Savvy Shoppers’ Survey

Sam Flax
www.samflax.com for locations
Weekdays 8:30am–6:30pm, Sat 10am–6pm, Sun noon–5pm.

The Edge: Enormous inventory of quality art supplies. § Sells an enormous stock of fine-art and drafting supplies, photographic equipment, drafting and drawing tables, storage units, carry cases, pens, picture frames, and fine papers. First-rate supplies and unique gifts, at full retail price. § “Used to be the best—no more.” “Good framing service. I like the leather photo albums.” “Good selection.” “Too expensive.”

Home & home office
Art supplies
quality style service value: 43 42 36 32

Pearl Paint Company
207 E. 23rd St. (2nd & 3rd Aves.) 592-2179 / 308 Canal St. (Church St.) 431-7932
Weekdays 9am–7pm, Sat 9am–6pm, Sun 9:30am–6pm.

The Edge: Six floors of discounted fine-arts products. § Great selection. It claims to be the world’s largest art-supply store. Stocks all major brands of art, graphic, craft, and stationery supplies, all discounted 20% to 70%. Prices 1,000 to $10,000 (for printing presses). Binds books as well. § “It’s great! Extensive selection, good prices and service.” “Great selection.” “Best source for art supplies.” “Fabulous! Great prices.”

Home & home office
Art supplies
quality style service value: 46 40 39 42

New York Central Art Supply
62 3rd Ave. (11th St.)/212-473-7705
Mon–Sat 8:30am–6:30pm, Sun 11am–5pm.

The Edge: Incredible selection of papers. § In business since 1905. A large selection of imported and domestic papers, as well as brushes, canvas, drawing and drafting tools, drawing tables and lamps, easels, paints and stretchers, pens and inks, and printmaking supplies. The toll-free number is 800-950-6111.

Home & home office
Art supplies
quality style service value: 42 27 37 37

David Davis Fine Artist Materials
Manhattan: 17 Bleeker St. 260-9544 / Brooklyn: Brooklyn 718-237-1669
Weekdays 9:30am–6pm.

The Edge: Quality supplies for professional artists. § Wide selection of paints, quality brushes, handmade papers, pastels, drawing books, and papers. Davis will make stretchers and easels to any size.

Home & home office
Art supplies

Charrette
215 Lexington Ave. (33rd St.)/212-683-8822
Weekdays 8:30am–7pm, Sat 10am–5pm, Sun noon–5pm (closed Sun July–Aug).

The Edge: Quality supplies for serious artists, draftsmen, etc. § Offers quality supplies for architects, engineers, draftsmen, graphic designers, and artists. Large selection. Catalog available, with substantial discounts on all major brands. Discounter. § “If you need it, they have it.” “Great for Techline.”

Home & home office
Art supplies
quality style service value: 44 45 38 41

Arthur Brown & Bro., Inc.
2 W. 46th St. (West of 5th Ave.)/212-575-5555
Weekdays 9am–6:30pm, Sat 10am–6pm.

The Edge: Perhaps the city’s largest art-supply store. § Extensive range of materials, including stationery, art supplies, FiloFaxes, leather goods, and framing materials. Great selection of pens by every major manufacturer, including Mont Blanc, Aurora, Namika, Dupont, Omas, Lamy, Waterman, Stipula, Tombo, Shaeffer, Cross, Parker, and more. Extensive selection of antique writing instruments, all in working condition. Also a selection of technical pens—designed for artists, calligraphers, and musicians. Also offers custom framing.

Home & home office
Art supplies
quality style service value: 40 40 35 32

Arthur Brown & Bro., Inc.
2 W. 46th St.(West of 5th Ave.)/212-575-5555
Weekdays 9am–6:30pm, Sat 10am–6pm.

The Edge: Perhaps the city’s largest art-supply store. § Extensive range of materials, including stationery, art supplies, FiloFaxes, leather goods, and framing materials. Great selection of pens by every major manufacturer, including Mont Blanc, Aurora, Namika, Dupont, Omas, Lamy, Waterman, Stipula, Tombo, Shaeffer, Cross, Parker, and more. Extensive selection of antique writing instruments, all in working condition. Also a selection of technical pens—designed for artists, calligraphers, and musicians. Also offers custom framing.

Home & home office
Art supplies

quality style service value 40 40 35 32