Artist & Craftsman Supply will mark its two-year anniversary in Hyattsville with arts activities for adults and children this Saturday, April 7.
The employee-owned arts supply chain chose its location in Hyattsville because of the funky building and the local arts district.
But staff say architecture students at the nearby University of Maryland have unexpectedly turned out to be huge customers, buying wooden dowels, museum board and other supplies needed to make 3-D models of buildings.
Another big-seller: Shoe paint. A specially designed paint from Angelus has proven to be a big draw for local teens and adults who want to decorate leather and canvas shoes.
Of course, you don’t always need paint. Staff from Artist & Craftsman held an event at Vigilante Coffee where they demonstrated how to paint using coffee — and not just rings on your desk at work.
The event tomorrow from noon to 5 p.m. will feature an Easter egg hunt inside the store, bubble-making outside (weather permitting) and a community art project involving paint markers and a large black canvas.
“We’re going to let people use their imagination, so it’s going to be a pretty wild mosaic when it’s all done,” said Ellen Hoch who works at the art supply store.
If you’re headed there to shop, be sure to mention if you’re a teacher, student, senior or member of the military to get a 10 percent discount. Members of local arts groups such as Pyramid Atlantic Art Center and the Hyattsville Community Arts Alliance are also eligible for discounts.
Artist & Craftsman is located at 4902 43rd Ave. in Hyattsville, near Pizzeria Paradiso and behind the soon-to-open Streetcar 82 Brewing Co.