Plaza Artist Materials & Picture Framing

One of these stars is for the fact that Plaza had a 15″ steel ruler. The missing three are for what ensued as I attempted to purchase it.
This was my first time into Plaza. I was looking for outside calipers and a steel ruler. Some friends suggested I might find these items here. Immediately upon entry I felt as if the person behind the downstairs counter wanted nothing to do with me, as I asked to be directed toward these items. She pointed upstairs.
On the second level I found three or four employees or friends (couldn’t really tell although I was fairly certain the person behind the desk probably worked there) chatting in a congenial manner. After a few awkward seconds a woman chose to break from her banter and make eye contact with me. She was friendly enough and brought me to where she thought there might be calipers. Alas, they were compasses.
I still needed a steel ruler and was surprised to see the perfectly sized 15″ between the 12″ and 18″ — I don’t often see 15s in stores. As a bonus, it had a blue tag that read $ 4.00 on it. A fair price, I thought.
I brought the ruler downstairs and here’s where the generally mediocre experience turned sour. The employee behind the counter seemed disinterested in their job at the moment, but I presented her the ruler nonetheless. I was dully asked «Do you have a loyalty card»?
I said no and that I didn’t think I had much time to sign up today. I was then told the total, almost $ 2 more than I read on the blue tag upstairs, so I commented, «Oh, is the loyalty card what makes this ruler $ 4»? (If you recall, this is my first experience at Plaza) The employee confirmed my suspicion with a nod. I checked my watch. «Ok, I think I have time to sign up for one now». The cashier tilted their head as if they didn’t understand the sentiment and said with a not-​so-​hidden undertone of exasperation «Then I’d have to go get somebody…» and looked at me, disinterested.
Insert the second awkward pause of my 3 minute introduction to Plaza.
The employee just ended the sentence like it was out of their power to do anything, like they didn’t want to do anything to fulfill my request, like they WANT my loyalty! I could do nothing but observe in disbelief, pay the extra $ 2 and head off into the night, confounded by the most bizarre POS interaction I believe I have ever had.

Sweet $ 13 for $ 20 deal right now. First floor is mostly framing supplies. Second floor houses everything you need for painting. Great store.

Positive experience. I visited with my younger brother who is a budding artist. The store is bright, well-​stocked and organized, and inviting. The person who helped us on the second floor was very helpful. We’ll be back in the future, especially since I forgot to use the Unilocal coupon on the first visit! :-(

I’m very happy with my experience at Plaza Art and Framing. The framer took his time to discuss options with me and I could tell he really cares about his craft. He told me about Unilocal deal so I could save money and that is always appreciated! Very good customer service. I would definitely return to this location.

Plaza is my go-​to for art supplies in Philly! It’s location is pretty convenient as it is a short walk from Charles Addams, which helps if you’re carrying heavy supplies! They always have coupons floating around either in the fine arts halls for students, online, and on Unilocal (I think there is a $ 13 for $ 20 on Unilocal right now if you check in). Their discounts definitely help mitigate the steep cost of supplies for art students at Drexel and Penn.
The people at Plaza are also extremely helpful. If looking for supplies for class, you can hand them your list and they will help you find the items to get the best bang for your buck. They also generally know what you need if you mention your professor’s name, which is super convenient as well. While I haven’t been to Dick Blick’s or the other stores in Philly, Plaza is definitely one of the most accessible and friendly places around!

I went in looking for fancy paper and there was a very bookish small person who helped me. I think her name was Sarah. Anyhow, she was super nice and helpful. I will definitely be back.

1. Colorful
2. A variety of brands for the same type of product
3. THERE’S FINALLY A SOMEWHAT DECENT ART STORE IN UNIVERSITY CITY
Seriously, I’m so happy there’s a new art store around. I feel like this area really needed one. The Penn bookstore was the next best, but this is a great addition. It’s two stories, so there’s room for exploration and quite a bit of items to browse through. The store really is oriented more towards art art (drawing, painting, sculpting, etc), and not so much crafting. There’s some crafting stuff, but the things you would find are not exactly the things you’d find at Jo-ann’s or Michael’s. I personally would like to see a bit more of crafting stuff, since I like making gifts.
I think everything is on the pricier end, but art supplies are expensive in general. There are opportunities for savings though – Unilocal coupons, sales, savings card, give them your email discount, etc.