Curry’s Art Store

Having tapped into my artistic side recently I was excited to check this place out. I was disappointed b/​c it look sad. And depressed. It needed someone to call a 1 – 800 number for help. It looks tired — the carpet looks dated and held together with duct tape. Lots of things I noticed had no price on them — highly annoying. The things that did have prices on them were just hand written. It just looked sloppy. There were lots of boxes sitting around — I guess at some point employees would put the stock away.
Lots of empty stock which was disappointing. The service was friendly though and they do take membership cards (student discounts or if you are a member of certain organizations you can get a discount).

I’m not sure what their physical store is like, but if you order online, it’s a horrible experience. After I ordered online, I received an e-​mail stating that my order went through. After that, nothing more– no indication of shipping times, tracking– nothing! After 3 weeks of waiting, I contacted Curry’s to see if they could give me a tracking number in case my shipment got lost.
It took another week to receive a response. Though courteous, the representative said my order hadn’t even been processed yet! That’s 4 weeks– a whole month– and they didn’t even fill my order because they were «busy»! I would have expected at least an e-​mail, or a warning on their website that shipping times are probably close to 2 months, but obviously they don’t feel obligated to follow up with the customer once the order has been received. Truly a disappointment…

As a full-​time artist I shop here 3 – 4 times a week. Convenient location, great selection of supplies and friendly staff.

Helpful staff but they only had one of the three items I wanted in stock.
Try the Queen street store was their mantra.
Too bad, this location is much more convenient being around the corner from the Metro Central YMCA.

Bought a drawing table online. It missed a part so I had to contact them over and over to send it. It took awhile but finally got it. The table had a lot of scratches on it tho.

Cant help but give it 5 stars. They carry a wide range of arts supplies that normally they only have online, and the staff here are outstanding. They’re happy to help at a moments notice and they have all these really great tips and neat advice for how to handle certain tools better or how to get better results.
They’re always really friendly, even when the store is completely packed with students and they’re really really busy. and they give very honest opinions when I ask questions like «which paints do you prefer?» or «Is this good for what I’m using it for?»

I have no choice, I have to give it 5 stars. For me this is one of those stores I look forward to going to and then can spend hours looking at all the different stuff. I usually come out with more than I went into for. Excellent service every time and always busy with students. Great positive energy here.

I bought sketch pencils and books there. Their services were excellent. The girl was really hospitable and the prices, even though are not lowest, but are reasonable at the convenient location.

Stopped by here to find a frame. While they did not have exactly what I was looking for…
1. They had some nice frames that were priced very competitively.
2. The staff was friendly. They really went the extra mile to try to find some options for me.
3. There was a lot of energy in here. Things were a bit chaotic, but still easy to find.

I love coming here. Conveniently, I’m only 1 – 2 blocks away, which is even better. The best thing about this place the the staff. They are extremely knowledgeable about art and what to buy. Often when I buy supplies for art projects in a medium I have never used before, I will ask for suggestions on what is best to use. No matter who I ask, they always know what to recommend. Young, hip, helpful, and friendly service. — Can you ask for more than that?
They hardly ever seem to run out of stock, but maybe it depends on the item. So far, I have never had a problem with not being able to buy something during a visit.
Yes, some supplies are expensive, but let’s keep in mind that art supplies in general cost lots of money. It is worth it in my opinion because you want to work with high-​quality materials.
Students: 10% discount off your purchase if you bring your student card.

Although the selection can seem very limited at times, and the prices can be hit and massive miss, there is occasionally a deal that can make going there worth it.
With regard to service, it does take a bit of time convincing the staff that you are not a secret spy mystery shopper before they will give you advice on what sucks, what might be worth it, and what they use themselves; as well, if they think you are a newbie they start talking down to you, and they try to sell you the cheapest quality or most expensive items. Even if I was a complete newbie, you should still consider the fact that being nice to customers can not only help others along with their journey as an artist, but encourage brand loyalty, and generate repeat customers.
Primarily, the only reason I ever choose to go this Curry’s location, is that it’s not too far from where I live, their prices for lower student grade items aren’t too too terrible, and, since they are open longer than a lot of other art stores, going there doesn’t have to conflict with my schedule.

There numerous ways to see this store.
If you are artist, well, selections *can* be limited depending on the medium and quality you use as the store tries to follow the ‘everything to everyone but it not amazing at anything in particular approach.‘
Keep in mind there are less expensive places for some items, however Curry’s has the option of being very, very accessible, by just being a minute away from College subway station and they are part of my hood. As there are some good stores here are there but are not as accessible.
They do cover the basics, and they do have specials from time to time so do check their site before you go. For example, right now they have a special on canvases which I will go take advantage off… uh… right now!
Aside painting, I do write and they almost always seem to have specials on hard cover black sketch (ahem, writing) books which I can go through like Oprah on a Chocolate suffle. Okay perhaps not as fast, more like Oprah on cabbage soup fast.
If you are buying a gift for a friend, then you are most likely covered and you will find this a great store. Same if you are starting out and buying something for yourself since they will have the basics to get you started.
Either way the staff all seem to be OCAD art students, or something akin to it, so they are likely more then able to help you out.
Also, if you have a student card, or if you are like me and are a member of the AGO then you get a 10% discount on all purchases which is always welcome.
It is a good general art store.

As an art-​school graduate I felt this place was pretty standard. The prices are always obnoxious at these places, but I didn’t feel like I was being taken advantage of here.
I knew what I was looking for, so I did not need help finding anything. I’m sure if I did I could have found someone, but no one came up to me until I got to the counter. The staff seemed indifferent, but not snobbish. I’m sure they would have been more than helpful.
They gave me the 10% student discount even-​though I forgot my card and only had a membership student pass as proof and I had a good chat with the girl who rung me up.
I’d go back here for art supply essentials and recommended that my boyfriend do the same.

Dropped by here yesterday hoping to snag a quick gift for an artistically inclined friend’s upcoming birthday. Located on a more modest block of downtown real estate, this particular Curry’s isn’t much to look at from the outside, and upon entering, neither is it on the inside. The cramped aisles and crowded shelves make for a slightly claustrophobic feel, but there’s no denying that it’s a well stocked store.
As it happened, the item I was looking to pick up, a large set of Prismacolor pencil crayons, was on sale for quite a bit cheaper than I’ve found anywhere else. However, probably as a result of the sale, there was only one lonely tin remaining. Upon closer inspection, the tin was dented and the shrink wrap torn in several places… not exactly something you’d want to give out as gift. And hey, when you’re shelling out $ 100+ for pencil crayons, you’re allowed to be picky about the decorative tin.
Despite the small size of the store, it was surprisingly hard to find a free employee. After realizing peering down the aisle was futile due to their crooked nature, I resigned to joining the line at the front in hopes of interrogating one of the two guys manning checkout.
It was surprisingly crowded for a Thursday 4pm, and the line was long. Just as it was nearly my turn, a third worker came out from a side door, sporting awesome teal dyed hair — a wild Pokémon has appeared!
She proceeded to be extremely helpful and friendly, checking first the backrooms for extra stock, and when nothing turned up, the inventory of nearby stores.
However, what really bumped this review up a star happened just as I was about to leave empty handed. The crowd around the checkout had magically disappeared. Of course *after* I got out of the line, Murphy’s Law, and the two hipster, artsier-​than-​thou employees were having some down time. One of the young men, whom I had secretly christened Grumpy, due to his sour disposition, overheard me thanking his colleague for her help and saying that I would try my luck at a store closer to home — and unexpectedly offered a raincheck with an additional 10% discount. Up until now, I was completely unaware that Curry’s had a guaranteed in stock policy for sale items and it was definitely a nice surprise. A smart business model as well, because otherwise, the larger, and better organized (albeit slightly pricier) DeSerres 15 minutes away from the home base would have been my go-​to.
All in all, if you’re downtown and in need of some art supplies, give this place a try! Chances are, they’ll have what you need, and with Curry’s frequent sales, you’ll snag it at a great price too. Bonus points if anyone can identify the obscure bands on the t-​shirts of Pokem-​, I mean, the lovely workers of Yonge St. Curry’s.

I have avoided this store for years, assuming that if it’s located on Yonge St. it will be overpriced with poor service provided by pretentious teenagers.
I. WAS. WRONG.
Really wrong. I was comparing acrylic prices online and saw that in almost every case, everything I checked against DeSerres and Aboveground, Curry’s was cheaper. I decided to risk sucky service to get cheaper prices and went to the Yonge St. store. The staff was laid back but friendly and helpful, offering info before I had time to form the question! The prices in the store were the same as online which is not always the case in the other two art stores I mentioned.
I left with everything I needed and more. Curry’s wasn’t running a sale. These were just their regular prices. Julie, the store manager is a well of knowledge and shares what she knows in a straightforward way. As long as Curry’s provides the supplies I need, at prices I like, I will be happy to spend my dollars there.

I only needed to pick up one item; a price of board stock or matting for a print I just bought and wanted to frame. The size I needed was 39″ x 27 ½″.
I walked in the store, headed all the way to the back to the board stock area and located the one I wanted which came in standard sizes of 32″ x 40″. I walked to the front of the store to find a sales associate who were all chatting at the cash desk and explained to her what I wanted and asked if she would cut it for me. After an eye roll and a sigh, she said they really don’t cut. I pointed out to her that the signs all indicated that they did cut to size.
I was asked to pay for it first. …Then she proceeded to say she would have to cut it on the floor… well…I guess. The carpet was pretty dirty, but what the heck, I calmed my soon approaching breakout in hives reaction and let her cut it on the floor. They didn’t have a cutting machine which I though was kind of odd. The sales associate indicated that the person that cuts is the full time sales associate… who I assumed from the comment was not in the store at this time.
She proceeded to measure it with a 24″ metal ruler and a pencil. Marking measurement increments on the black (good side) instead of the back.
Just before she was ready to take a carpet cutter to it (not even an Exact-​o knife… were in a art supply store right??). I say «you know what it doesn’t look right» — only needed an inch off one end and the pencil mark I saw was at least 4″…“do you mind if you measure again before you cut please”. …she sighed and remeasured. At this point the friend I was with said maybe the stock was larger size than we thought… we let her proceed and let her cut it.
As she started to cut or hack her way through, she realized the blade was dull (seriously), she then broke off the tip and started to cut again.
As we were walking back to the cash desk to bag it, I knew it was the wrong size. I walked home after a couple more stops. Got home, unwrapped it, laid it on the frame and what the heck, of course… it’s the wrong size !
4″ short on one side and 5 on the other — did the ruler have inch increments or did she think I was talking in millimetres ??
I’m angry only because I literally threw away a 10 $ board today… Now I have to go back and find something else… I think I’ll find something I can cut myself at home, because I know I will not miss measure…
Store has great supplies — customer service sucks !

I’m a beginner artist (actually a virgin artist, haha). Curry has some good supplies at good prices. Of course, you can go splurge and buy high-​end $hit. But for simple starter items, start here.

I was really excited to go here but left feeling annoyed that I interupted a cranky sales person with his arts and crafts project, and still couldnt find what he just randomly pointed at. Like if i knew what I was looking for I WOULD NOT ASK YOU! I was happy though that someone noticed my wtf look on my face and helped me find what I was looking for and other possable things I could use instead, so I did not have to buy a huge bottle of adhesive. In the end I did not buy anything but a good notion to screw this place and stick to micheals. Out of the 5 people working there olny one person could be botherd to actully help. Maybe I came in on a bad day or intrupted a really GREAT project, dunno.

The staff are helpful and will advise which types of paints will give you a certain effect.
Curry’s has many canvases to buy and even handmade paper (used for water colors or drawing materials). They also carry animation markers, ink pens and different types of pencils.
When I have to purchase art supplies, I do it at this store. However, their art books are priced a bit higher, so I buy those from a bookstore.

As soon as I walked inside Curry’s, I was quite amazed by selections and amount of art supplies inside the store!
I was looking to buy two 4×2 feet canvas. There were so many to choose from, not just in term of sizes, but price point as well. I like that!
Staffs were terrific. The cashier cleverly made handles using strips of packing tape, so I could carry the 2 large canvases I bought. Now, that’s good customer service!