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…

Amsterdam Acrylic Expert is the newest offering from renowned color manufacturer Royal Talens. Made of the best ingredients, this heavy body professional series acrylic is the result of pure craftsmanship. Many student artists began painting with Amsterdam Standard Series (Van Gogh Acrylic); now Amsterdam Expert Series allows them to continue their growth as an artist with brand that they already know and trust. Because Amsterdam is less expensive than other professional grade acrylics, it makes it easier for students to make the leap to a better paint sooner, and we know from experience those artists who use superior quality products enjoy better results and choose to paint more. Available in…

New at MacPherson’s – Scientific Explorer Scientific Explorer is a manufacturer of children’s science activity kits that are unmatched in the specialty retail market. The company has been in business for 15 years and the focus has always been on building critical thinking skills, engaging imaginations, and above all, making science fun. The company was acquired by Elmer’s in October 2006, and the acquisition has allowed both companies to expand the roles they play in the education and specialty market. It is especially noteworthy that the marketing and sales efforts for Scientific Explorer will continue to be directed to the specialty retail channels, rather than seeking placement in mass market…

With summer conventions across the US attracting many thousands of visitors, demand for all things Manga is set to reach new levels. To help retailers maximize the opportunity, Letraset has overhauled its popular Manga Art range. The great-value Manga Pack and Comic Art Sets get a fresh update, and new Manga ProMarker pack additions complement the range. Also just available is a compact Manga ProMarker Display featuring 20 selected colors – ideal for first time entry into this growing market. With pack format and display options to suit all requirements there’s never been a better time to make the most of Manga!

No matter what size retailer you are, you can extend and expand the reach of your store with Multi-Channel Marketing from Creative Catalog Concepts (CCC) and MacPherson’s. Flyers, Calendars, Catalogs, Postcards and e-commerce websites, combined together, pack a powerful marketing punch. Studies show that customers of multi-channel retailers spend 30% more than customers of single-channel retailers, and for every $1 spent online, the Internet influences consumers to spend another $6 in stores. Custom Website for e-Commerce Now you can sell art materials online! Keep your store open to your customers 24/7 and expand your reach. CCC will custom design a website with online shopping for you – to your specifications.…

Okay, we know, it’s not exactly intuitive that the next big innovative idea in kid’s modeling clay is from the famous German pencil company, Lyra. We were shaking our heads, too, until we tried their new Modello kit. This super-soft children’s modeling clay is suitable for even the smallest hands and gradually hardens once exposed to air. The twist is that it can be re-constituted again by soaking it in water for 1-2 hours! Once hardened, it can be painted. This set includes 5.3 oz. each of blue, red, white and yellow in resealable plastic cups. It also contains a silicone mould for easy shape making. For ages 3 and…