Preston Arts Center, Inc.

"Major Con: The place is packed with extremely expensive art supplies. Not convenient for the starving artist. I had a panic attack when I saw the prices. Will not be back, there are cheaper options. Pros: They have a large selection of nothing but art supplies and a better selection than Artists and Craftsman which is my favorite art supply store. The customer service is also very welcoming and the store is clean and organized."

"This store has art supplies for any project you can imagine. They have easels, drafting boards, all types of canvases, just about whatever you need. They offer art classes as well on site. There are art instruction books as well as supplies to create puzzles and board games. 11/1/22-The staff was helpful as usual. Always a good well-stocked arts center."

"I'm a little disappointed that I bought some containers of pearlescent pigment last week, and when I went to use them today half of the purple/magenta color was missing... this has never happened here before, but it made me want to write a review. The prices here are higher than artist and craftsman supply, which is honestly not that far away from this store. (competition) And while they (Preston) do offer discounts for those who are signed up on their mailing list, it doesn't seem enough to justify the difference in price. That being said, I do still bounce back and forth between the two depending on who has what, and the urgency of my purchase (especially during this pandemic). Usually I start with Artist and Craftsman Supply, then head to Preston if they don't have what I need. I have found myself going to Preston less and less. And when I do go, it's almost like they aren't buying more stock. I really hate that I had this experience with their products, and that I have noticed the difference in price. I really want local businesses to succeed, especially Preston, this place has been around for a long time. The staff is friendly and helpful, and I recommend this store to any new and existing artists looking for art classes to expand their range. I also love that their staff is informed and won't make you feel like an idiot if you need help with something, or simply don't know exactly what you're looking for. I will say that while their stock has increased in size and variety in recent years, it still doesn't compare to that of artist and craftsman. Preston, I feel, is for the hobbyist and student. Especially considering how "common" it was to have half of my powder pigment missing from a container that I absolutely, at this point (procrastination), do not have the time to return. There are levels to the art store game, and I didn't go to Preston expecting to have this Hobby Lobby experience. Does that make sense? I hope so, because I don't want this so seem harsh at all. I think there is a distinction and there was a time when I didn't really notice a real difference between the two and thought this review/information might be insightful for others."

"Fantastic selection if you or a friend is a artist they will be like a kid in a candy store. Staff is friendly knowledgeable and helpful and prices aren't that bad for shopping local."