Doug Johnston is leaving ColArt Americas after 
13 years to pursue the next step in his career closer to home in Atlanta. As a result Steve Chamberlain, Theresa Kuiken, Marie Huelster and Torkel Tellefsen will form the senior USA management team reporting directly to their functional heads in the UK until a more permanent solution is in place. Doug joined ColArt in 2003 as VP Operations, and was appointed the President of ColArt Americas in 2009.
“It has been a true privilege and honor to be part of the successful development of the company for so many years. I have really enjoyed being part of such a strong company and great team. But, now is the right time for me to move on in my career and take the next step. I would like to thank all of my colleagues around the world, and wish them all the best for the future. I am sure that ColArt has a very successful future ahead and I will miss not being part of it. At the same time I look forward to spending more time with my family,” says Doug Johnston. The changes will be effective April 29.
Jim Kelly, Director of Sales at NewellCo/Sanford announced recently that Karen Bencs will join Newell as their Key Account Manager servicing key customers in the Art & Craft channel. Formerly she had a similar role at Elmer’s. Karen will represent all Newell brands including Elmer’s, Prismacolor and Sharpie effective March 16, 2016
At Canson, Arthur Long has been promoted to Sr. VP of Sales and Brent Kennington will only focus on the company’s marketing in his new roles as Sr. VP of Marketing. In related new Kevin Morrison will be leaving the company to concentrate on his health.
Nick Graham, National Sales Manager at Armadillo Art & Craft will be moving on after “12 and a half wonderful years” with the company. Look out for his next venture a web based art material advice site called artsuppliesadvice.com. Good luck Nick!
Moving Store Locations is becoming contagious. Here is the latest independent store news:
Congratulations to Los Angeles art supply mainstay Blue Rooster whose multi-year search for a new and expanded location finally paid off. In late April they will move to 4661 Hollywood Blvd.
Kristen Sciascia reports she will be moving CC Lowell to a new location in Worcester, MA. She says “this will be a huge step for C.C. Lowell, keeping America’s first art supply store (Est. 1852!) going strong. The new building will have 27 parking spaces, tons of visibility from a very well traveled road in Worcester, large classroom space, and finally, last but not least….WINDOWS! (21 years without windows does something to a person!) “
Last but not least the GRAND OPENING of Flax Art & Design flagship store in Oakland is scheduled for Saturday April 2nd! On March 31st Mayor Libby Schaaf of Oakland helps cut the titanium Ribbon! Congratulations to the Flax family!
The independent retailer group iAMart has announced its new Board of Directors. Congratulations to the new slate: Kathy Brennan, Preston Arts Center, President; Nick Gallo, Blue Rooster, Vice President; Karen Fisher, Art Mart, Muncie, Secretary; Scott Rote, Herweck’s, Treasurer; Victor Davis, Vendor Committee Chairperson; Dan Ebert, Central Art Supply, At Large; and Peter Rossing, Muse Art Supply, Membership Chairman.
The Harvard Library that protects the world’s rarest colors takes its role very seriously. The storied pigment library includes beetle extracts, poisonous metals, and human mummies! Read the whole story here Color Collection
Looking to stay up on YouTube trends then Down the ‘tube is the weekly free subscription blog made for you. Check out this cool edu-video making an elegant case that Velasquez’s Las Meninas is the greatest painting ever created. Full disclosure Down the ‘tube is created by Claire Stapleton!