Tacoma Art Supply (TAS) owner Warren Caves brought his business to Tacoma when he realized there was a need for such a store in the city: Caves often had to trek to Seattle or Olympia to find the art supplies he needed.

 “I couldn’t find foam core board,” Caves affirmed. The business owner with a background in graphic design went digital in the 1990s, and worked on websites and various dot-coms in Seattle. “I’ve lived in Tacoma for 16 years and couldn’t understand why there wasn’t one (art supply store) here. The only stores here were craft stores but they didn’t really carry any specific art-making supplies that I needed.”

In addition to the traditional art supplies one would look for such as paints, oils, papers, pens, brushes and the like, TAS stands out among other supply stores by carrying an array of specialty items. The store does custom canvas stretching for artists, custom framing of artwork and Caves is also working on creating some products of his own right now.

“I’m attempting to be an entrepreneur, but I need people to help run the business so I can market this idea for a stretcher bar for canvases,” Caves said. “I’m going to buy raw stock, stretch and break it off. I’m trying to develop a way to do it ourselves with a router table.”

Caves also has big plans for his business - specifically its physical form. Once the economy levels out some and his business allows it, he plans to move TAS to a bigger space, particularly the Joy Building, a part of University of Washington-Tacoma, which was announced to be adding retail stores at a Downtown Merchants Group meeting back in March of this year. No contracts have been signed, but Caves does plan to move the store and hopes it happens. “It will take some re-working of my business plans.”

TAS thrives by bringing a personal touch to customers with its cozy store. “You have to know supplies,” Caves said. “Some stores hire artists who know what they’re doing. People come in for little things, little projects and we take care of them. We sell small pieces of boards or frames that may have gone to the trash at other businesses.”

Local professional artists, students, and teachers all utilize TAS for its convenience, quality, array of products and service. Many local art leagues in the area such as the Rainier League of Arts and Sumi artists prepare for projects with TAS supplies, and they are handsomely rewarded. TAS offers a 10 percent discount to art leagues and clubs, military, seniors, art students, Tacoma Art Place members and offers 15 percent off to Tacoma Art Museum members.

Rather than driving further north or south for wares for an upcoming project, visit locally owned and operated Tacoma Art Supply, say “Hi” to Warren and enjoy creating.

Tacoma Art Supply will be having an anniversary sale from July 12-17, where many items will be priced at 20 to 50 percent off retail prices. Tacoma Art Supply is located at 1552 Commerce St., Suite 101. Regular store hours are Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Third Thursdays, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturdays and closed Sundays. For more information, call (253) 444-2341 or visit www.tacomaartsupply.com.