have about 400 different types. It's kinda crazy. You need some sort of paper afficionado to shop in this B ( I guess that would be an artist). I went over to the other Plaza store in Bethesda to pick up the other 2 packs. The guy there was very friendly as well. Great experience Plaza! Thanks for all the help! read more

Need to change this to this location....Silly me!! Address: 229 W Chase St, Baltimore, MD 21201

Thought I'd support a local business rather than to online. Went to the Silver spring location to inquire about getting a frame restored or fixed. This location has a decent amount of metered parking on both sides of Georgia Avenue, but parking can be difficult depending on the time and day of week that you go. So, I put my money in the meter and walk across the street to the store. There's a line and so I make small talk with some of the staff and look around. After about 20 minutes, I let them know that I'll need to go and put more money in my meter and ask them for a specific time window. They couldn't so I end up leaving the frame there and the woman offers to call me before close of business with an estimate or statement of whether or not they can repair the frame. 1. So 30 minutes and about $1.50 in parking wasted. 2. ... and she never calls; I have to call the store repeatedly before I get a call back from her. (This is a hallmark of bad customer service.) 3. When she calls, it turns out the business is actually not as local as I thought. My frame had to be sent out to their central location for them to just look at it and tell me whether can be repaired. Turns out but couldn't be. 4. Tge staffperson tells me I can come in on a certain day to pick up the frame and she sorry that they weren't able to fix it. Somehow, my frame doesn't make it on to their delivery truck and so it's not available for me to pick up on the day she'd promised. And we wonder why brick-n-mortar stores are going belly up. read more

Late posting, my last picture framing was done over six months ago, but I wanted to review Plaza Artst. All who go here should know of the quality work with superb attention to fine art. I had two pieces framed and was pleased with the result for both. The frame consultant let me look through all the mat colors and held frame edge samples for me to judge what I liked best. Enormously pleased with the perfectly finished pieces, Plaza provided heirloom quality work. The back of the frame has heavy paper, the hang-wire was wrapped for strength and bolted to the wood frame. I wanted the painting's ragged edge to be visible. The piece was mounted on colored mat so the edge shows, it adds interest.... exactly how I wanted it. Fairly priced, I thought, for the amount of work that went into the finished product. Yessssss, you can buy a thin, ready-made frame from a big box store, and hope it doesn't go flying out of your hand before you get it hung. But if your art is to be gently handled and beautifully framed, be willing to pay a fair price. Our art should to get into the next generation. Treat yourself and your art to the best, it's a joy everytime you see it when it is well done. This shop lives in greatness. It was great when Mr. Lippman presided at the same address, pre-1983. May he Rest In peace with the beauty he created. Ever he artist, Mr. Lippmann would be pleased that respect for the art-quality still reigns at this address. He would be most pleased. We're lucky to have a shop in the local area that provides quality work. Plaza is a great place to go for stocking stuffer gifts that will inspire little artists: colors, brushes and papers, art materials of all kinds. read more

Plaza Artist Materials & Picture Framing - Lots to choose from, give yourself ample selection time. - Art Supplies Near Me - Silver Spring, Maryland

I'm not a professional ARTISTE (yes that word must be in all CAPS like a Kanye tweet) but I am an appreciator and hobbyist so this store fits the bill just nicely. The staff has always been helpful and friendly - even when they were swamped with people. And they have just about everything you could need! Well, minus if you're working on a quirky piece that might require unconventional items...in which I've heard that Scrap DC fits the bill nicely. The prices can range from good to a little up there but they do offer an awards program that can help you save on many things in the store. If you plan on coming here more than just once in a blue moon it's totally worth it to sign up. Happy creating! read more

I'm an art student and need supplies every semester that usually run up a bill of $239.61 at a particular art store that I won't name because I don't want to hurt their reputation because I really do love the place but they are expensive as heck. After assessing my options, I decided to give Plaza a shot. They have great advertising all over the art school at the University of Maryland and offer good sales and a student discount, so I was more than willing to give them a shot. I showed up with a list of stuff I needed and was served immediately. Friendly staff roamed around the store making sure people knew where to look for their items. I managed to find almost everything on my list on my own because of how organized the store is, but for the few things I couldn't find I was helped by one of the friendly Plaza staff members. I was able to find everything I needed within fifteen minutes, which is a record for me. I usually spend much longer in art stores trying to find everything. Plaza flows really well though, and it's so easy to find what you're looking for. My bill came to a number that was much, much less than what I'm used to spending on art supplies. I was extremely pleased with this, to say the least. Plaza came in for the win, and I will continue to go to them for any art supply needs!! read more

I wouldn't call myself an artist but hoo boy do I love playing with pens. And this place has a ton of different pens of all kinds for doodling, journaling, etc. I like browsing their paper goods and gifts and the aisle of kid stuff. I bet the hardcore artists like the hardcore art stuff, too. read more

This place is a jewel! Love shopping here compared to michaels. Get the plaza card for great discounts. Really well organized, good range of products, fun kids section as well (good for gift shopping). read more

This pertains to the Framing Service: I used to come to Pla-Za Art on a regular basis to get prints and posters framed for my office. So - I bought a GroupOn for $40 (value $100) to get a jersey framed. Standard size. I went in and was told the cost to frame a jersey, and have it stitched to a black board would cost - $1,500.... yes - One thousand and Five hundred $ -- but they could get the cost down the $500! When I balked at the price, they tried to work it to a smaller frame -- then it was as if I was too poor to afford it, so I could go elsewhere. $500 for a jersey framing!!! Spoke with several friends on the team for which I was trying to get the jersey framed -- and they all had them framed for $150 - 300. Major Rip-Off. Michael's is a lot - but their starting price was around $600. read more

Great place for getting your art supplies. Customer service is great. I was able to get the items I needed right away.

This feels like a mom and pop shop for art supplies but it has everything i need for my crafting :) the Plaza brand paints and brushes are very reasonable in price and do the job just as well as the more expensive name brands! The only thing I wish they had at this location is classes! :) They look like such fun and Rockville is a bit hard to get to without a car. Staff is very knowledgeable about their products and super helpful! Now, if they had beading supplies and fabrics, I wouldn't have to go anywhere else! :) read more

These reviews are for framing services. In terms of supplies, this place is great. Went to the silver spring and downtown locations in the last year. Downtown: I did feel I was on the end of a hard sale in the framing dept downtown, but the advice given was spot on. End result was fine, but wished I had listened to my instincts rather than the selling. My bad. My first experiences with one of the women in the Silver Spring location, however, were a nightmare. Not only not that nice, but tried to put one over on me with my final products--both of which frames cost over $200, and both of which had real errors, including in how my pieces were treated. Had to go back TWICE for them to fix correctly, and the frame quality was not great. The service I got the last go round was great, with apologies. Ultimately I kept them and didn't ask for a refund because they were fine, but will think twice about going back. read more

This is a great neighborhood shop full of lots of materials for artists of every kind. Really good selections on everything for everyone: novice, student, expert, or anywhere in between, with price points to match. For me, it's like being a kid in a candy store; I want to bring home everything and play with it all for hours. The prices are on-par with most other art supply shops, and can be a bit on the high side, but they often have huge sales and coupons. The staff here is always happy to help find an item or answer questions about what product to use for a specific result. They also have two shop cats (Winston & Newton, named after the paint company), that are just adorable. :) read more

First off the 2 star review is NOT because Plaza lacks in quality products or even service (from some very nice employees). Let me explain... At the silver spring plaza I have been assisted by some lovely people! One gentlemen in particular gives me the most stellar customer experience almost every time I have asked him for help. There are some really nice and approachable people working at this location, who know what they are talking about. So unfortunately, my rating is based off of the 2 older women working there. My complaint is mostly focused on the woman who I am assuming is the manager. It is alarming how rude she is to her employees in front of customers and when she doesn't know someone is hearing her. I also don't know if she is aware of how she glares at her employees and customers!!! But it is obvious and awkward and really turns me off to the store. I have seen this woman cut off conversation between customer and employee because she thinks that she knows better, interrupt transactions (with no sense of urgency), and bark orders with major attitude. And this is just in front of customers... The other older woman can be nice but she's always quibbling to herself about work.They both seem to base their customer servicing off of their mood that day... NO THANKS. So I will beeline to the nice employees. read more

A art supply store that carries the latest supplies, but continue to also sell items that some of us still use today. They have a wide selection of brushes and paints. read more

The service at this place is terrible. I asked for help and was made to wait for a very very long time while the worker was stocking shelves. She didn't direct me to someone else who was free, and there were people who were. I eventually left and asked someone else for help. Then I was told that they had to go to the back room to get a screen printing screen that I ordered. I followed the worker but was confronted by another worker who very rudely told me that I wasn't allowed in the back. Avoid if you can! read more

Terrific service from Vicky, who assisted us with custom framing some prints and artwork. She spent almost an hour showing us different options, even pointing us to less expensive options when she didn't have to. TWO thumbs up for Vicky! read more

The customer service here is outstanding, everybody was so helpful, nice and happy to be there. If you ever have a question it's like they have a radar and will find you before you find them. Some of the prices might be a little high but they have good quality stuff and if you're going to frequent this store definitely sign up for the rewards card, you get 20% off most things that aren't already on sale and you get a $5 coupon to use on your next purchase. They have everything you need here and if you're into art you could probably spend all day here. read more

if you've been to a plaza art store, the place is nothing new. standard art school supplies- wait for the "Back to school" sales to take advantage of the tremendous savings- you'd surely appreciate it if you're taking a studio class. helpful and courteous staff, good selection. what i particularly like about this one is the fact its in downtown silver spring and they have this awesome orange cat chilling on the shelves. i love stores with cats. this is why this store warrants a review. read more

Be careful with the framing. I did not get the glass I paid for on the first round and then the second was delivered damaged.

I can't recommend this store highly enough, especially Vicki, who handles the framing orders. She doesn't do the actual framing, it's sent to a central location, but she has helped me pick out the mats and frames and advised me on how to preserve my art. Today I brought in some antique prints that were heavily glued into old mats, which she was kind enough to painstakingly remove from the old mats and position in new. Of course she can't spend this much time helping a customer if there are other people waiting, but she always shares her expertise and good taste. This is the kind of service you just can't get at a box store. read more

As an artist they generally have everything I need. The prices are reasonable and even better if you sign up for their rewards card. Everyone is helpful and friendly. read more

Friendly store that's worth exploring. I'm always looking for new paper & pens, and their selection is excellent and easy on my wallet. Say hi to the cat. read more

Extremely happy with the advice and quality of the framing work we have done here. Repeat visit.

I love them! They are ALWAYS "checking in on you" in the whole "Do you need any help?" manner, that at some places can seem EXTREMELY "pushy", if they see you standing in one area for a while. However, here it NEVER is and is always friendly and welcoming and one even pushed a scrap of paper my way, when I told her, "No, I was just looking at pens while waiting for mom to finish buying her stuff." The lady had noticed me wondering aimlessly and asked me causually a few times and mom and I ended up back in pens and I just stood there (yet again trying very hard trying not to drool over EVERYTHING and even WORSE still trying not to make a mental list of everything in the entire store, and bring the credit card with me the next time I went out)! LOL! Sadly though, it was my first time there in about a year and I was hoping to see the kitties, as I had to leave my little love Socks (I know how original, but I didn't name her! The previous owner I got her from as a baby did and she wouldn't leave me alone and I was like fine baby you're coming with me since you won't let me see anyone else. You know how they are, all playfull when you come to get them, but THE second you get them home totally ignore you, unless you have food! THAT'S my girl for ya! LOL)! So, if anyone knows what happens to their kitties and can tell me, let me know! :)! read more

We have had a number of posters, photos, etc. framed here, and we have always been really happy with the results. They have taken the time to help us chose frames and mats in our price range that flatter the items we are having framed, and while custom framing is always surprisingly expensive, I think we've gotten a good value for our money. read more

I often shop for my art supplies at Plaza in Silver Spring. They are conveniently located in downtown Silver Spring. They have everything I need and even some things that peak my curiosity to try in my art. The sales people are very friendly and helpful, but not pushy, which makes for an excellent shopping experience. The sales people on the floor seem to sense when you are looking for something and cannot find it, and they are always helpful in directing you to the right spot. If you have any issues with a product, with your purchase, or with the store in general, the management is quick to resolve the issue and you will be pleased with the result. read more