Archives of the Art Dog Blog from MacPherson's

University Art has been honored with Palo Alto, CA’s coveted Tall Tree Outstanding Business of the year award.

From left, University Art General Manager Todd Ayers, C.F.O. Cornelia Pendleton and Vice President Charlie Affrunti

Congratulations to UA who has been supporting local art for decades since 1980. Tall Tree awards have been conferred on individuals and businesses (or nonprofit organizations) that have demonstrated “exceptional civic contributions and service to the community.” University Art was selected “based on their local impact, breadth of contribution, diversity of individuals impacted, timeliness and originality of contribution,” according to the nomination form.
“A comfortable space in the core downtown, it is well-known for its generosity and genuine interest in our entire community,” Tall Tree nominator Barbara Gross wrote of the retailer. University Art has donated prizes to local art contests, including the Weekly’s Photo Contest and shows at the Palo Alto Art League, and supplies for the art projects made in Downtown Palo Alto’s annual street festivals. University Art also holds its own children’s art contest and a juried competition for adults.
This year’s awards will be presented on Thursday, March 31, at the Crowne Plaza Cabana Hotel. Those to be honored include Outstanding Citizens: William Alhouse and Jane Gee; Outstanding Business: University Art; Outstanding Professional: Jim Baer; and Outstanding Non-Profit: Youth Community Service. Read the whole article!

British buyout firm Electra Partners reports that on March 30th, 2011 it had acquired fine art materials specialist Daler-Rowney for GBP 26million (USD42million) in Bracknell, England. Patrick Giraud, Chairman and CEO of Daler-Rowney said: “We are delighted to be working with Electra Partners and very excited by the next phase of the Daler-Rowney story. We will keep on working hard to build on what we have achieved over the past six years.”

We are very excited to share the news that MacPherson‘s Vice President Natasha Nicholson-Bjerre and her husband Frank welcomed their little boy, Emil Martinus, to the world at 3:21am March 23rd. He weighed 8 lbs 12 oz and was 21 1/2 inches long. Natasha reports that they are a bit tired, but doing well. Congratulations to Natasha, Frank & Emil!!!

Kerry Kemp reports that Art Outfitters in Little Rock, AR will celebrate its 130th birthday this year.

Brenda Ladd will be retiring from Plaza in Nashville, TN. She is the office manager and started there 22 years ago when it was Griffin’s Art Supply.

Industry maven Susan Kocsis has left Search Press to pursue new career opportunities. Look for her at NAMTA in Phoenix, AZ.

Chroma asks all retailers to visit their booth at Booth #621 at NAMTA! Find out what’s new, and learn about NAMTA only promotions, specials, and discounts. Chroma is committed to providing creative solutions for artists, students, and hobbyists, and to provide a wide range of products to suit all skill levels, styles and techniques. To schedule an appointment, please contact Kathryn Betz at 1-800-257-8278 or via e-mail at kbetz@chromaonline.com.

NAMTA members have elected Robert (Bob) Buchsbaum, Chief Executive Officer of Dick Blick Holdings, Inc. in Highland Park, Illinois to the new seat of Large Domestic Retailer on the NAMTA Board of Directors.

Last weekend aerosol artist Max Ehrman picked up some Montana Black and did a painting demo at Flax in San Francisco. Once a year the artist travels to Europe to paint with friends at several Graffiti/Hip Hop jams in Germany, Holland and Belgium. Max, aka Eon75‘s travels he has been lucky enough to paint with some of the most talented Aerosol Artists in the world. Currently living in San Francisco, Max has partnered with Montana Sprays, and Flax is pleased to have him create an original artwork on our front exterior wall. This live art event is a precursor to a series of Aerosol Art Seminars, the first of which will be held on April 23rd. For more information about his upcoming seminar, or to sign up, please call or email Joni Theodorson (415-552-2355).

Juxtapoz Magazine posted a crazy story about a new art material. How about a palette of one-hundred thousand carats of jewelry? Plus it took someone who had a bit of time on their hands. A Chinese jewelry collector re-created Leonardo da Vinci’s “Mona Lisa” with 100,000 carats of jewelry. A little gaudy? ya think! Read the complete article. Crazy at Art!

We are sorry to report that James A. King, father of SLS Sales Manager Phil King and a long-time Merced, CA resident passed away on Monday, March 14, 2011, at University of California San Francisco Medical Center with his family by his side. He was 66 years old. Family and friends celebrated Jim’s life on March 19, 2011 at the Yosemite Church in Merced. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in Jim’s name to UCSF Foundation, Department of Neurology, P.O. Box 45339, San Francisco, California 94145-0339.

Masterpiece Artist Canvas is pleased to welcome Maxine Harnish as a new account manager on its sales team. Her extensive product knowledge is matched by her friendly demeanor, willingness to serve and prompt and open communication. We know she will be an asset to Masterpiece and a helpful resource to you.

Mark Wiener has announced that he will close his Blueprinter/Art Colony Store in Palm Desert on April 1st, 2010.

Preston’s celebrated its 70th Anniversary on Saturday, March 5. Kathy Brennan reports they hosted an open house where the best customers were treated to demos and seminars put on by manufacturer and distributor representatives.

Jim Hair is running for Mayor! Retired long-time Sakura USA team member (and former MacPherson’s employee) Jim Hair is running for Mayor of Richmond, Indiana. For more information and to support Jim in the race click here:  Jim Hair’s Candidate Web Site The primary is May 3rd.

The new ProMarker and AquaMarker 12 Sets provide base selections of essential ProMarker colors in a conveniently packaged ‘one-stop’ format. Accessibly priced and packed with added value, they’re the perfect entry point for new ProMarker retailers.

These new cleverly packaged sets offer 12 colors plus one FREE blender marker in a clear clamshell carrying case that can serve as a permanent storage solution. They also come with a “how-to” tip sheet! See all the new ProMarker and AquaMarker sets at NAMTA in the MacPherson’s/ Letraset booth # 817.

Montana BLACK Markers and Inks are the HOTTEST new product line to hit the Urban Art category in 2011. A full range offering aluminum-cased, paint-based and dye-based markers with various tips are complimented by an offering of fluid inks. Suitable for use on canvas, objects, and outdoors, this new extension of the Montana BLACKline is sure to expand the possibilities for Urban Art! Be among the first in the US to preview this new product range at the Montana booth # 1141 at NAMTA!

Announcing Neptune™ Brushes by Princeton

Princeton has done it again. Almost 20 years ago, Princeton gave artists a synthetic version of sable that was almost the equal of fine Kolinsky and is still the standard for performance amongst its rivals. “When we set out to create a new synthetic version of squirrel we developed a brush that may actually outperform the natural version.” says Howard Kaufman, owner of Princeton Artist Brush Co. “We spent seven years developing the the hair and blending technique for this range. Experts in natural hair have been have been fooled that this is actually a synthetic.”

Neptune™ is Princeton’s thirstiest brush ever delivering oceans of color to the sheet. Watercolorists will love the beautiful range of shapes including mottlers and quills. The translucent sea glass handles of the aquarelle brushes are a signature of the line.

Neptune™ was previewed at the Creativeworld Show in Frankfurt this year and was recognized for its innovative design in the Creative Impulse section of the the fair.

Assortments ordered through NAMTA will dropship from Princeton, freight-free by the end of the month.

princetonbrush.com

Princeton has another big announcement. Their new website is live @ princetonbrush.com! The totally redesigned sight has big beautiful images of the entire range of Princeton product with more information to help customers choose the right brushes than ever before. Their upgraded dealer locator will have customers beating a path to your door. Princeton dealers are encouraged to confirm their listings and contact howard@princetonbrush.com with any updates.

ColArt Americas visits the Savannah College of Art and Design

During the week of January 10th 2011, Savannah, GA became the destination for ColArt’s annual sales meeting. The location was chosen because the Savannah College of Art and Design is one of the premier art colleges in the United States.

As the manufacturers of leading fine art brands, such as Winsor & Newton, Liquitex and Conté a Paris, ColArt offers products that inspire artists to create their own masterpieces. Meeting with faculty and students from SCAD, provided the entire Marketing and Sales teams at ColArt the opportunity to hear ideas on how they can better meet the needs of today’s artists.

“This type of partnership is invaluable to the future of our global brands. Just being able to access faculty and students at an institution like SCAD provided us an experience we will not soon forget. We truly are thankful to SCAD for the expertise and guidance they provided us during our time together. To engage at the academic level will continue to be a priority for us and part of our strategic focus as a company moving forward, “ said Renée Hile, VP Marketing.

On Tuesday January 11th, both parties gathered at the SCAD Museum of Art for a cocktail reception in which art materials were auctioned off as well as the announcement of a ColArt donation to the SCAD foundation in the amount of $6,000 with a matching product donation of Winsor & Newton Artists’ Acrylic Colour products. On Wednesday afternoon, Maureen Garvin, Dean of Foundation Studies led the ColArt team on a tour of the beautiful campus and the incredible SCAD facilities, showing some of the reasons why the school is able to attract such a high caliber of students. That evening, both parties enjoyed a dinner at the Chart House and discussed possibilities for mutually beneficial partnerships.

ColArt began a relationship with the college two years ago at SCAD’s Annual Art Materials Trade Show and looks forward to sustaining and developing future collaborations.

If you haven’t already, it’s high time to get your FastMatte on.
Listen to what painters are saying about Gamblin’s FastMatte Alkyd Oil Colors…

“Gamblin has started something in art materials with this paint and it may turn out to be revolutionary…I feel I can now recommend an alkyd oil paint and it is Gamblin’s FastMatte.”
– Thomas Jefferson Kitts

“They blew my mind. I was very impressed. I was totally on a high the first day I painted with them. Painting on top of them the next day was very satisfying. I paint in layers and glazes. I was able to take the painting very far, very fast, for the first time ever.”
– Joanne Licardo

“Wow. At first I wondered if the limited palette would suit my individual needs. Well yes and how..it sure did. Beautiful choices of colors! I had no trouble hitting the color notes that suit me. How awesome for lightening the load for my plein air easel !!! I am spreading the word to my plein air buddies!”
– Jodi Burton

Your plein air painters will be visiting this spring to stock-up on paint. Don’t miss the opportunity to support the FastMatte fans out there and to introduce it to your other painters.

A little more info about Gamblin FastMatte Alkyd Oil Colors…
Gamblin’s award-winning FastMatte colors slot into your existing Gamblin display. Assortments drop-ship from Gamblin with free freight. Order MacPherson’s item # GBFMATTE.

To order now, or for more information, please contact your friendly MacPherson’s rep or contact Kaitlin at kaitlin@gamblincolors.com or at 503.235.1945 x21.

FastMatte solves real problems for painters. This eight color range gives painters a fast-drying oil color working properties, intense pigment loads, and permanence. FastMatte colors dry in 18 hours to a matte surface. When used for underpainting, the matte surface allows for maximum adhesion with subsequent layers. FastMatte colors can be mixed with Gamblin mediums and other oil paints.

Point 88 has proven itself Europe’s number one fineliner over the years, and is quickly gaining popularity in the US as well! Make sure your store is stocked with this favorite of students and professionals alike! Available in a variety of eye-catching assortments and clever sets at a very special NAMTA-only discount. Stop by the MacPherson’s/ STABILO booth #819 to see them in person.

Stop by the MacPherson’s/ Lefranc & Bourgeois booth #817 at NAMTA to check out the Flashe 125ml and Lefranc Oil 40ml lines and take advantage of the best discount ever on these assortments!

Stop by the MABEF booth #814 at NAMTA to learn more about the NEW Lugano Double-Mast Studio Easel Plus and NEW Arm Bracket attachments for the Giant Field Easel. Plus learn how to sign-up to get the hottest pricing ever on five best-selling MABEF easels!

RGM is marking its 50^th anniversary in 2011 with all kinds of exciting things at NAMTA! Kick start the celebration on Wednesday April 13^th at 4pm in the RGM booth #812 with Italian prosecco, treats, and cake. While you’re there, preview some of RGM’s newest innovations for 2011, and get great deals on ALL RGM products!

2011 New Age Palette Knives – FUTURA Version
Just awarded 2^nd Place for Innovation at the Creativeworld Show in Frankfurt, Germany, the new 2011 New Age Knives will take painting to the next level with their unconventional smaller shapes, allowing for unique effects and finer details. Shown in the new neon soft-grip handled “FUTURA” version, and available from MacPherson’s in the bubinga wood handle version.

Painting with the Palette Knife
This extremely handsome book illustrates with stunning photography and bold colors, various techniques for using the 37 New Age palette knife styles. The perfect guide to obtaining amazing new textures and effects in oil and acrylic painting!

Finally, make sure not to miss live painting by Danielle Jouault (known as RUO in the art world) during the NAMTA show at the RGM booth #812. Danielle has been painting for over 40 years in Paris at Place du Tetre sur La Butte Montmartre. She’ll be demonstrating RGM painting knives in action showing how they can help bring paintings to life by creating bold depths and textures. Don’t miss the chance to win some of her original works created at NAMTA in the NAMTA Foundation Silent Auction!

C&T Publishing has generously donated a spectacular art quilt featuring Van Gogh’s Bedroom to be raffled off as a fund-raising event in support of the NAMTA Foundation. Hundreds of hours went into the making of this one-of-a-kind quilt, which was created by an amazingly talented group of editors and authors from C&T Publishing. The Foundation raises money to help provide art scholarships to students and grants for art projects. This custom art quilt was C&T’s way of helping out the Foundation.

The quilt is approximately 6’ x 7’ and was developed as a slice quilt, where each contributor designed a panel that was later stitched together and quilted. Almost every panel was made from hand-painted fabric and enhanced with art materials and hand stitching. It’s a true work of
art that will make a fantastic display piece for a home or office.

The Foundation is selling raffle tickets on their web site as well as at their booth (#128) at the NAMTA show. Tickets are only $10 each and the winner will be selected on April 15th. The link to buy tickets is: www.namta.org/quilt

The instructions are on the web page, but here they are as well:
– When you get to the web page, sign on as a Member
– The user name is Foundation; the password is Donation
– Click Proceed, and please buy lots of tickets to support our Foundation

We sad to announce that our super sales representative Richard Snowden will be leaving MacPherson’s at the end of March to pursue a new entrepreneurial business adventure. We will miss him! Richard has worked for MacPherson’s a total of three times starting in 1977. His many years of experience with us combined with his manufacturing sales experience has been invaluable to MacPherson’s and will create a void that we will never completely fill. Richard has also built strong relationships with his customers and art supply retailers across the nation and he is valued greatly by all of them. Saying goodbye will be difficult. (It was the first 2 times as well!) Richard is excited and looking forward to whatever comes next for him so please join us in wishing him all the best! Interested job candidates with art materials outside sales experience should contact Alyssa Pappas in MacPherson’s HR dept. at 510-768-6636,  or email at alyssap@macphersonart.com.

Goodbye after 32 years to our very own industry icon, Peter Alba.

“Just this last month we had to say goodbye to Peter Alba as he prepared to step into the next phase of his life by retiring from the company. Peter started with MacPherson’s in 1978. He was a Sales Rep and his territory was Northern California. At the time, the company also sold shoe findings (for those of you not up on your MacPherson’s history, we started as a family owned business that sold shoe soles, heels and other supplies to cobblers and shoe repair shops.) At the beginning Peter sold both art materials and shoe findings until the merger with Artcraft at which time he joined the Sales Management team. Whether as a rep or as a manager, Peter always brought passion and enthusiasm to his job. He was a tireless networker, loved to meet new people and collected friends and experiences everywhere he went.

Peter leaves us with many memories and is one of the many people who shaped and grew MacPherson’s. Not just through his accomplishments, but in how he presented himself and MacPherson’s to the industry and to our customers. As a fellow worker and a friend he is a gem! “- Steve Robinson, VP Sales

Kolo’s well respected sales manager Bud Axley has left the company. Jumping in to take on much of Bud’s role will be Kolo’s founder Peter Dunn.

Peter France recently joined Golden Artist Colors as European Sales Manager. In this newly created position, France will serve as the leading advocate for the GOLDEN and Williamsburg brands in Europe. Based in Belgium, France will act as the primary contact point with all territory distributors, sales staff and key retail accounts.

The New York Daily News reports the iconic graffiti-caked Long Island City factory known as 5Pointz has been tagged for development, likely ending its run as a street-art mecca. The building’s owner, developer Jerry Wolkoff, said he met recently with city planning officials to discuss replacing it with two high-rise residential towers and up to 1,300 rental units.

Read more: 5Pointz New York

Check out this short video of Urban Artist Greg “Craola” Simkins creating an amazing piece using Montana Gold!

Greg “Craola” Simkins Time lapse mural Craola!

Congratulations to Annette and John of Kensington Art in Calgary Canada on their fabulous new store! They recently moved just one door to the south in the old American Apparel location. Their customers are looking forward to a huge Grand Opening Sale later in March.

Kensington Art

Orlando, FL based Art Calendar, the business magazine for visual artists, has become Professional Artist as of the March 2011 issue. The name change provides a clarity of purpose for the magazine and defines it as a career resource for professional artists.

On January 1, 2011, Strathmore launched its new Visual Journal Online Workshops, attracting over 5,600 students. “The response has been overwhelming!” says Jeanette Gile, workshop organizer. And it hasn’t stopped growing. “We literally have students from all over the world participating in the workshops right now.”

“The class has been extremely active,” continues Gile. “Students are sharing the results of the lessons, exchanging product and technique tips, and building new friendships.” Students learn visual journaling techniques from experienced artists through online videos and downloadable instructions. They participate in online discussions and share their journal pages in the photo gallery. The workshops are free, self-paced and will continue through August 1, 2011.

Now you can share in the excitement by promoting visual journaling in your store. It’s a great way to keep your store a destination for artist inspiration while you enjoy the rewards of increased store traffic and add-on sales of visual journals and other art materials. Register for one or more of the online workshops to get your own ideas for in-store classes. It’s easy – visit Strathmoreartist.com and click on the register today link under online visual journal workshop series.

Contact your MacPherson’s sales representative for more information on Strathmore Visual Journals.

Hot Off the Press

Introducing the new improved 450-1 Artist Elite 40” Mat Cutter from Logan. An improved version of the 450 Intermediate+  but at the same price of $239.95. The new 450-1 Artist Elite features a 40” mat board capacity with a new base board color and improved parallel mat guide in aluminum channels. Also included is the newly redesigned three depth position 701-1 Straight Cutter Elite for downsizing mat board and foam board up to 3/16” thick plus a pull style bevel cutter with start and stop indicator. Also includes scaled production stops and a new 20” measuring bar for fast downsizing of mat board and foam board. Includes 5 extra blades and a free instructional DVD. The new 450-1 is shipping spring of 2011 and is being featured through MacPherson’s on special at Logan’s NAMTA booth #919.

LO450-1 Artist Elite 40” Mat Cutter             $239.95

MacPherson’s and Elmer’s Announce a New Pricing Program for Foamboard!

Included in the program are new lower EC+ prices as well as great deals on a new Elmer’s Foamboard Drop Ship Program.

You will not believe the pricing! Ask your MacPherson’s rep for all the details including a complete price list detailing the best prices in the industry.

Reduce, Re-use, Recycle and Make Great Art with Gamblin’s Torrit Grey promotion!
Gamblin’s Torrit Grey promotion is an outstanding way to drive foot-traffic and sales as well as engage your community of painters. Our warehouses have already received their first shipments of Torrit Grey. Add some to your next Gamblin order before it’s all gone!

Gamblin retail partners receive one free tube of Torrit Grey for every three tubes of Gamblin Artist Grade oils purchased. Please add item #GB992670 to your Gamblin order in the appropriate quantity…plus a little extra, if you like.

Torrit Grey is a proven sales-driver, particularly when proactively promoted as a “Complementary with Purchase” item. Gamblin suggests retailers give painters a tube of Torrit Grey for every $25 purchase of Gamblin oil painting materials. To support your efforts, Gamblin has mailed out new rack signs to all retail partners.

Copy and images to support your own promotional email and web communications regarding Torrit Grey are posted at: Gamblin Retailer Sitel Click the menu item: Promotional Copy and Photography.

2010 was another record year for Torrit Grey and for entries in Gamblin’s Torrit Grey painting contest. To see the winning paintings, and a gallery of all entries, go to gamblincolors.com

Here are 3 artist impressions using Pentel Arts Aquash Brush & Color Brush, as well as the Pentel Sharp Kerry Mechanical Pencil.

from Steve Rossney:

–Check out our great deals for Spring in MacPherson’s Spring Buyer’s Guide, effective now through May 28, 2011.

Grumbacher Color Assortments at 50/35% – These assortments are drop-shipped, free freight, with the beautiful Grumbacher plexiglass racks.

Grumbacher Brush Assortments at 70/25% – These brush assortments are drop-shipped, free freight, with our new, attractive brush racks.

Grumbacher Selected Open Stock Tubes at 50/25% – For Spring we are featuring Finest Watercolor and Academy Watercolor at a great discount.

Grumbacher Selected Open Stock Brushes and Brush Sets at 50/50% – For Spring we are featuring Golden Edge Watercolor and Academy Watercolor brushes at a great discount. All brush sets will also be at this great price.

Grumbacher Color Sets at 50/15% – All Basic, Master, Everyday and Watercolor Pan sets are included.

Schmincke Selected Color Assortments at 50/25% – For Spring we are featuring Horadam Watercolor, Horadam Gouache and Pastel assortments at this extra discount.

Schmincke Selected Open Stock Tubes at 50/15% – We have selected Horadam Watercolor 15ml tubes, and Horadam Gouache 15ml tubes, at a great price for Spring.

Schmincke Open Stock Pastels at 50/15% – All 400 colors of this professional range of soft pastels is on sale.

Schmincke Selected Color Sets at 50/15% – We have chosen the Horadam Watercolor Half Pan Set/12, Horadam Watercolor 5ml Tube Set/12, Pastel Set/10, Pastel Set/15, and Pastel Half Stick Set/75 for this promotion.

Koh-i-noor Watercolor Wheel at 60% – Available carded or in open stock, this is a great item at the register. It makes a great gift, and can be used when traveling.

Koh-i-noor Mondeluz Watercolor Pencil Sets at 50/15% – These beautiful watercolor pencils are of the highest quality. Mondeluz is highly pigmented, can be used wet or dry, and is perfect for drawing, sketching, and coloring. Available in sets of 12, 24, 36, and a 32 piece Mondeluz Watercolor “Lead” set.

Sakura of America has given Gelly Roll a new look!  Since first inventing and introducing gel pens, Sakura had not made any changes in its Gelly Roll packaging.  They are pleased to announce a re-branding for the entire Gelly Roll Family of Displays and sets.  Check out Gelly Roll in this video link:

Sakura is also pleased to announce that, due to popular demand, Koi Watercolor 12 ml tubes are available in open stock and a new 120 tube display! The open stock Koi tubes retail for only $3.50 and are featured on Sakura‘s 2011 Kick-Off Promotion at an extra 20% along with the entire Koi Line.

• Just in time for spring, Prismacolor has launched a new mixed Colored Pencil Set. This new set is boxed and contains 48 Prismacolor Premier Thick Core pencils, 12 of the Prismacolor Premier Verithin pencils, 12 of the Prismacolor Premier Watercolor Pencils, 6 of the Prismacolor Premier Art Stix and a sharpener, for a total of 79 pieces. This set has an MSRP of $123.46. Please contact your MacPherson’s representative for details

• Stained by Sharpie will start shipping from MacPherson’s DCs in late March. These are brush tip markers designed to draw or doodle on fabric surfaces. The ink does not bleed or fade and does not wash out during normal wash cycles. While this is a Fabric Marker, it is primarily aimed at the “Do it Yourself”(DIY) personal customization market. Sharpie will offer a 4 per card Black, Red, Blue and Green as well as an 8 per card Black, Red, Blue, Green, Pink, Orange, Purple and Yellow. Contact your MacPherson’s rep for details.

• MacPherson’s now has all available Prismacolor Scholar products ready to ship from all distribution centers. Prismacolor represents a great incremental sales opportunity for all Fine Art dealers. Dealers can offer the full range of Scholar Pencil, Marker, Graphite and accessory products either on shelf or on pegs in a minimal amount of space. As one notable Children’s Art brand becomes increasingly more difficult to acquire at a reasonable margin level, this is absolutely the time to upsell those aspiring young artists from entry level products of that brand to a true art product in Prismacolor Scholar.

• The New Prismacolor Marker Carrying Case will be shipping in late March. The zippered closed case easily converts to a desk top easel for class room or studio work. The MSRP is $18.52. Contact your MacPherson’s representative to order.