What Blick Art Materials Is and How to Shop There
Blick Art Materials is a retail chain that sells art supplies in physical stores and online. You can walk into a Blick location to browse paints, brushes, paper, canvas, and specialty materials in person, or you can order from their website and pick up in-store or have items shipped to your home. Blick operates stores across the United States and also runs a mail-order business, so how you shop depends on whether you have a store near you and whether you prefer to see materials before buying.
The company has been in business since 1911 and is now owned by Dickblick Holdings. Blick stores range in size — some are small neighborhood locations, others are large format stores with extensive inventory. Their website lists all store locations, hours, and phone numbers, so you can find the one closest to you and call ahead if you need a specific item or want to confirm they have something in stock.
Key Takeaways
- Blick sells art supplies both in physical stores and online, and you can pick up online orders at most locations or have them shipped.
- The store carries materials for drawing, painting, printmaking, sculpture, and other media, with both student-grade and professional-grade options.
- Blick offers a rewards program called Blick Rewards that tracks purchases and gives you points toward future discounts.
- Prices vary by product and brand, and student discounts are available with a valid student ID at most locations.
- Staff at Blick stores can answer questions about materials and techniques, though the level of informed varies by location and individual employee.
Finding a Store and Checking Inventory
To locate a Blick store, visit their website and use the store locator tool. Enter your city or zip code and the tool will show you all nearby locations, their addresses, phone numbers, and hours of operation. Many stores are open six days a week, though hours vary by location — some open at 9 a.m., others at 10 a.m., and closing times range from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. depending on the store.
Before you travel to a store, you can call ahead or check the website to see if they have a specific item in stock. This is especially useful if you are looking for a particular brand, color, or size that may not be common. Blick's website shows inventory levels at individual stores, so you can see whether something is in stock, low stock, or out of stock before you go. If an item is out of stock locally but available online, you can order it for in-store pickup or home delivery.
Shopping Online and In-Store Pickup
Blick's website lets you browse their full catalog, read product descriptions and reviews, and place orders from home. When you add items to your cart, you can choose to ship to your address or pick up at a store near you. In-store pickup is often faster than shipping — many orders are ready within one to two business days, though this varies by location and order size.
To set up in-store pickup, select that option at checkout and choose which Blick location you want to pick up from. You will receive an email confirmation with your order number and an estimated pickup date. When the order is ready, Blick will send you another email or text message (if you provided your phone number) letting you know you can come get it. You typically have about a week to pick up your order before Blick may hold it for a shorter time or charge a storage fee — check your confirmation email for the specific window.
Understanding Blick's Product Range and Pricing
Blick carries supplies for most visual art disciplines: drawing (pencils, charcoal, pastels), painting (acrylics, oils, watercolors), printmaking, sculpture, ceramics, fiber arts, and more. They stock both student-grade materials, which are lower in price and made with less expensive pigments, and professional-grade materials, which cost more but have higher pigment loads and better lightfastness. For the same product — say, a tube of acrylic paint — the student version might cost $3 to $5, while the professional version could be $8 to $15 or more.
Prices at Blick are generally comparable to other art supply retailers, though they vary significantly by brand and product type. A basic set of student acrylic paints might run $15 to $30, while a single tube of professional oil paint can cost $20 to $40. Blick regularly runs sales and promotions, which you can find on their website or by signing up for their email list. They also offer discounts to students, teachers, and military personnel with valid ID — the discount percentage varies but is typically 10 to 15 percent.
The Blick Rewards Program
Blick offers a free rewards program called Blick Rewards that you can join at any store or online. When you sign up, you provide your email address and create an account. Every time you make a purchase — whether in-store or online — you earn points based on the amount you spend. The point-to-dollar conversion varies, but typically you earn one point per dollar spent.
As you accumulate points, you can redeem them for discounts on future purchases. For example, you might earn a $5 discount after reaching 100 points, or a $10 discount at 250 points. The exact reward tiers depend on Blick's current program structure, which can change. You can check your points balance and available rewards by logging into your account on the Blick website or asking a staff member in-store. Blick Rewards members also receive early notice of sales and special promotions via email.
What to Know About Returns and Exchanges
Blick accepts returns and exchanges within a set timeframe, though the exact policy can vary slightly by location. Generally, you can return unopened items within 30 days of purchase with a receipt. If you opened a product and it is defective — for example, a brush with loose bristles or paint that is separated and will not mix — you can often exchange it for a replacement even after opening it.
To return or exchange an item, bring it to the store where you purchased it along with your receipt. If you bought online and picked up in-store, you can return it to any Blick location. If you ordered online and had it shipped, you will need to contact Blick's customer service for a return shipping label. Keep your order confirmation email handy, as you will need the order number. Refunds are typically issued to your original payment method within a few business days after Blick receives the returned item.
Getting Help from Blick Staff
Blick employees can answer questions about products, materials, and techniques. The level of informed varies — some staff members are artists themselves and can offer detailed information, while others are newer to the job and may know less about specific media. If you have a detailed question about, say, the difference between various types of charcoal or how to prepare a canvas for oil painting, it is worth asking, but do not assume every employee will have an in-depth answer.
Many Blick stores also offer workshops and classes on topics like drawing, painting, and printmaking. These are usually taught by local artists and are open to people of all skill levels. You can find information about classes on the Blick website or by calling your local store. Some classes are free or low-cost, while others charge a materials fee or tuition. Attending a class can be a good way to learn techniques and meet other artists in your area.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I return art supplies if I have already used them?
It depends on the product and the reason. If an item is defective, you can usually exchange it even after opening. If you straightforward changed your mind or used it and did not like it, most stores will not take it back. The best approach is to ask a staff member before you leave the store, or call ahead if you are unsure.
Does Blick offer shipping to addresses outside the United States?
Blick's website primarily ships within the United States. If you need supplies shipped internationally, contact Blick customer service directly to ask about options — some items may be available for international shipping, but it is not the default.
What is the difference between student-grade and professional-grade supplies?
Student-grade materials use less expensive pigments and fillers, so they cost less and are good for learning. Professional-grade materials have higher pigment loads, better color accuracy, and longer-lasting results, but cost significantly more. Most artists start with student supplies and move to professional grades as their skills develop and budget allows.
Can I use a Blick Rewards coupon and a student discount at the same time?
Policies on stacking discounts vary by location and promotion. Some stores allow you to combine a Rewards discount with a student discount, while others do not. Ask a staff member at checkout or call your local store ahead of time to confirm what is allowed.
How long does in-store pickup usually take?
Most in-store pickup orders are ready within one to two business days. Large orders or orders placed on weekends may take longer. Your confirmation email will give you an estimated pickup date, and Blick will notify you when the order is ready.