Dick Blick: A Century Of Art Supplies Excellence & Innovation

Dorian Ondricka 28 Jun 2025

For over a century, the name Dick Blick has resonated deeply within the art community, synonymous with quality, selection, and an unwavering commitment to artists of all levels. From its humble beginnings as a mail-order enterprise, Dick Blick Art Materials has grown into the largest and oldest provider of art supplies in the United States, a true cornerstone for creativity across the nation. It's more than just a store; it's a legacy built on understanding and serving the diverse needs of professional artists, budding students, and dedicated educators alike.

This article delves into the rich history and expansive offerings of Dick Blick, exploring what makes it a trusted name for generations of creators. We'll uncover its journey from a pioneering mail-order business to a modern retail giant, highlight its unparalleled product range, and shed light on its significant contributions to art education. Whether you're a seasoned professional seeking specialized tools or a beginner embarking on your first creative journey, understanding the world of Dick Blick is essential for navigating the vast landscape of art supplies.

Table of Contents:

The Enduring Legacy of Dick Blick Art Materials
- From Mail Order to Modern Retail: A Timeline
Why Artists Trust Dick Blick: Unparalleled Selection
- A Universe of Paint and Drawing Supplies
- Beyond the Canvas: Crafts, Framing, and More
Dick Blick's Commitment to Education
The Retail Experience: Brick-and-Mortar and Online
Quality Assurance: Ensuring Your Supplies Arrive Safely
The Blick Brand: Trusted Quality at Your Fingertips
Shopping at Dick Blick: Ease, Enjoyment, and Affordability
- Expert Guidance for Every Purchase
The Future of Art Supplies with Dick Blick

The Enduring Legacy of Dick Blick Art Materials

The story of Dick Blick Art Materials is a testament to entrepreneurial spirit and a deep understanding of the artist's needs. Founded in Galesburg, Illinois, in 1911 by Dick Blick himself, the company began as a pioneering mail-order business. In an era before widespread internet access, catalogs were the lifeblood of specialized commerce, and Dick Blick quickly established itself as a primary supplier of art materials delivered directly to customers' doorsteps. This early focus on accessibility and convenience laid the groundwork for its enduring success.

A significant turning point occurred in 1947 when the business was purchased by Robert Metzenberg, with operations formally taken over in 1948. Under new leadership, the company continued to grow and adapt, solidifying its position as one of the oldest and largest art materials suppliers in the United States. Today, Blick Art Materials, often simply known as Blick Art, stands as a titan in the industry, a name that evokes trust and reliability for anyone involved in the creative arts. Its journey from a small mail-order operation to a national retail powerhouse is a remarkable narrative of adaptation and consistent quality.

From Mail Order to Modern Retail: A Timeline

The evolution of Dick Blick Art Materials from its mail-order roots to its expansive modern presence is a fascinating journey. While the iconic Dick Blick art catalog remains a vital resource, the company has strategically expanded its footprint to include a robust network of physical retail stores. With more than 65 retail stores nationwide, and approximately 60 operating in some 25 states, Blick has successfully bridged the gap between traditional catalog shopping and the immersive in-store experience. This dual approach ensures that customers have multiple convenient avenues to access the vast selection of art supplies they need.

This strategic growth has allowed Dick Blick to serve a broader audience, providing immediate access to products, opportunities for hands-on exploration, and expert advice from knowledgeable staff. The transition from solely mail-order to a blend of online and brick-and-mortar retail reflects a forward-thinking approach, ensuring that Dick Blick remains relevant and accessible in an ever-changing market.

Company Profile: Dick Blick Art Materials

Attribute	Detail
Founded	1911 in Galesburg, Illinois
Founder	Dick Blick
Acquired by Robert Metzenberg	1947 (operations taken over 1948)
Current Status	Largest and oldest art materials supplier in the U.S.
Retail Presence	More than 65 retail stores nationwide (approx. 60 in 25 states)
Product Range	Over 60,000 products
Primary Customers	Professional artists, students, teachers, educational community
Key Offerings	Paints, drawing supplies, crafts, framing, canvases, paper, writing instruments, classroom kits, bulk supplies.

Why Artists Trust Dick Blick: Unparalleled Selection

One of the primary reasons Dick Blick has maintained its leadership position in the art supply industry is its truly unparalleled selection. When it comes to finding all your art supply needs in one place, Blick offers the best selection of art supplies online and in its physical stores. The company boasts an inventory of more than 60,000 products, ranging from fundamental essentials to highly specialized items. This extensive variety ensures that whether you're a professional artist working on a commission, a student tackling a project, or a teacher preparing for a classroom activity, you'll find exactly what you need.

This vast array includes everything from a rainbow of paints and an assortment of brushes to diverse canvases, paper pads, and intricate writing instruments. The sheer depth of choice within each category is what sets Dick Blick apart, allowing artists to explore different mediums, experiment with new techniques, and find the perfect tools to bring their creative visions to life.

A Universe of Paint and Drawing Supplies

Dive into the world of color and line, and you'll quickly discover why Dick Blick is a go-to for paint and drawing supplies. The selection of paints alone is staggering, with hundreds of acrylic paints available, alongside watercolors, oils, and more. For those exploring the nuances of various mediums, the ability to find a wide spectrum of colors and different formulations is invaluable. For instance, understanding how to dilute pigment with water to achieve a translucent effect is a fundamental technique, and Blick provides the materials that make such exploration possible and enjoyable.

Beyond paints, the drawing supplies cater to every need, from basic pencils and charcoal to advanced pastels and markers. And when it comes to surfaces, Blick's selection of canvases is equally impressive. You can explore their selection of Blick brand canvases, including stretched canvas, canvas rolls, panels, and stretcher bars. The customization options are extensive: you can choose your dimensions, browse dozens of fabrics (from cotton to linen), and select the appropriate stretcher bars to create the perfect foundation for your artwork. This level of detail ensures that artists can truly tailor their materials to their specific artistic demands.

Beyond the Canvas: Crafts, Framing, and More

The comprehensive nature of Dick Blick's offerings extends far beyond traditional painting and drawing. The company also provides an impressive array of crafts supplies, catering to hobbyists, educators, and anyone looking to explore diverse creative outlets. From sculpting materials to jewelry making components, the craft section is a treasure trove for imaginative projects.

Furthermore, once your masterpiece is complete, Dick Blick ensures you can present it with the style and protection it deserves. Discover an extensive selection of frames & framing supplies at Blick, perfect for showcasing your artwork with style. You can shop various types, sizes, and styles, from elegant wood frames to modern metal designs, and all the necessary hardware and mats. This comprehensive approach, providing supplies from conception to display, truly positions Dick Blick as a one-stop shop for all artistic endeavors.

Dick Blick's Commitment to Education

Beyond serving individual artists, Dick Blick actively supports the educational community, recognizing the vital role art plays in development and learning. The Dick Blick art catalog goes beyond merely serving the professional artist; it features a dedicated section for educators, understanding their unique needs and challenges. This commitment is evident in the specialized resources and products tailored for schools, universities, and art programs.

For educators, Blick offers invaluable features such as bulk purchasing options, which are essential for stocking classrooms efficiently and affordably. They also provide classroom kits built to foster creativity in learning environments, simplifying the process of introducing new art forms or techniques to students. Furthermore, specialized products for younger artists are available, ensuring that even the youngest creators have access to safe, appropriate, and inspiring materials. This deep engagement with the educational sector underscores Dick Blick's mission to nurture creativity at every stage of life.

The Retail Experience: Brick-and-Mortar and Online

In today's diverse retail landscape, accessibility is key, and Dick Blick excels by offering a seamless shopping experience both online and in physical stores. As mentioned, the company owns and operates about 60 art supply stores in some 25 states, providing tangible spaces where artists can touch, feel, and compare products. These brick-and-mortar locations serve as community hubs, offering workshops, demonstrations, and personalized advice from knowledgeable staff. The ability to walk into a store and immediately pick up a specific shade of paint or feel the texture of a canvas is invaluable for many artists.

Complementing its physical presence, dickblick.com offers the convenience of online shopping, making their vast inventory accessible from anywhere in the world. This online platform is meticulously designed to allow customers to shop paint, drawing supplies, crafts, framing, and more with ease. Whether you prefer the tactile experience of in-store browsing or the convenience of online ordering, Dick Blick ensures that your art supply needs are met efficiently and effectively.

Quality Assurance: Ensuring Your Supplies Arrive Safely

When ordering art supplies, especially delicate items like loose papers and boards, concerns about damage during transit are common. Wondering how Blick ensures that delicate loose papers and boards arrive undamaged? This is where Dick Blick's commitment to quality assurance truly shines. The company understands that the integrity of art materials is paramount, and they employ specialized packaging techniques to protect sensitive items.

Their robust shipping processes are designed to safeguard products from the warehouse to your studio. This meticulous attention to detail in handling and packaging reflects their dedication to customer satisfaction and the preservation of product quality. Artists can have confidence that their valuable supplies, from large paper sheets to fragile canvases, will arrive in pristine condition, ready for immediate use. This reliability is a crucial factor in building and maintaining customer trust, especially for those who rely on mail-order for their essential materials.

The Blick Brand: Trusted Quality at Your Fingertips

Beyond distributing products from hundreds of renowned brands, Dick Blick also offers its own line of high-quality art materials under the "Blick" brand name. These Blick brand products are developed with the same rigorous standards that the company applies to its curated selection of other manufacturers' goods, often providing exceptional value without compromising on performance. This allows artists to access reliable, consistent quality directly from a trusted source.

A prime example is their extensive range of Blick brand canvases. As previously mentioned, you can explore their selection of Blick brand canvases including stretched canvas, canvas rolls, panels, and stretcher bars. The level of customization available is impressive: you can choose your dimensions, browse dozens of fabrics, and select your stretcher bars to construct the perfect surface for your artistic vision. This commitment to offering a diverse and customizable in-house brand demonstrates Dick Blick's deep understanding of artists' needs and their dedication to providing accessible, high-quality options.

Shopping at Dick Blick: Ease, Enjoyment, and Affordability

At the core of Dick Blick's business philosophy is a commitment to making the art supply shopping experience as easy, enjoyable, and affordable as possible. Our goal is to make your shopping experience easy and enjoyable, so you can find the quality art supplies that you need quickly and affordably. This customer-centric approach is evident in every aspect of their operations, from their user-friendly website to their well-organized retail stores. They strive to provide excellent service for a quality shopping experience, ensuring that customers feel supported and confident in their purchases.

Finding the best art supplies at the lowest prices is a constant pursuit for artists, and Dick Blick consistently aims to meet this need without compromising on quality. Their extensive inventory, coupled with competitive pricing and frequent promotions, makes high-quality art materials accessible to a broader audience. This focus on value, combined with a smooth purchasing process, ensures that artists can dedicate more time and resources to their creative work rather than struggling to find the right supplies.

Expert Guidance for Every Purchase

Making informed decisions about art supplies can significantly impact an artist's work. The best plan is to learn everything you can about an art paper before you buy, and this principle extends to all art materials. Dick Blick supports this by providing comprehensive product descriptions, detailed specifications, and often customer reviews on their website. In their physical stores, knowledgeable staff are on hand to offer personalized advice, helping customers navigate the vast selection and choose the products best suited for their specific projects and skill levels.

Whether it's understanding the nuances of different paint pigments, selecting the right brush for a particular stroke, or choosing the perfect paper for a drawing technique, Blick provides the resources and expertise to guide artists. This commitment to educating and empowering their customers ensures that every purchase is a confident and informed one, leading to greater satisfaction and better artistic outcomes.

The Future of Art Supplies with Dick Blick

As Dick Blick Art Materials looks to the future, its foundation of quality, selection, and customer service remains steadfast. The company continues to adapt to evolving artistic trends and technological advancements, ensuring it remains at the forefront of the art supply industry. With its robust online presence, expanding network of retail stores, and unwavering dedication to the art community, Dick Blick is poised to continue its legacy for another century.

For artists, students, and educators, Dick Blick is more than just a supplier; it's a partner in creativity, providing the tools and resources needed to explore, learn, and innovate. Its enduring commitment to making art accessible and enjoyable ensures that the vibrant world of artistic expression will continue to thrive, supported by a company that truly understands and cherishes the creative journey.

In conclusion, Dick Blick Art Materials stands as a beacon in the art world, a testament to over a century of dedication to fostering creativity. From its origins as a pioneering mail-order business to its current status as the largest and oldest art supplier in the United States, Dick Blick has consistently prioritized an unparalleled selection, a deep commitment to education, and a customer-centric shopping experience. Whether you're seeking the perfect shade of acrylic paint, a specialized framing solution, or bulk supplies for a classroom, Dick Blick offers the quality, variety, and expertise you need.

We encourage you to explore the vast offerings of Dick Blick Art Materials, either through their comprehensive online catalog at dickblick.com or by visiting one of their many retail stores. Discover for yourself why generations of artists have trusted Dick Blick to bring their visions to life. What are your favorite Dick Blick products? Share your experiences in the comments below, and let's continue to celebrate the vibrant world of art together!

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