Do you have customer visiting your store who love to draw and are not quite sure what to try first? Whether they’re returning to drawing of selecting art materials for school Derwent Academy is just the right thing! Derwent has put together a great range of affordable products to get them started; from classic color and sketching pencils, to watercolor pencils and pan sets.
These artist quality pencils are made in the UK. The Sketching Pencil range offers a comprehensive range of degrees from 5H to 6B and is available in tins and packs of 6 and 12,.
36 colors are available in Colored Pencil Sets and Watercolor Pencil Sets. Their soft cores transfer color to the paper quickly and evenly, so novices can layer, mix and color their way across the page! Add a splash of water to the watercolor pencils and turn drawings into a painting. Available in 12, 24, and 36 tins and cartons of 12 and 24.
Share this link to new Montana-Cans App with your customers. It was just released on iOS. Your customers can use the app to view the product ranges as well as use the color selection tool as a way to color match. This particular feature is getting rave reviews! The app also features a store finder.
The new Canson, USA CEO, Gerard O’Mahony is shaking things up with a new marketing concept designed to inspire creative retail merchandising with a narrow focus on key items offered in bulk at extreme pricing. On a monthly basis promotion minded retailers will be able to buy a very select list of high demand Canson or Talens items for a limited time at an extra 25% off either from your MacPherson’s distribution centers or on a drop shipment (Minimum $1,500 net).
This month’s selection includes two hot XL Mixed Media Pads (CN100510926-7×10, 60 sh, CN100510927-9×12, 60 sh,) at 70% out of our DC’s (96 min per item) or 75% off on Drop ship ($1,500 total net min and 96 min per item).
Check out the new marketing materials from GOLDEN products.
The new Williamsburg POP Blade (M625152) features four large hand-painted squares of color on birch plywood. This gives artists the ability to see and feel the actual paint as well as the grind variations in pigment particle size that are the hallmark of the Williamsburg brand. Painting can be as much a tactile experience as visual one, a connection that is fundamental to the Williamsburg paintmaking philosophy.
The other side of the blade highlights the range of colors in the Williamsburg line with 77 hand-painted colors from the Part A display rack, grouped by their pigment grind from Very Fine to Coarse. Packaged with self-adhesive mounting clips and instructions for mounting to a display rack, the blade is available at no cost through July 31, 2015. This is our way of giving thanks to all the work that Retailers do in support of the Williamsburg brand. The blades will automatically be shipped to each retail location carrying Williamsburg beginning mid-February at no charge.
Also new from Williamsburg is a 26-page Product Guide (M623140) featuring a short company history and properties about each color in the Williamsburg line. Details include a short color description and swatch as well as pigment, opacity, pigment grind, and lightfastness information. This collateral is a great way to introduce an artist to the Williamsburg brand and can also act as a bag stuffer for events with local arts organizations or schools.
Please contact your MacPherson’s Account Manager for further details.
Just Paint #32 Will Be Online and Landing in Mailboxes Late February
Several readers of Just Paint have asked for articles less technical in nature. Responding to those requests, this issue does just that! Included in this issue:
New Williamsburg Special Edition Colors
A review of some unique Williamsburg Handmade Oils properties
Insights on using OPEN Acrylics for monoprinting
QoR® Watercolor as it relates to the ASTM lightfastness standards
An update on whether Cadmiums will remain on the artist’s palette in Europe
Profile of Materials Support Specialist Stacy Brock
A new series, the historical significance of color.
Golden Foundation announces its third ‘Made In Paint’ show
Our intention is to offer Just Paint as a valuable resource, providing interesting ways for artists to engage with materials, we sincerely welcome your feedback.
To read these articles and much more, go to Just Paint or you can visit justpaint.org, a web site dedicated to housing all past issues of the Just Paint newsletter and so much more. If additional printed copies of Just Paint are required for in-store presentation or staff distribution, contact your MacPherson’s Account Manager for ordering instructions.
Global Art Materials Newest Member to their Family of Fine Artists Papers.
Fluid 100 is a premium, archival cotton watercolor paper. Unlike other cotton papers, Fluid 100 is made by European mill masters who combine traditional papermaking techniques with modern technology. They use very unique papermaking machines that are able to operate at very slow speeds, creating a sheet that shares the strength and quality characteristics of more expensive mold-made papers. The result is a natural white sheet that is strong with a subtle yet pleasing surface texture. The gelatin sizing (internal and externally sized) allows the artist greater control and produces brilliant and intense color. This paper is affordable, long lasting and perfect for use with either wet or dry techniques. It is available in three distinct choices: 140lb and 300lb cold press surfaces, as well as in a 140lb hot press surface. We offer these papers in 22×30 and 16×20 sheets, pochettes in three sizes, rolls in both of the 140lb weights, as well as a variety of sizes in our popular Easy-Blocks.
FANTASTIC INTRO OFFER!
Featured in the Spring Buyers Guide is the introductory offer of 74% off on the 22×30 6/sheet pack asst. in both CP and HP.
This assortment features 72 140 lb. Cold Press sheets and 36 300 lb. Hot Press Dimensions: 30″w x 22″d x 72″h *Drop Ship Only, Free Rack, Free Freight on min order of $600.00 Net. Contact your MacPherson’s account manager for assistance with product packages.
Global Art will also be running a marketing campaign with an ad in the Artist Magazine, Watercolor addition for 6 months starting in Dec. 2014 and running until June 2015. All participating dealers will be referenced on the Global ArtWebsite and can be found by the consumer by scanning a QR code in the ad with their smartphone. The consumer also receives a Free Gift worth up to $25.95 for each 22×30 6 sheet package they purchase, which is redeemed through a Fluid100 coupon from Global Art, as a greater incentive to try this new paper.
FREE
FLUID 100 Premium Watercolor Paper is available in a variety of artist friendly sizes and formats including the popular 15 sheet Easy Blocks. Traditional 140lb CP & HP. Plus Heavyweight 300lb CP.
Just in time for Spring Watercolor end-caps and aisles -these New and Affordable premium artist papers from Global Art compliment the category of cotton watercolor papers, and are more competitively priced . With covers by artists CharlesReid and NoelThomas the Easy Blocks are guaranteed to stand out .
For a complete list of sizes and formats refer to the NEW Spring Buyers Guide pages 20 & 44. When ordering via online express use promo code “SB”, pricing effective through June 1, 2015.
Strathmore is excited to once again offer their free Online Workshop Series, which starts March 2, 2015! Take advantage of this consumer workshop series and increase your store’s traffic and sales. Promote the start of the workshops in your store, on your website, on social media, and drive sales as students purchase from the class supply list (there are over 30,000 students registered already).
University Art created this end cap featuring supplies for Strathmore’s 2013 Workshop 1.
2. Follow Strathmore Artist Papers on Facebook – and share the posts with your fans. This is a really easy thing to do. Strathmore shares on-going information and reminders about the Workshops on Facebook. Ask your fans to stock up on class supplies at your store! You can also check out #Strathmore Workshops on Instagram, Facebook & Twitter.
Additionally, you can follow Strathmore on other social media sites including:
3. Create your own workshop from content delivered in Strathmore’s Online Workshops! Each workshop provides you with a supply list, educational video and supporting information. Makes hosting your own event easier!
Original artwork by workshop instructor: Patti Mollica
As a reminder, at the end of each year Strathmore will post that year’s Online Workshop Series videos to their YouTube channel. Look for:
Also offered on Strathmore’sYouTube channel, you will find an expanding library of videos around product information, quick tips and tricks for using Strathmore products, and helpful information on frequently asked questions.
Interested in learning more? Contact your MacPherson’s sales representative for ideas of how you can drive more traffic and sales with Strathmore’s 2015 Online Workshop Series.
Original artwork by workshop instructors: Traci Bautista, Patti Mollica, Maureen “Marzi” Wilson, Alphonso Dunn
Please complete this anonymous 20-question survey now and contribute your experiences and information to the ONLY study of the U.S. and Canadian art materials market, sponsored every three years by NAMTA: the NAMTA Artists and Art Materials Study. All retailers who complete the survey will get the survey results report.
Get Great Information about Art Materials Retailing in 2015
Your participation is crucial. We need to hear from a wide range of many art materials retailers to produce reliable survey results. You will receive results in early May 2015 that include the following national information:
• What should retailers post on Facebook?
• What art materials retailer marketing methods work best?
• What should suppliers do to help you with marketing?
• What are the gross sales of a typical art supply store?
• What percentage of stores grew in the past few years?
• How much of retailers’ sales are online?
• Which categories of art supplies are growing?
NAMTA members receive the entire NAMTA Artists and Art Materials 2015 Study, including the Retailer Survey Results, available in May. Art Materials World attendees can attend a presentation of the study key findings April 15 in Denver.
Nonmembers who complete this survey can sign up to receive the results.
Enter to Win One of Three $100 Gift Cards
There’s something in it for you, too: You can enter a sweepstakes to win one of three $100 (C$125) American Express Gift Cards! Owners or managers of art supply stores in the USA and Canada (excluding province of Québec) may enter. Sweepstakes Rules
Anonymity
Your responses are anonymous and will only appear as part of summary data such as totals or averages in the third edition of the NAMTA Artists & Art Materials Study, the national report series on our industry. Hart Business Research independently conducts the studies for NAMTA and will keep your individual data confidential.
Gerald(Jerry) Goldstein, the founder of Jerry’s Artarama passed away on February 10th at 85. He was a depression baby born days after the stock market crash in 1929. Always a hard worker and a passionate Sunday painter he hatched the idea of selling art supplies at a discount while working at a toy store in in 1960. In 1968 he opened his own art supply store. Jerry combined his lifelong dedication for customer care and affordable creative supplies to launch the beginning of an industry retail icon. His sons Ira and David carry on this philosophy along with his grandchildren Michael, Heather and Dara. Farewell Jerry! In his honor, Jerry’s is setting up The Jerry Goldstein Foundation which will seek to raise funds for tuition and scholarship to the very talented young artists in order to inspire them to follow their dreams. If you would like to be integrally involved in the foundation please contact Ira Goldstein at 919-878-6782 at extension 113.
Don Churms, the owner of Studio Plus in Titusville Florida for over 25 years passed away after an accident on February 8, 2015 at the age of 79. The business will continue on under the direction of his wife Barbara. He is survived by Barbara, his business partner of 57 years; four children, Don, Steve, Susan, and Christie – See more at: Don Churms Obituary
In other sad news, at Meehans in Melbourne Florida, Dennis Meehan,Jr,only 29 years passed away February 8, 2015. He had been the art supply buyer for the last few years. Dennis was extremely gifted linguist and was known for his sharp wit and infectious sense of humor. He is survived by his loving parents Dennis Meehan Sr. and Kathleen (Lunn) Meehan; his sister Heather Broome and her husband Gavin – See more at: Dennis Meehan, Jr Obituary.
The end of an era! We are sorry to report that our beloved mid-west Account Manager Dwayne Hurlbutt will be leaving MacPherson’s at the end of February. Dwayne has been a valued member of the team for more than twenty years, but is looking to make a career change outside the industry and believes now is the best time to pursue that change. He will be sorely missed by team members, suppliers and customers alike.
Dwayne of Yesteryear
Dwayne Today!!
Renee LaMontagne Hile, ColArt America’s VP of Marketing has left the company after 13 years to further her future career.
Renee Hile
Andrew Kimball
In related news, Andrew Kimball, formerly of education supplier S&S Worldwide has joined ColArt as Field Sales Director reporting to Steve Chamberlain. Doug Ahrens will move to key account management as well as sales responsibility for the customers in the New York metro area. In this same move, Ann McCarthy’s sales territory will revert back solely to the New England states.
Rita Mathis
At Michaels, Rita Mathis has transferred from Drawing and Paper category merchant(buyer) to Manager – Pricing Optimization reporting to Kanth Surapaneni. In this role, Rita will be responsible to drive the analysis and execution of the Price and Promotion Optimization process supporting the Fine Arts Division.
In the just for fun dept., retailer Columbia Two in Portland is featured in very funny cable TV show Portlandia spoof on art supply store commercials. Watch for a nice shot of our Montana Can racks and a special guest appearance of Shepard Fairey using Montana BLACK! Shocking art supplies:
Here is nice video showcasing some of the projects MacPherson’s and Montana helped work on this last year in Miami. This video highlights Graffiti and Street Artist transformation into the fine art world. There is a lot of big names using Montana Cans in this video. Feel free to share this on your store’s social media outlets. Hopefully it will excite your customers and keep them coming back to buy the wonderful and highly versatile Montana Branded tools. Enjoy:
