University Art

I’ve been to this store many times, however, in the last few months something has changed. I came in for a pen nib and they didn’t have it in stock. today they still don’t have it. Last time I was in they had some colored pencil sets, not today. I was told they don’t carry them… really?! I will have to shop elsewhere for supplies.

University Art supplies has good stock of art supplies an artist needs.

It’s appalling that there are so few legitimate art stores in the area that carry products that are sought by serious — or even semi-​serious — artists. Fortunately, University Art fulfills most of those needs. The inventory seems inconsistent at times, but for the most part you can find everything you need. Prices are okay; when they have their big sales then you can score some pretty good deals.

Called this store just now for a minor inquiry and they were super helpful.
I look forward to visiting this store and making purchases.

Although this store is further away than Michael’s, University Art has what painters need: brushes, every type of paper, canvas, lots of types of paint in every color, even a wall display of art done by staff members. It’s inspiring just to walk in and see what’s new. I’m currently enrolled in Carolyn’s painting class on site, and loving it. I’m learning a lot from her and the other students. So glad to find the class I wanted on-​line.
(On a side note: As always, remember to lock your car.)

The service at this store is awful. From being hung up on the phone, given mis-​information, and then accused of lying as to where I bought my product when I was enquiring about ordering more. Don’t waste your time if you need something from this store that requires interaction with their rude and impolite staff.

The glass framing on my art broke during a long travel [I did not bubble wrap it. :/​]. I called up this place and the lady said if I could come in before 5PM that day i could get it done on the spot and take it with me. So I went to this place to get just the framing done for the glass.
the glass cost about $ 12 but I chose to get it replaced by a professional there.
They charged me a total of $ 50. After waiting for 20 mins I had to go ask them again when it would be done so I could come back and pick it up. I expected it to take like an hour or so. She comes back after another 10 mins and informs me that i cant have it the same day. They said they would call me the next day. They did not call me and when i went in, they gave me the framed art and I just got it back. After examining it in more details i realized they did a very shoddy job of the edges of my frame. They have horrible customer service. Not going back there.

I think I discovered this place when I needed supplies for a watercolor class I took. Seems to be well equipped for any kind of artist. The staff is always very friendly and helpful. I have even taken a calligraphy class here. They always send me emails about upcoming classes. Nice to know! It’s not very close to me, but I do enjoy coming here because it’s a nice change from Michael’s. Hehe

The short: Helpful staff and a variety of products for an artist on any level
The first thing I noticed was the big room where they have classes, workshops, and demos. There wasn’t one when I went, though it looks very well used. I was just browsing around, not really having anything in mind of what I wanted to do (a little dangerous in an art supply store!)
After casually strolling around, Kyle helped me out. At this point, calligraphy and hand lettering popped into my head. I told him that I was a beginner wanting to try it out. He suggested the pencil, the nib, and some paper. It was fun to see him bounce ideas out loud and come up with ideas that I hadn’t thought of. If I ever had any questions, he knew the answers.
The store also offers paper, card stock, various paints, pens, charcoal, conte crayon and the like, spray cans, brushes, canvases etc. I didn’t notice anything 3-​D like beads or stickers for scrapbooking.
The main downside? Not everything is well-​stocked, and they can definitely hold more items more efficiently.
Tip: They offer discounts for teachers, students, and members.

I almost always find what I need here. They are very helpful and nice.

Just wanted to leave a short but sweet review of this place. Great place to find art supplies, they have a great selection and the employees are always helpful. I’ve come here multiple times to get supplies for art classes I’ve taken, various projects I’m working and with my dad as he needed specific pencils/​drawing pads and the like. The inside of the store is cute and tiny but jam packed with supplies. This place beats Michael’s any day. Make the trip over here next time you’re in need of supplies.

I love the selection of this store and raced over from a long days work for a 45 min. Drive thru traffic hell to pick up some paint brushes and a bunch of supplies for a bunny hutch I am doing a mural on. I was ready to shell out $ 200+ and as I get back to the paint supplies, a man runs up to me and says they were closing after I walked in the store. Granted another customer came in and was helped. I said I guess I’ll go to Michaels and he was fine with that escorted me out the door and locked it behind me. I guess the other customer that wanted gloves was more important than me. You lost a customer and the friends I have in art school that were going to come buy all their supplies. I was always taught to help a customer if they were in your store. I did not intentionally try to slither in at closing time. You put me out a lot of time but you will no longer get my business.
FYI: To anyone who wants an excellent art supply shop that has a great selection and stays open late
on the weekdays check out The Arsenal on The Alameda.

I LOVE COMING HERE. This place is heaven for anyone who loves art. You can find absolutely everything here! I’m obsessed I always buy a bunch of canvas and paints ahh.

Ok selection, but they aren’t very helpful when it comes to nicely inquiring about a book.

University Art has more variety than Arron brother or Micheals. But the price is still pricy even with student discount.
I guess this art store sell thing that Arron brother don’t.
Good thing about this place is a the location.
If you’re looking for discount on common art supplies, then micheal or arron brother would be better since they gave you discount on email.

Big fan after they hooked me up in a pinch. I needed to get a poster framed with a quick turn. Went in Monday AM and had it framed and matted ready to go by 3 the next day. Mike at the framing counter was great. I would highly recommend these guys.

I came here to get some very specific large sized drawing paper but it took me about 30 minutes just to get the attention of a worker here. It felt as thought they were trying to avoid helping me… When someone finally came to help me, I still felt very unsure and he walked away before I could ask about another item. Two stars for the nice paint brushes on clearance.

SO blessed and thankful that creative, masterful artist JAYA KING designed an extraordinary, beautiful matt and gold leaf frame (from Italy) for my watercolors «Ribbon» and «Tangerine Falls.» She really brought my art to a higher level with her keen eye and selections! Jaya is extraordinarily gifted, with a fine sense of color compatibility, harmony and balance for creating art and framing — bringing out the best of your work! If you have art that you need framed, go visit JAYA, at University Art in San Jose — like me, you will feel incredibly blessed and thankful :)

My go-​to place when I need art supplies quickly! Great assortment of medium utensils to draw with and a nice selection of sketchbooks. Staff has always been friendly whenever I go so I’m sorry to hear about other reviewers’ experiences there. Also, if you’re a college student you can get a discount here!

My experience caught me off guard.
As I strolled through the isles admiring all the art supplies, two employees asked if i needed assistance.
Although they asked me in all due kindness, I later began to feel their eyes fixed on me like that of a vulture, during this peaceful stroll. About 5 mins later my spirit felt a negative vibe, as they kept appearing at every isle I was in or in the other isles… lurking.
I could not believe my eyes y’all. Am i being watched? Ppl still do these things? I have always thought that security cameras was invented to protect shoppers from this unbeknownst spytivity…
(Discription of followers 12.2013)
The first that appearering employee was that of an older gentleman, 5′ 5″, white hair bowl cut. The other was middle aged, about 6′, red hair, glasses. I know this bc I saw them pop up every time I looked up. Hahaha!
Do they knows who I am? I am a child of God, walking into their shop, hoping to come as a blessing.
Yet, I have asked God to have mercy on these men. For, they not know, how it feels to GIVE harmful acts to others, as they’ve never recieved harmful acts inflected upon them.
I did not PURCHASE my items that day. I will listen to where the Good God wants my feet to travel and bless.
Social justice is alive. So, if you ever feel that you have been treated unfairly,
go as you please,
as,
you have come as you will.~
Thanks for reading y’all