Gwartzman's Art Supplies

I looked all over Toronto for a very large stretcher for a canvas I had and not only was Gwartzmans the sharpest price, the quality and workmanship is top shelf, second to none! I was actually blown away with the fit and the actual wood, which didn’t have a single flaw. I do a lot of my art supply shopping here and I am always impressed with the staff and the help they provide.

Thank you for your great customer service , I had called store 3 times and every time I was assisted with great care and patience, really appreciate that. Was excited to order Saunders Waterford paper and I had found accordion sketchbook which hard to come across ( 100% cotton). It’s all delivered in timely manner and everything is in perfect condition! Definitely will shop again!

It pains me to write this as I've been buying from Gwartzman's since childhood. Everything they offer you can now find online for a better price. Customer service is a zero. The staff can't answer basic questions like which of their gouaches are light-fast. They also don't accept all cards.

From the moment you walk into this store, you know you are in an expert level art store. No gimmicky or low-level supplies. The staff is knowledgeable and friendly. Whenever I am in Toronto, Gwartzman's gets a visit! They also have a wonderful online store.

Ordered 2 cutting mats. They arrived flat packed and in perfect condition. The mats themselves are very high quality as well. Great experience.

I've been purchasing art supplies from Gwartzmans since the 1980's. They are customer service oriented and staff is very knowledgeable about the products they sell and they have the BEST prices. Thank you Gwartzman's for serving artists and art enthusiasts for so many years! I hope you'll continue for many, many more!

Sooo much specific selection in what looks like a small store. It's great when you want to do something like buy a single sketching pencil to replace a favourite that is all used up, as opposed to buying a whole kit on Amazon. (Though they also have whole kits). The staff is also very friendly and knowledgeable. Specific items for review: - charcoal (see photo). They have an excellent charcoal section with prices not been able to find in person or online anywhere else. (Except for normal white chalk, naturally.) After looking high and low on Amazon I got black, grey, and sienna/that reddish colour chalk that is serving me very well. 10/10 would recommend. - kneaded eraser. This is the least expensive kneaded eraser I have ever seen and it is working great with the charcoal! - oil pastels. I got a smaller set of oil pastels from here some time ago. The colours selection was a little brighter and the texture a little more waxy than I usually would go for, but I would still recommend it as a compact kit. - toned paper. They had more than one colour available for this, and the price is much more affordable than other places I've seen. - a softcover sketchbook with a magnet close. It was quite bendy which was a bit of a learning curb for sketching, but recommended by an employee because I Was hoping to find a sketchbook that wouldn't smudge my drawings and it has indeed kept them safe! - blending stumps. They work, and you don't have to buy a whole sketching kit to have them

I used to go here all the time when I lived in Toronto. I was so happy to learn recently that they now have an excellent online store as well, so I can continue getting my supplies from them, even being 250km away! My first order arrived today, and I was so delighted to discover they threw in a FREE Strathmore mixed media sketchbook!!! THANK YOU!!!!! It's a great family business -- thank you for your many years of serving the art community :)

I looked all over Toronto for a very large stretcher for a canvas I had and not only was Gwartzmans the sharpest price, the quality and workmanship is top shelf, second to none! I was actually blown away with the fit and the actual wood, which didn’t have a single flaw. I do a lot of my art supply shopping here and I am always impressed with the staff and the help they provide.

Thank you for your great customer service , I had called store 3 times and every time I was assisted with great care and patience, really appreciate that. Was excited to order Saunders Waterford paper and I had found accordion sketchbook which hard to come across ( 100% cotton). It’s all delivered in timely manner and everything is in perfect condition! Definitely will shop again!

It pains me to write this as I've been buying from Gwartzman's since childhood. Everything they offer you can now find online for a better price. Customer service is a zero. The staff can't answer basic questions like which of their gouaches are light-fast. They also don't accept all cards.

From the moment you walk into this store, you know you are in an expert level art store. No gimmicky or low-level supplies. The staff is knowledgeable and friendly. Whenever I am in Toronto, Gwartzman's gets a visit! They also have a wonderful online store.

Ordered 2 cutting mats. They arrived flat packed and in perfect condition. The mats themselves are very high quality as well. Great experience.

I've been purchasing art supplies from Gwartzmans since the 1980's. They are customer service oriented and staff is very knowledgeable about the products they sell and they have the BEST prices. Thank you Gwartzman's for serving artists and art enthusiasts for so many years! I hope you'll continue for many, many more!

Sooo much specific selection in what looks like a small store. It's great when you want to do something like buy a single sketching pencil to replace a favourite that is all used up, as opposed to buying a whole kit on Amazon. (Though they also have whole kits). The staff is also very friendly and knowledgeable. Specific items for review: - charcoal (see photo). They have an excellent charcoal section with prices not been able to find in person or online anywhere else. (Except for normal white chalk, naturally.) After looking high and low on Amazon I got black, grey, and sienna/that reddish colour chalk that is serving me very well. 10/10 would recommend. - kneaded eraser. This is the least expensive kneaded eraser I have ever seen and it is working great with the charcoal! - oil pastels. I got a smaller set of oil pastels from here some time ago. The colours selection was a little brighter and the texture a little more waxy than I usually would go for, but I would still recommend it as a compact kit. - toned paper. They had more than one colour available for this, and the price is much more affordable than other places I've seen. - a softcover sketchbook with a magnet close. It was quite bendy which was a bit of a learning curb for sketching, but recommended by an employee because I Was hoping to find a sketchbook that wouldn't smudge my drawings and it has indeed kept them safe! - blending stumps. They work, and you don't have to buy a whole sketching kit to have them

I used to go here all the time when I lived in Toronto. I was so happy to learn recently that they now have an excellent online store as well, so I can continue getting my supplies from them, even being 250km away! My first order arrived today, and I was so delighted to discover they threw in a FREE Strathmore mixed media sketchbook!!! THANK YOU!!!!! It's a great family business -- thank you for your many years of serving the art community :)

i've been buying canvas and paints here since art school years back in the late seventies. have never been disappointed with the quality and bargain low prices. it is the highlight of my day when shopping at Guartzman's. enjoy the sales people, know a couple by name. great little conversations, always feel like I'm not just another customer. Not easy to find shops like this these days. kudos to Jacklyn for holding her dad's torch.

Friendly service and a a ton of art supplies can be found here at this staple of Spadina and art and architecture students alike. From RHODIA notebooks to Kaweco pens, they have it here. Although they have apparently discontinued carrying the RHODIA line they still have a good about of supply and are offering them at 50% off. Sweet deal! They also have tons of paper supplies and rare or harder to find Japanese pens and other ink supplies. Prices are good, staff is helpful! Worth the trip!

Selection is fantastic and the store clerks know what they are talking about. Good sales too

Such a great art supply store in the city! It's a small store, but they have SO many items. Everything from architecture supplies, paints, and sculpting, you name it. It's right by the UofT campus, which is fantastic for students who are close by and need to find some art supplies. I'm not sure if they still do this, but they also do 10% off student discounts. Everything is already quite affordable (compared to other art supply stores), so making a stop here is definitely worth it! The staff is incredibly helpful and knowledgeable. If you tell them about a project you're working on, they will quickly make suggestions for what kind of supplies you may need! Love this place so much

If you are looking for affordable art supplies, this is the right place to go. Just bought a Canson 12x18' watercolour paper and wow, the price is not even remotely comparable to Amazon. And customer service is amazing too!

Worst place ever, A few days ago I ordered online Some canvases, and they left the order in other place not at my house!!!! , I called them to see the situation and they asked for my phone number tocall me when they have an answer, they never called me and now they don't answer me

The dude that helped me was weird and I was into it. They know their shit and I would recommend to anyone. The only thing that threw me off was when he gave me a running total after a couple hundred dollars worth of stretcher bars which made me second guess buying more but luckily we went across the street after to mothers dumplings (another 5 star spot) and I managed to call in a canvas order 2 mins to close.

With no shortage of art stores and supply shops in the downtown core, it may be difficult to know where to start to meet your artistic needs. Shiny stores with pretty displays line the streets, attracting many students, but the price is never as good as it is at Gwartzman's. Firstly, all students with an ID card get a favourable discount on everything in the store. For a student on a budget, in need of art supplies of all kinds, Gwartzman's is the best choice, by far in the Spadina/College area. Secondly, whether you are a visual artist, a student of architecture or design, or a simple art supply lover, Gwartzman's shop is jam-packed with just about anything you may need from paper, paint, brushes and canvas stretching. The store basically is like a class room art closet; gritty, no frill, and crammed full of just about anything. Lastly, the staff at Gwartzman's are friendly and incredibly knowledgeable about all facets of art and supplies needed. I've shopped at Gwarztman's for years and can say with all honesty that it is one of my favourite art stores in the city.

I have nothing but good things to say about this art supplies shop. The elderly gentleman helped me find painting supplies for my sister's birthday and I didn't know WHAT to get; I'm no painter. He even switched up the items a lot to give me the best bang for my buck. When I told him that my sister painted dogs he was very touched and that touched me (not sexually, come on now!). I purchased some heavy duty items and it came to just under $50 which is half of what I expected to pay. I'm glad the store is in Chinatown cuz the prices are low but surprisingly the quality is still high unlike that place across the street where I got 3 for $10 leggings. All of their leggings have camel toe installed at the front. Don't lemme catch anyone buying the white camel toe leggings after this warning! 5 Stars!

Gwartzman's smells like paper, which is the smell of contemplation and fulfillment. It has a huge pen selection, lots of paint...basically it is a store full of very affordable art supplies. The true delight here is the welcoming, truly helpful and friendly staff. I buy their sketchpads (cheap!) their fancy pens, the ink brush pens, the inks, the novelties, the glitter glues. I *almost* buy the line that they're taking 10% off just for me. But you know when I am there, I truly believe in the goodness of life.

I love this place so much, it's a trip that I look forward to making every time I go. The staff here are excellent and always so helpful. They take the time to answer my questions, and ensure that I'm getting the best bang for my buck. They show genuine interest in my projects and have actually had a huge hand in encouraging me to develop my artistic practice. I always leave this place in a better mood than when I came in. Thanks for being so awesome, Gwartzman's!

I've walked along this stretch of Spadina many times and never noticed this place until recently. The store is a little shabby looking from the outside and the interior is very...eclectic. They have packed a ton of stuff in here and I have to agree with the previous reviewers on some of the deals you can find. Check this place out first, then go to your normal place if you can't find it here.

I went to Gwartzman's since I was a child and then moved away out of the city. I laugh that a lot of complaints are that the staff are rude. I kind of like the vibe, it reminds me of New York or Paris, no fuss, no muss. I recently came back to Toronto and I find a lot of the competing art stores sorely lacking for professional supplies. So I returned. The staff were very friendly, and frankly.. they have the best selection. I'll be returning since I do need a few more rare, hard to get items.

They have everything you need AND at great prices. Obligatory Title Pun: May the GWARTZ be with you. Menu Readability: n/a Need to Mention: Look here first for what you need. I've found some unbelieveable deals. What this place teaches me about myself: I'm still addicted to art supplies.

BEST PRICES IN THE CITY! Found this place just by happenstance and went in with my hubby to get him some canvas and paint. Can't say it enough, PRICES ARE AMAZING! I don't almost want to yelp for fear that they get so busy and the prices go up! LOL That being said everyone working there was very friendly and helpful, and I'm not sure what others are saying about the owner - he was absolutely delightful and smiling and chatting with me! LOVE THIS PLACE! Can't wait to go back!

Sales crew is mostly family members that do not seem happy to be there - feel sorry for them. They all looked bored to hell including the cashier with gigantic glasses. On the other hand, The sales service provided by the more mature guy is exceptionally good.

This has become my go-to place after shopping around for art supplies. I do plenty of resin castings, and this was the only place that had the entire selections of resins, moulds and other accessories that I need for my projects in one place. Like others have said, the prices are excellent. The staff I've encountered we're also extremely helpful with finding what I needed. Tall people won't have problems though.

Good store with good canvases, but awful service. I stopped one day and one the staff members (too bad I don't know his name) it was very nice and helpful, I'm not an artist but I was buying for a friend... I returned on the next day to actually make the purchase and some of the staff was looking up and down on me just because I'm not the average artist.... or dressed like one I guess... the store manager was rude at check out... I almost walked out thinking that they didn't want to sell to me... I spent over $200 by purchasing a few large canvases and it would been nice if they gave me a hand in loading in the car or even holding the door so I could walk thru it, especially because it was raining... very disappointed on service :(

Without a doubt the best place for painting supplies. Knowledgeable staff and of course Mr G and his daughter make the place. I go for great prices and practical answers.

Have been shopping at Gwartzman's for 45 years since my OCA days............ Best Canvas,Boards prices and Microcrystalline Wax Always Love to get a smile out of Mr.G.....He knows it All. Everyone gets a Discount whether you are a Artist or Not.

A real piece of Toronto History- Great selection of Art Products and amazing for artists, architects and designers. The Canvases and Panels are the Best selection in Canada. If you want to see a real art store it is a must and a great part of town. The prices are Incredible! and the staff is really helpful and knowledgeable. The prices are way better than any other art store in Toronto and you always see someone famous there . Matt Dillon was there when I was shopping!

Been a customer here for 15 years. The staff are friendly, especially James who has been there for a while and always sees to my needs. Its cheap so what more do you need. Mr G is a wonderful, grumpy, opinionated man who can smell bullshit a mile away. I have lived in many neighbourhoods over the years but will always go the extra distance to Gwartzmans!

I have been shopping here for almost 20 years, no kidding, time flies :) I always come back for very impressive selection, constructive advice and reasonable prices. Now I bring my kids here too.

Great place, all staff members are so cool!! Things I got here are great and there are always special deals here. Love this place so much

Customer service is great. Prices are by far the best! I will always go here first, and if I can't find what I'm looking for, then I'll go to Curry's/Michael's/Midoco/etc.

Do not be fooled by it's gritty exterior... and interior. Gwartzmans has been my go art supply store for about 2 years now. As an architecture and design student I am always on a budget, and gwartzmans has become my go to store. Their prices are unbeatable, they carry quality products and three staff is incredibly helpful, knowledgeable and welcoming. A hidden jewel of Toronto.

Great store, great service. I've been painting in Toronto for 20 years since came to the city as young girl and always shop only here. Tried most art stores in the city but none as good. Not even close.

prices are usually lower here than the other art supply stores left in town, but i'd say that while James is a peach and knows his stuff, only about half the staff are genuinely helpful (and frankly, i could do without the trademark Mr G gruffness). usually some sort of super good deals on odd sizes, weird supplies and obscure brands.

i'm a fan of this store. they don't have a massive selection, but they are very nice and helpful. prices are better than the chain art stores (loomis, curry's, aboveground). if it's a normal art supply, they will probably have it-- but don't expect any frills.

still a good place to head if you want a deal, BUT: mostly bad, rude service many of the paints are stocked BEHIND the counter, WTF??? thanks for making it hard for me to shop your store.

A great place to get art supplies on a budget. The atmosphere is a lot more rugged than your average Loomis but you can get all the same items. A very helpful staff make it easier to locate things in the small cramped quarters that is Gwartzman's.

This is my favorite art supplies store in the city. Even though the store is not the biggest and the selection might not be the greatest, but I will never buy art supplies anywhere else. I want to say thank you to sales people who work there, they are very knowledgeable and friendly. Great customer service. And their prices are probably the lowest!

I've been going to Gwartzman's for over twenty years. I'll be saddened when it no longer exists. If you don't like this shop, if you have a problem with Mr. Gwartzman, as some do, newsflash- the problem is You.

Came here as a student in the 70's and man was I surprised to find that Gwartzman's is still there while visiting the city and taking a stroll down Spadina. The place is still the same - same lovely smell when you walk in the door and just as it was 40 years ago - the best prices anywhere. I bought a portfolio for my daughter for half the price I'd have paid at my local spot in Ottawa . Staff was helpful, knowledgeable and friendly - Mr. G. still standing behind the counter, endearingly gruff as I remember him. Sweet ! So good to see that some things stay the same.

Gwartzman's is a pretty decent art supply to go to. While I used them only once for a specific local need (foamcore boards in this case) I suspect they have a constant positive customer service acumen. In fact, this particular order had some third-party delivery errors but it was Gwartzman's that took the responsibility for it to adjust for someone else's wrong. A good call in my mind; I walked away as a satisfied customer and will be back to them.