Blick Art Materials

Founded: 1911
Founder: Dick Blick
Headquarters: 1849 Green Bay Rd Ste 310, Highland Park, Illinois, 60035, USA
Phone: 847-681-6800
Number of employees: 1,500
Website: www.dickblick.com

Overview

Blick Art Materials, is a leading retail and online supplier of art supplies in the United States. Established in 1911 by Dick Blick and his wife, Grace, the company has grown exponentially over the years to become a one-stop shop for artists, educators, and students alike. The company’s headquarters are currently located in Galesburg, Illinois.

Company History

The story of Blick Art Materials began when its founders, Dick and Grace Blick, started selling pen nibs by mail order from their kitchen in Galesburg, Illinois. At the time, the mail-order business was still relatively new, and the Blicks saw an opportunity to provide quality art supplies at affordable prices to a broader audience.

As their customer base grew, so did their product offerings. By the 1930s, the company had expanded its product range to include drafting supplies, fine art materials, and other related items. In 1947, the Blicks sold their business to Bob Metzenberg, who continued to operate it under the name Dick Blick Company. Metzenberg expanded the company’s reach and product line, moving into educational supplies for schools and institutions.

In 1968, Blick Art Materials opened its first retail store in Evanston, Illinois. The success of this venture led to the opening of additional stores in other cities. Today, the company operates over 70 retail locations across the United States, each featuring an extensive selection of art materials and supplies.

In the early 1990s, recognizing the potential of e-commerce, Blick Art Materials launched its website, dickblick.com. The website has since become an essential platform for the company, offering a vast array of art supplies, expert advice, and customer service to artists worldwide.

Product Offerings

Blick Art Materials offers a comprehensive range of products for artists, educators, and students. The company’s extensive catalog covers various artistic disciplines, including painting, drawing, printmaking, sculpture, ceramics, and more. Some of the categories of products available through Blick Art Materials are:

Painting Supplies: The company offers a vast selection of paints, including acrylics, oils, watercolors, gouache, encaustics, and tempera. They also provide an array of painting surfaces, such as canvas, panels, and paper, as well as brushes, palettes, mediums, and varnishes.

Drawing Supplies: Blick Art Materials offers a wide range of drawing supplies, including graphite, charcoal, pastels, colored pencils, markers, pens, and ink. Additionally, they provide various types of drawing surfaces, such as paper, sketchbooks, and drafting film.

Printmaking: The company caters to printmakers with an assortment of materials and tools for various printmaking techniques, including screen printing, block printing, intaglio, and lithography. Supplies include inks, presses, plates, and carving tools, among others.

Sculpture and Modeling: For artists working in three dimensions, Blick Art Materials offers a range of sculpting and modeling supplies, including clays, modeling compounds, armatures, wire, and casting materials.

Ceramics: The company provides an extensive selection of ceramics supplies, such as clay, glazes, tools, pottery wheels, and kilns, catering to both amateur and professional ceramicists.

Craft Supplies: In addition to fine art materials, Blick Art Materials offers a variety of craft supplies for diverse projects, including mosaic, fabric and textile art, paper crafts, and jewelry making.

Easels and Furniture: The company also sells a wide range of studio furniture and equipment, such as easels, taborets, art storage, and lighting solutions.

Framing and Matting: To help artists present and preserve their work, Blick Art Materials offers framing and matting supplies, including ready-made and custom frames, pre-cut mats, framing tools, and accessories.

Educational Supplies: Recognizing the importance of art education, the company provides a range of supplies specifically tailored to schools and educational institutions. These include classroom essentials, such as paints, brushes, paper, and drawing materials, as well as instructional resources and kits for various art disciplines.

Presentation and Display: To support artists in showcasing their work, Blick Art Materials offers presentation and display supplies, including portfolios, print racks, art sleeves, and display boards.

Photography Supplies: The company also caters to photographers with a selection of supplies, such as darkroom equipment, photo storage solutions, and presentation materials.

Digital Art Supplies: Keeping up with advancements in technology, Blick Art Materials provides digital art supplies, including tablets, styluses, and software for digital artists.

One of the distinguishing factors of Blick Art Materials is their commitment to offering high-quality products at competitive prices. The company sources materials from well-established and reputable manufacturers, ensuring that artists receive the best products available. In addition to well-known brands, Blick Art Materials also offers their private-label line, Blick Studio, which provides high-quality art supplies at affordable prices.

Customer Service and Support

Blick Art Materials is known for its dedication to customer service and support. The company’s knowledgeable staff is available to assist customers with product information, recommendations, and guidance on various art techniques. This support extends to their online presence, where the company offers a wealth of resources, such as video tutorials, buying guides, and expert tips, to help customers make informed decisions and improve their art skills.

The company also takes pride in its commitment to environmental responsibility. Blick Art Materials actively promotes the use of eco-friendly products and practices, offering a range of environmentally friendly art supplies and utilizing eco-conscious packaging and shipping materials whenever possible.

In summary, Blick Art Materials has grown from a small mail-order business started in 1911 to a leading supplier of art materials in the United States. With a vast product selection covering various artistic disciplines, the company caters to the needs of artists, educators, and students alike. By focusing on quality, affordability, customer service, and environmental responsibility, Blick Art Materials has earned a reputation as a trusted source for art supplies and continues to support artists in their creative endeavors.

Disclaimer: Please note that the names and positions of employees mentioned may be subject to change, as individuals may move to different roles or organizations. While we make every effort to keep our information accurate and up-to-date, we cannot guarantee that all employee details are current or complete. We encourage you to verify the identity and positions of any individual mentioned and check their Linkedin Profile before taking any action based on their role.