Columbia Art & Drafting Supply

04/26/2008 Posted by samalam

I'm just starting out in art, and went here to buy some painting and charcoal supplies. I found the selection to be so amazing that I could have easily spent hours in the store (actually, I think I did!), yet still organized enough for someone who needs to get in and out in a hurry. The staff members were all very friendly and helpful, and even took the time to answer some questions I had about paper for acrylic painting *while I was already checking out*! I learned so many new things just from that short conversation, and I can definitely say that I will be returning here as my experiences in art grow. I'm so glad to have found it.

Pros: friendly, knowledgeable staff, available street parking, huge selection

03/30/2008 Posted by catalyzed

Columbia has the best price of brushes and the largest selection of the art stores in portland. it also has more craft like material, an amazing selection of specialty papers and craft kits. There is a student discount too, ask for it before hand and you''ll avoid the mad eye. Great staff who is helpful but will leave you alone to browse until you find what you need/want.

Pros: selection of brushes

02/04/2008 Posted by tugboatAnnie

Columbia Art has come a long way. They have been in the SE area for at least 30 years, but it was when they took over the Lyman Slack building that they really offered just about everything for the professional or budding artist. If you compare what they offer to Art Media, Michael's or Utrecht, it averages out. I have never had a problem with staff, and I don't feel like I am ever pulling them away from something 'more important'. Rita is especially helpful, and I have sent many new painters to her so that they buy the proper start-up supplies. I think it's evident that some of the writers have reviewed staff and store based only on their personal agendas. Give some credit to a local family who has done a good job of building their business.

Pros: Great selection-always new products as they become available!

Cons: Parking can sometimes be tough.

12/08/2007 Posted by artfulintent

Columbia Art & Drafting Supply definitely has its pluses and minuses. Overall, its a good art store and I think all the comments will be honored and hopefully something good will come out of it.

12/05/2007 Posted by needartsupplies

I always thought this place was the most expensive art store in town but I went there because its had decent stock and its easy access parking. There is only about 2 sales people there, that are really helpful. The owners are the least helpful of them all. There was a an item that was not put in my bag when i went home and checked the receipt, sure enough I paid for it. So, I went back to tell them my $3.51 marker was not in the bag and they said to check my car (which I did before running back to the store - 3 times). I checked my car extremely, thoroughly and it was not there. When I explained this, they just said sorry we always put things left on the counter in a box for the customers to return and get it. What I think is that it was never put in the box. So, reinforces the attitude that all customers are out to screw small businesses and that the customer is never right. With this experience, I was totally turned off and will go out of my way to visit Art Media or Utrecht. Its just too bad.

Pros: Decent stock, decent street parking, buy one get one free table

Cons: Expensive, hours are short, not open on sunday, very few helpful sales people

0 out of 1 people found this review helpful

11/25/2007 Posted by deebaker

I shopped at Columbia Art long before the present owners arrived. My experience then was barely "OK." The new owners' hard work and business acumen has created a wonderful and amazing 1 stop shopping experience , especially for artists living on the east side of the river. Before they took over, we were limited to art supplies by catalog or the misery of traveling long distances in Portland's traffic only to find the item needed was not available. Some items may seem a bit higher but they are very fair in discounting for students, and considering traffic and gas prices, some higher priced items are still affordable. And as important to me, is the congeniality and knowledge of their store clerks. The owners are especially eager to please of course. In addition, "Rita" is clearly an important asset in knowledge and helpfulness. I appreciate that she never leaves me wondering whether or not I have made the best choice! She has helped me "work out" solutions in detail. Also, their framer Justin, who is rather new, already has displayed knowledge and patience in helping me find a solution for framing needs. It is also well to note that the owners of Columbia Art care about our community and are generous participants, particularly when and where the Arts need support. I appreciate the opportunity to comment. Thank you!

Pros: Quality, Quantity, knowledgeable and friendly help

Cons: none

11/13/2007 Posted by jadys

I've been in this store a few times to buy supplies for, of all things, sewing classes. This store has an excellent selection of drafting supplies from compasses to rulers of all kinds. It's a bit out of my way, since I live in Beaverton, but I like it SO much better than Art Media on Cedar Hills Blvd that I'm willing to make the drive. I've had excellent service every time I've been in, and had NO trouble communicating with any of the staff. The prices did shock me at first, but when I shopped around, they were pretty competitive, especially compared to some sewing professionals' websites (on which you must pay shipping, so any price difference is negated by s&h and wait time for product). Another bonus is the student discount (either 10 or 20%, I can't remember). And that is easy to get also. All you have to do is show a current class syllabus. No runaround about it. I'd definitely recommend them if you have something soecific in mind.

Pros: great quality and selection

Cons: parking and distance from my home

11/01/2007 Posted by tarasullivan

Gosh, my experience with the woman, Rita by name(not Medusa), in the paper department to be quite different from another review in this list. I found her to be exceptional in service, and really knowledgeable about not only paper, but just about every thing I have ever wanted to buy there. I am a regular customer there, and have found Tao and Bang-Tram, the owners, (who by the way are NOT Chinese, but Vietnamese) to be delightful people and totally conversant in English. The store is a full service art supply store. Yes, it is more expensive than some other places in Portland, but I don't have time to shop. I am a professional, and I need service and product. I don't want to spend my time running around town to save $1.00 or so on various items. I love shopping here. If you are a watercolor artist, be sure to talk to Tanya. She knows so much about watercolor. I learn something every single time I go here to shop.

07/14/2007 Posted by mabenn

Well, sort of. Sure it's pricy, but Columbia Art & Drafting Supply is a good alternative to those horrendously yuppie supply stores in the Pearl District and the christian cult craft stores like Michael's. I would love to take advantage of its easy location and great supplies, but I will always boycott this store on principle alone. If you have been there you will know what I mean by the phrase "when service feels like invasive surgery." If you haven't, I encourage you take an adventure in the poster board section of the room and try to get the evil witch of paper goods to help you. The woman who sits post in the back of the room most weekdays is a testament to the fall of good (heck, even adequate) customer service in modern civilization. This woman, let's call her "Medusa", looks and acts like she was just released from the personality disorder department at Oregon State Hospital. You're lucky if she even acknowledges your presence, and luckier if she shifts her lead bum off the chair to help you find what you're looking for. Rude, abrasive, and very lazy, this woman has incited more frustration, rage, and a feeling of powerlessness to countless customers. I'd rather have all my body hair waxed off then have to deal with her. What's more, she has made her way into local legend as being the albatross of art stores citywide. I have had countless unsolicited complaint sessions with colleagues and friends about this snake-woman. What's worse, when you complain to the owner, he simply says "Yeah, I know." Evidently very aware of her ascerbic, cantakerous ways, yet surprisingly unwilling to do anything about it and maintain his store's reputation. I'm not being dramatic here. She is awful! And reason enough for a city-wide boycott of the store until she is removed to the back where, by the way, there seems to be a bit of Chinese sweatshop going on, or re-committed to the Bedlum from which she came.

Pros: Cool stuff

Cons: Service from the River Styxx

0 out of 1 people found this review helpful

05/28/2007 Posted by laylabelle

Columbia stocks tons of great products and has some nice and knowledgeable people on the sales floor to help you out but I have found if you ask anyone at the register for help, they don't always speak English or know anything about art supplies. My biggest problem with Columbia is the price of almost everything! Their prices are much higher than my favorite place in town and possibly the world, Utrecht's. I needed a 36" metal ruler and looked at Columbia first and was so put off by the price I went to Utrecht's and found it for a third of the price. Columbia does have sales on items that brings them down to the normal price of other art supply places... but basically I only go to Columbia as a last result if the other places in town are out of what I want. They do, however, get some extra points for carrying M. Graham watercolors and gouache...

Pros: good selection

Cons: way overpriced and some employees are hard to communicate with