Susan Kocsis submitted this video report on a saint of an artist doing her part to honor some of America’s heroes.

We have had many entries (3) for the Art Dawg of the month contest and we are pleased to present the first winner, Shelby (she’s a girl!). Shelby is the store manager at the Art Rooms in Maryland. She also recently celebrated a birthday. Join me in congratulating her and please send in your photo entries for the coveted “Art Dawg of the Month” contest. And for the runners up, don’t get discouraged, you just may be the winner next month! Here is Shelby’s acceptance speech: Oh, my tail is wagging at the honor!  My name is Shelby and I am a good old american mutt. I manage my human’s…

Take a tour of the Montana Cans flagship store! Founded by Ruediger Glatz and Tim Latif in 1996, Montana’s humble beginning started in Heidelberg, Germany. With Montana Cans’ growth into the premier artists’ spray paint brand across the globe, the Montana flagship store has finally been opened in Glatz’s rustic hometown, which is also the location of the Montana Cans head office. See what Montana Cans is all about first hand in this short video clip, with a few words from CEO Ruediger Glatz himself.

Want to make the most of the upcoming holiday season? Who doesn’t? MacPherson’s and Creative Catalog Concepts (CCC) have teamed up to provide three eye-popping flyer options designed to drive current and new customers into your store to shop. Here are just some of the details: • Two 8-page and one 4-page versions to choose from • Free imprinting of your store info on the front & back of the flyers • Get $50 off your invoice when you use an optional Strathmore module in your artwork • The 8-3/8″ x 10-7/8″ size is ideal for newspaper insertion, and can be folded in half to get the best mailing rates…

To the consumer, most manufactured products are just practical, everyday items for general use and consumption. But all manufacturers know that behind this perception lies an attention to detail that must be sustained millions of times a year. In this respect, TRIA markers are no different. On the surface just a marker, but underneath lies considerable technology with tolerances sensitive to 1000th of a millimeter. Quality starts with the suppliers of Letraset’s raw materials. Letraset encourages its suppliers to use the same procedures as theirs. These follow military standard 105E, equivalent to civilian counterparts ANSI/ASQC Z 1.4, ISO 2859 and BS6001 (some countries have their own national comparable systems). On…

There are real Art Dogs out there, we can feel it. The Art Dog Blog is just a figurative dog, defined as someone or entity that has been involved in this art business for a very long time. Sometimes length of service equates with good things like experience, expertise and yes, occasionally, wisdom. You’ll have to be the judge in that contest! A different standard applies for real Art Dogs who are more appreciated for wagging their tails, slobbering constantly and generally acting as humankind’s best friend. We would like to honor these superior beings with a contest of sorts. No prizes, just glory. Here’s what you do… If you…

The world lost a fine young man last month. Scott Stapleton, Frank’s 25-year old son, lost his life in an accident caused by a reckless driver in Turkey on July 24th. Scott and his friend Russell Latham were on a motorcycle adventure, touring around the Black Sea at the time. It has been a tough couple of weeks for the Stapleton family and their friends; Scott’s many, many friends; and the broad community of employees, former employees, customers and vendors who comprise what we call the MacPherson’s family. Frank, Pam (Frank’s adorable wife and Scott’s mom) and Claire (Frank’s daughter and Scott‘s younger sister) have been amazingly strong through this…

Sam Flax Atlanta is a unique take on the traditional art material store. It’s huge – containing a wide variety of art supplies, unique papers, promotional products, custom framing, boutique gifts, computer supplies and studio furniture. The store is owned by Leonard and David Flax and lovingly managed by John Saltsman. This video offers a brief look at their dedication to fair prices, creative store environment and unique and interesting products. Presented by their amazing senior buyer, Stacey Smith and John Saltsman himself!

GOLDEN OPEN Acrylics Flying Off Retailer Shelves! Artists working in a variety of media and painting styles have begun experimenting with the new GOLDEN OPEN Acrylics and as a result, the product is flying off retailer shelves! The positive response from the artist community has been tremendous. Not only have we been hearing stories about how the products are being used, we’re also getting some great questions from customers regarding drying time and varnishing. This feedback confirms for us that because this is an entirely new type of acrylic unlike any other, there is an opportunity to continue to share technical information about the line. Below are links to Technical…

The new Sharpie Pen will be available in all MacPherson’s warehouses by August 22. Consumer interest was high prior to the advertising and has done nothing but heighten since TV and Print Ads began to appear. Talk to your MacPherson’s representative so you can be sure to have an ample supply on hand for BTS and the remainder of the year. The 60 ct. Prismacolor Pencil Set, item SA1744130 began shipping on August 1st. This set was designed for the Independent Fine Art Dealer and is not sold in chain stores. This set contains 52 different colors and extra pencils of the white, certain grays and the colorless blender. MacPherson’s…

I am very happy to announce several exciting new product additions that will be featured in the upcoming September/October SMIAB. They include: Water Wow – New mess-free technology in Elmer’s branded items. Add water to the unique brush that is included with the set and see colors and patterns magically appear as you paint! Colors disappear when it’s dry, so the boards can be used over and over! Ages 2 and up. Great for teaching basic motor skills and familiarizing children with using a brush and painting. Available in 2 versions – Amazing Water Park and Magical Mermaids. Each set contains 4 separate themed painting boards. Painters Leafing Pens –…

During these current challenging economic times it’s understandable that “belt-tightening” measures must occur in order to survive. However, these tactics should not be at the expense of strategic purchasing and promoting of essential brands and ranges that are critical to the success of the upcoming Back-to-School sales. That being said, you still have time to take advantage of these essential ColArt ranges from MacPherson‘s at substantial savings: All Artist Oil Colours (37ml & the NEW 200ml tubes) All Winton Oil Colours Galeria 200ml Acrylics All W&N Canvas New Liquitex Acrylic Inks & BASICS Gesso All Derwent Pencil Tins (Including the NEW Tinted Charcoal CAP Dealers can really add to their…

Check out our great deals on Ad Marker, and Pickett and Rapidesign Template Assortments for Back-to- School. Chartpak’s Tri-nib Ad Markers are outstanding when particularly brilliant colors and exceptional non-streaking, non-feathering qualities are desired. Blend, shade and color large surfaces with perfect, even coverage. Ad Markers are ideal for every drawing use, from crisply articulated tight comps to architectural renderings to expressive art. Ad Markers, with their non-toxic, solvent-based formula, render unique and remarkable results on all sorts of surfaces. Try them on paper, vellum, art board, laminates, acrylics, ceramics, and even natural surfaces such as eggshells and seashells. Ad Markers are “the tools your imagination will love”. Ad Markers…

In 1905, Max Grumbacher began his business as a small importer of brushes for fine art, sign, and scenery painting. Each brush was made by hand, with the hair, ferrules and handles carefully selected with the artist in mind. Max felt that the quality that went into crafting a brush was reflected in the artwork it produced. Grumbacher is dedicated to carrying on the tradition of fine brush making. Each brush is still hand made with special attention to the hair, ferrule and handle. We are committed to upholding the reputation that Grumbacher brushes have had among artists since those early days at the turn of the century. To that…

10 GREAT REASONS TO VISIT STRATHMORE’S WEB SITE! www.strathmoreartist.com > Distributor/Retailer Section 1. Real tools you can use! Strathmore’s web site is much more than an online brochure. 2. Sign on is easy! Get access to the Distributor/Retailer section immediately. Just go to www.strathmoreartist.com, click on “Distributor/Retailer” link on left hand side. Then select “Register here.” 3. Order marketing materials online! Request merchandising, swatchbooks and brochures. It’s faster and easier than placing a call or sending an e-mail! 4. Get the latest new product information! For example, retailers can download information on “How to Host a Successful ATC Swap” from the Distributor/Retailer home page. 5. View all of Strathmore’s merchandising…