Many paranormal enthusiasts believe that when you renovate an old building, you are likely to stir up the past and this may come in the form of either residual noise or you guessed it, a haunting.  After hearing so many phantom noises, the staff at Rochester Art Supply has learned to embrace this concept and uses it to explain…well, the unexplained. The store’s establishment is located in an old hardware store and their warehouse was a former apartment complex.  Despite the current bustling storefront that now resides there, the staff is often bombarded with questionable noises – especially after hours.  With unclaimed footsteps, unplugged radios turning on by themselves, and warehouse doors slamming for no reason at all,…

There’s a new artist interview featuring Leonard Jagoda on PanPastel’s blog paintdrawblend.com Leonard has been using PanPastel Colors for his paintings since August, 2008. In the interview he talks about the techniques he uses when painting with PanPastel, as well as his career path as an artist, and the creative approach he takes when working on his paintings. The interview features several images, including work in progress images of a racing scene “Stretch Run”. Leonard’s paintings can be found in private collections from Washington state & Texas to Saudi Arabia. His work hangs in some of the most prestigious stud farms in Kentucky. He has received several prestigious awards for his work, and has…

At Michaels, Alison Norton has accepted the new role of Vice President – Business Development, reporting to Mike Cairnes.  She will lead the company’s efforts in developing new business opportunities, leveraging current products and manufacturing capabilities to meet customers’ needs.  Rich Gartmann has been promoted to Business Unit General Manager – Frames and Fine Art reporting to Philo Pappas.  And Michelle Ruocco, currently Vice President – Private Brand Product Development, has accepted the role of Business Unit General Manager – Kids. In related news, Michaels announced that Charles “Chuck” Sonsteby has accepted the position of Chief Administrative Officer and Chief Financial Officer of the company, effective October 4, 2010. At the recent 13th annual CEO Summit in Dallas, Michaels’ execs handed…

GOLDEN joins MacPherson’s for Sales Meeting GOLDEN sales representatives will join the MacPherson’s sales team in a training meeting to learn more about Williamsburg Handmade Oil Colors. This collaborative effort is focused on collectively meeting the needs of retailers served by distribution. Ask your MacPherson’s sales rep to share what he/she learned with you!! Just Paint Newsletter #23 This new issue focuses on “Defining the Acrylic Patina,” and “Following the Research on the Acrylic Media,” both written by Mark Golden. Another area of focus in this issue is the 40 new OPEN Acrylic colors launched earlier this year.  You’ll also get an up-close look at Technical Support Services staff member, Mike Townsend.  2010 has proven to be an exciting…

Our vote for Art Dog of the Month goes to Shultz, a charming dachshund and famed guardian of the front door at the GBS Art Depot in Mechanicsburg. PA. Pictured here with Shultz is Brian Edmondson, dog’s best friend and manager of the store. On a sadder note, Bingo a 15 year old Golden Retriever and mascot at Marty’s Art Supply on Edgewood Avenue in Burlington, SC passed away  Sept 9. He was the faithful family dog to Marty and Karen Harrison and their three children. Bingo was a true Art Dog. Read the whole story: Bingo

Atelier Interactive Painters’ Challenge Winners! Chroma Inc. was proud to sponsor an Atelier Interactive Acrylics Painters’ Challenge in conjunction with Jerry’s Artarama for North American artists this year. We are pleased to announce the winners:  1st Place, Two Flutes, by  Karlene Voepel of  Rimrock, AZ; 2nd Place, Fantasy, by  Gabriela Trimbecka of  New Cumberland, PA; 3rdPlace,  Tree With A Window, by Veronica Winters of  State College, PA.  Honorable mentions were awarded to Justin Rossi of Orlando, FL; John Shadowwolf of Benton, LA; and Robert Wince of  Daytona Beach, FL.  Artists from across the USA and Canada entered, and we were thrilled with the quality of the artwork and the amazing talent all these…

Samuel and Charles Wyly, the billionaire brothers from Dallas who are large donors to philanthropies and to conservative causes, were charged Thursday July 29th with conducting an extensive securities fraud that the Securities and Exchange Commission said reaped $550 million in undisclosed gains. According to the SEC, offshore accounts were used to disguise illegal stock trading in companies they owned or controlled as well as to shield the Wylys’ money from taxes. The brothers served together on the boards of four companies in which they owned large stakes: Michaels, a leading arts and crafts chain; technology firms Sterling Software and Sterling Commerce; and Scottish Annuity & Life Holdings. The Wylys…

With great sadness we report the passing of Fred Merck on July 1st. He was 76 years old. Fred was the owner of two Starvin’ Artist stores in the western suburbs of Chicago. In the mid 80’s, he owned VanArt in Des Plaines, IL and before that he was sales executive with Binney & Smith (Crayola). We send our most sincere condolences to Fred’s son Brock and the entire Merck family. Some of you old timers will remember the name Lindley Scarlet. Lindley headed the art division at Faber-Castell in the early 1990’s. When Sanford took over he disappeared from our view. It turns out that he took a job…

ColArt, following a review of its European operations, announced last week that it is considering a proposal to close one of its five UK sites. The tentative plan is to phase out the Wealdstone factory in London by the end of 2011. London would, however, remain the home of the group’s headquarters and R&D facilities; in addition there are four other manufacturing and distribution sites across England. Justin Wraight, global leader of ColArt sales, said: “Production and color making are already interchangeable between our sites within Europe. We’re extremely proud of our workforce at Wealdstone, but sadly, the site’s physical location, in the heart of a residential area, makes it…

Jenny Linden Urnes, owner and chairman of AB Wilh. Becker, ColArt’s Swedish parent has announced the sale of Becker Acroma to the Sherwin-Williams Company. Becker Acroma is one of the largest manufacturers of industrial wood coatings globally. Becker Acroma has more than 900 employees with annual sales in excess of SEK 2.1 billion ($259 million.) Charles Stockbridge has taken over the export management duties at Manuscript, the England-based maker of calligraphy products. Charles’ new duties include the North American market. Mike Chappell will now concentrate solely on the UK business for the company. On June 17th, the Morrison Hotel Gallery in New York City will be opening a photography show…

MacPherson’s is proud to announce that we have acquired the exclusive distribution rights for Montana products in North America. We began distributing Montana products to the non-art and craft channels in early May when End to End ceased operations. Although there are no changes specifically relating to our long time Montana customers, the MAP program in place for Montana Gold is now expanding to cover all customers who purchase Montana Gold in North America. As a strategic partner with Montana we are dedicated to the growth of the brand, expansion of this exciting new art form and ultimately the complete satisfaction of consumer who chooses a Montana product. Please see…

Tint & Glaze Poster Display Now Available to Retailers Based on feedback from customers, the GOLDEN Tint & Glaze Poster has proven to be a comprehensive reference tool every painter can use. With thousands of hours of paint research all on one page, the GOLDEN Tint & Glaze Poster has valuable comparative information about colors as they transform through tint and glaze mixing. The exciting news is that the Tint & Glaze Poster Display is now available to retailers to place in their stores. Contact your MacPherson’s sales representative to learn how easy it is to get this display! BTS Promotions Check out MacPherson’s BTS offerings for GOLDEN products in…

Sharpie is launching a new ad push that says the felt-pen brand is a creative force in making ordinary things extraordinary. The Oakbrook, Ill.-based company, a division of Newell Rubbermaid’s Office Products Group, is positioning the brand as a tool for creative expression in the new effort, via Draftfcb Chicago. The campaign — which comprises print, digital and broadcast ads — shows Sharpie markers adding color to things like protest signs, skateboards, electric guitars, jeans, motorcycle helmets, even hitch-hiking signs. Voiceover, with a British accent, asks: “What would the world be like without self-expression? There’d be no purpose, no passion, no putting it out there for everyone to see.” Tag:…

The Dallas Morning news reported Michael J. Dupey, considered the founder of the arts and crafts superstore concept, died at his home in Dallas on Saturday, May 1st after a decades long battle with bi-polar disorder. He was 64. Here is a more complete account from the Dallas paper: Michael J. Dupey For the first time since the economy started on its downturn in 2008, Sanford’s parent, Newell Rubbermaid has posted simultaneous quarterly sales growth, margin expansion and higher earnings per share. “We are pleased to report a return to net sales growth across all our geographic regions, a significant inflection point from the sales trends of the last four…

Ft. Lauderdale’s Pearl Artist & Craft Supply has filed for reorganization under Chapter 11 bankruptcy. According to the Sun Sentinel Newspaper, Pearl has an estimated $10 million to $50 million in liabilities and between 200 and 999 creditors. In Chapter 11, a company remains in business while it tries to reorganize its debts under court supervision. The company’s website lists two store locations in Florida and New York, and one each in New Jersey and Los Angeles, CA. Industry retailer group  iAMart recently announced its 2010-2011 slate of Officers and Board of Directors : •  President: Marilyn Hajjar, Arch Drafting Supply, San Francisco, CA •  Co-Vice Presidents: Ed Gamburg &…

Strathmore Artist Papers was awarded the 2010 Business Innovation Award at the NAMTA Convention and trade show for its new product introduction – Visual Journals.  Strathmore leveraged consumer insights from the NAMTA Artists & Art Materials USA 2009 report, social media and other market research.  Strathmore’s marketing team identified unmet consumer needs and responded by developing the new Visual Journal product line. “We discovered that for many artists, journaling is a heavy-duty mixed media art form.  Current journals are not meeting their needs because the paper is not designed to handle the media, layering and abuse of these ‘journalists,’” says Jeanette Gile, Marketing Manager at Strathmore Artist Papers.  “We responded…

This is Jessie.  He belongs to Sabina and Margaret of Art & Soul of Sebastopol (CA) and likes to hang out in their store.  When he is bored, he chews his paw, just like a human chews his or her fingernails.  Cute, huh? We think Jessie makes a perfect Art Dawg of the Month.

NAMTA 2010 We’re excited to share that Golden Artist Colors was the recipient of the “Best Large Booth 2010” award! Thank you to everyone who spent time with us to learn about new products, promotions and what’s in store for the future at Golden Artist Colors. We truly appreciate it. If you weren’t able to attend NAMTA this year, the above photo is just a snippet of what the booth looked like. New Technical Application Information Sheets on GOLDEN Web site There are two new Application Information Sheets on the goldenpaints.com Web site. Below are direct links to information about Varnishing Watercolors and Guidelines for Clear or Lightly Tinted Textures,…

A.C. Moore Arts & Crafts Inc. reported on Wednesday March 24th  that it has named an interim CEO to replace Rick A. Lepley, who will retire March 31. Joseph A. Jeffries, executive vice president and chief operating officer, will take over as acting CEO at that time.