Correction: We posted an inaccurate report in last month’s ArtiFAX/Art Dog Blog. Purveyors of Art, in Boone, NC has closed its original location and moved 8 miles up the road to new and better facility in Foscoe, NC.
Ed Ras has accepted a position as National Sales Manager/Art and Craft with the Daylight Company. He will be heading up the sales efforts across North America (including Canada and Mexico) starting today. The past head of sales, Tom Moore, had left and is pursuing other opportunities. Daylight is based in the UK with offices worldwide.
At Jo-Ann’s, Keri Montgomery, Assistant Merchandise Manager/Fine Arts has been promoted effective July 21st to Assistant Merchandise Manager-Seasonal Crafts. Debby Hettinger remains as Merchandise Manager/Fine Arts and is doing double duty until Keri’s replacement is found.
Jack Walser of Walser’s in Torrance, CA reports the birth of a grandson. Hunter Jay Edmisten was born July 3rd, at 1:55 p.m. in Riverside, CA. He is 7 lbs. 14 oz. and all are doing well.
We are proud to report that three MacPherson’s people have taken and passed the NAMTA online Certified Art Material Professional(CAMP) test in June: Alyssa Bardini-Human Resources, George Bethurem– Northern Calif. Sales Rep, and Lisa Day-Purchasing. Congatulations!
The art supply market in Tucson, AZ is growing! Arizona Art, a one location company for over 20 years, has just opened its 5th store in Arizona. In addition to the original Phoenix store they have stores in Tempe, Scottsdale and Sun City. Store number 5 is located in the northwest section of Tucson, and will feature all the major brands of art supplies. Owners Larry Millstead and Susan Millstead found a great location near the Tucson Mall.
Sarnoff Art, in southeast Tucson, AZ for over 10 years is moving to a new location 4 doors away from the previous location. The shopping center has been remodeled, so Sarnoff Art has a “new” store with all new fixtures. Owners Henry & Maria Sarnoff, with the help of store manager/buyer Fred Soto, offer all major art supplies and fine writing instruments, and they operate a successful in-store frame shop, too.
Wet Paint of Tempe, AZ has put plans for a new store in Tucson, AZ on hold.
Jennifer Lubelsky recently left Barnes & Noble College Stores to become the Paper Buyer at Blue Tulip in NYC.
Here’s a concept we learned this week from our great friends at Lefranc & Bourgeois: Systeme D. Defined as resourcefulness, or the ability to work around the system, the “D” comes from from debrouillard, one with the knack of making do. A typical phrase using this concept would be, “Thanks to Systeme D, I fixed this broken down oil paint display without the missing part.” What this world needs is a lot more Systeme D!
Charming Shoppes, Inc. announced the resignation of Dorrit J. Bern as President and Chief Executive Officer and has named the company’s Chairman of the Board, Alan Rosskamm, former Chairman and CEO of Jo-Ann Stores, Inc. to serve as CEO on an interim basis.
Our best wishes to Bob Fisher, formerly West coast regional sales manager at ColArt and now with University Art in Sacramento, CA, for a speedy recovery from a tenacious respiratory illness.
Sign of the times: George Bussinger, owner of McCallister’s Art Supplies in Dayton, OH announced on July 9th that he will close his business. McCallister’s was opened in 1953. George served as NAMTA President, founded the NAMTA Foundation in 2005 along with Steve Aufhauser, and received the Hall of Fame award for outstanding service to the trade association.
Please welcome Riley Jacob Ong, the latest member of the growing MacPherson’s clan. Born to proud parents Lissa and Ryan Ong at 11:59 am on July 11, 7 lbs. 8 oz. Mom, dad and baby are all doing fine!
George Szlemp of the Art Cellar in Cedar Rapids, IA reports that his entire store was wiped out in the recent Midwest floods. He is working with suppliers to get back on his feet, but the challenge is great. Anyone wishing to lend a hand should contact him directly via email: george@artcellarstore.com or phone: 319-363-1732.
Filiberto Lomeli, the merchandise coordinator at Santa Barbara City College Bookstore is retiring in August after over 20 years. He is a painter of acrylics and plans to paint full time.