Creating art in a strip mall just doesn’t seem right.
Art needs lots of natural light and preferably a funky building, and that’s why oil painting instructor Linda Huffman loves the new location of her classes.
“This place has personality,” said Huffman. “I’d rate this a 10 at least, seriously, this is a great spot. It’s a very creative space.”
This creative space is the new location of Everett Artist’s Supply and Framing, which after several years at a strip mall moved in June to a funky building at 9304 Evergreen Way in Everett.
Everett Artist’s Supply is the largest fine arts supply store — they don’t stock for crafts — between Seattle and Mount Vernon. Besides carrying a range of oils acrylics and watercolors, high quality art papers and canvases, the business has an extensive collection of art books, a gallery showcasing local artists and more than 25 years of experience in framing.
Everett Artist’s Supply also houses several brightly lit artist’s studios — one of which is currently for rent starting at between $450 and $500 a month — and offers a variety of classes where adults can learn to work with precious metal clay, make glass jewelry and plates or try painting.
The store is also one of the largest Iwata airbrush shippers on the West Coast. Because of that Iwata connection, Everett Artist’s Supply draws the business of some local celebrity airbrush artists, such as Mike Lavallee, owner of Killer Paint in Snohomish, who has carved out a national reputation and been on “Monster Garage” for the eye-popping creations he bestows on cars and motorcycles.
Everett Artist’s and Supply owner Dawn Westmoreland, who took over the business in 1977 when it was known as Art Supply Northwest, said she had been looking for a new building that had curb appeal and the right light. When she found the former animal hospital building with 2,800 square feet and an additional annex the same size, she knew she had found a picture-perfect spot.
“I saw this so I got out of my car and walked in and saw all the natural light and the floors. It looked stunning,” Westmoreland said.
After a remodel, the center of the store now holds the brushes, paints and print making and encaustic supplies. Further inside is the frame shop where all the frames are made on site and any style of mat is cut.
An outside patio area leads to the adjoining annex where there is a sculpting studio for students to work with stone and wood — Westmoreland is currently looking for a woodworking instructor — and glass, along with other teaching studios.
In one of the studios, Huffman was about to lead her almost raucous group of students in a lesson on oils. The students chatted and laughed heartily amongst themselves. Huffman took a moment to exude about her new studio space.
“Ooh, the light is perfect,” Huffman said. “And the students are so happy.”
Theresa Goffredo: 425-339-3424, goffredo@heraldnet.com.
Artists at work
Everett Artist’s Supply and Framing, 9304 Evergreen Way, Everett. Artists and the general public are invited to a free demonstration between 1 and 2:30 p.m. Sept. 12 to watch artist Rudy Coffing practice the fine art of acrylic painting. To register or for more information call 425-353-3084 or go to everettartistssupply.com.
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