Nashville’s art supply market operates across three distinct tiers: dedicated independent retailers (Jerry’s Artarama, Plaza Artist Materials), a nonprofit reuse model (Smart Art + Craft Supplies), and national chains (Michaels, Hobby Lobby). The geographic split matters: serious working artists concentrate purchases in East Nashville and Germantown where staff knowledge runs deepest, while suburban crafters gravitate toward the chains’ broader hours and predictable inventory. The critical variable separating these options isn’t price per se but rather whether you need consultation on professional materials versus grab-and-go convenience for hobby projects.
1. Jerry’s Artarama
Contact Information
- Address: 713 Main Street, Nashville, TN 37206
- Phone: (615) 731-5901
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: https://www.jerrysretailstores.com/nashville-tn/
- Hours: Monday-Saturday 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM, Sunday 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Ratings
- Google: 4.5 stars (168+ reviews)
- Yelp: 4.5 stars (27 reviews)
- TripAdvisor: 4.5 stars (4 reviews)
Services & Pricing
- Professional-grade paints: Golden, Gamblin, Winsor & Newton, Liquitex at standard MSRP
- Spray paint: Montana Gold and MTN 94 stocked (not widely available elsewhere locally)
- Canvas by the yard or roll (primed/unprimed, linen/cotton)
- Custom framing department (Hannah runs framing with strong reputation)
- Canvas stretching services
- VIP Discount Card: 10% off all purchases (free signup, no purchase obligation)
- Local delivery: Same-day if ordered before noon, next-day otherwise
- Delivery radius: 20 miles from store, $3.99 shopping fee, $15 oversized item fee
What Makes Them Different
Jerry’s occupies the franchise-backed independent sweet spot. Unlike a small shop struggling with buying power, they access national distribution while maintaining East Nashville’s community store feel. Staff are practicing artists who can troubleshoot medium-specific problems rather than pointing you toward an aisle. The same-day delivery within 20 miles fills a gap no competitor matches for studio emergencies.
Best For
Working artists who need professional-grade materials with knowledgeable guidance. Particularly strong for oil painters, muralists needing spray paint selection, and anyone requiring custom canvas dimensions. The VIP card makes recurring purchases meaningfully cheaper than chain alternatives for the same professional brands.
Pricing Reality
Full MSRP on professional lines puts them roughly 15-20% above chain store house brands, but they’re price-competitive with other independents carrying equivalent quality. The VIP 10% effectively closes the gap on most items. Framing runs mid-market for custom work. Delivery fees add up for frequent small orders.
Red Flags / Data Gaps
Store previously asked for tips at checkout (practice discontinued after customer feedback). Some hours sources show variance; confirm Sunday hours before making a trip. Online ordering through their local site, not the national Jerry’s site.
2. Plaza Artist Materials & Picture Framing
Contact Information
- Address: 1205 2nd Ave N, Nashville, TN 37208
- Phone: (615) 254-3368
- Website: https://www.plazaart.com/stores/nashville
- Hours: Monday-Friday 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM, Saturday 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM, Sunday 12:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Ratings
- Google: 4.4 stars (95 reviews)
- Yelp: 4.5 stars (35 reviews)
Services & Pricing
- Full professional paint lines: Winsor & Newton, Gamblin (oil), Art Alternatives, Fredrix (canvas)
- Printmaking specialty: Speedball inks, tools, surfaces
- Montana Cans spray paint
- Custom picture framing (Daniel noted for quality in reviews)
- Professional canvas stretching service
- Student discounts available (requires verification)
- Classes and demos
- Free parking in front of store
What Makes Them Different
Sixty years in business predates Nashville’s current art boom. Germantown location places them in the walkable arts district near Jack White’s Third Man Records. The printmaking inventory depth distinguishes them from competitors who stock basic block printing only. Store credit return policy (no cash refunds) suggests commitment to local artist relationships over transactional retail.
Best For
Printmakers and illustration-focused artists. Vanderbilt, Belmont, and Watkins students who need the discount and proximity. Anyone seeking framing consultation who values a walkable urban environment over parking lot retail. The Sunday hours provide a weekend option the chains can’t always match for working artists.
Pricing Reality
Competitive with Jerry’s on professional lines. Student discount provides genuine savings but requires proof of enrollment. Framing department runs comparable rates to Jerry’s. Store credit returns mean you’re committing to the relationship once you purchase.
Red Flags / Data Gaps
Mixed customer service experiences noted in reviews, with occasional staff attitude complaints. Some sources show Wednesday closing at 4:00 PM; verify before afternoon visits. Website returned 403 errors during research, limiting verification of current inventory and pricing. Not BBB accredited.
3. Smart Art + Craft Supplies
Contact Information
- Address: 2416 Music Valley Drive Suite 106, Nashville, TN 37214
- Phone: (615) 454-5808
- Website: https://smartartandcraft.org/
- Hours: Monday-Friday 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM, Saturday-Sunday 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Ratings
- Google: 4.7 stars (294 reviews)
- Yelp: 4.5 stars (24 reviews)
Services & Pricing
- 95% of stock priced under $5
- All inventory 25-50% of comparable retail prices
- Donated/gently used supplies: paint, brushes, canvas, markers, clay, fabric
- Raw materials: paper, buttons, fabric scraps, found objects
- Industrial/upcycle materials: old windows, hardware, piano keys, vintage items
- Craft classes at affordable rates
- Gift cards available
- Donation drop-off during business hours
What Makes Them Different
Smart Art operates on a creative reuse model that doesn’t exist elsewhere in Nashville. The nonprofit structure (benefiting Progress Inc., supporting adults with intellectual disabilities) means every purchase funds vocational training. Inventory is genuinely unpredictable since it comes from donations. You might find professional-grade paint at thrift prices, vintage craft materials unavailable anywhere else, or industrial salvage perfect for mixed media work.
Best For
Mixed media artists, collage makers, teachers needing bulk supplies for classrooms, crafters on tight budgets, and anyone who enjoys the treasure-hunt aspect of thrift shopping. Particularly valuable for upcycle/found object projects where unusual materials drive the concept. Environmentally-minded makers appreciate the waste diversion mission.
Pricing Reality
Unbeatable for raw materials and basic supplies. The $5 ceiling on 95% of inventory means impulse buying carries minimal risk. Quality varies wildly since it’s donation-dependent. All sales final with store credit only for defective items. Don’t expect professional-grade consistency.
Red Flags / Data Gaps
Hours have shown inconsistency across sources (some show Tuesday-Saturday, others show seven-day operation). Inventory is completely unpredictable. Location in Music Valley requires intentional trip. All sales final policy means you’re accepting as-is condition. Not the place for specific professional supply needs.
4. Michaels
Contact Information
- Address: 719 Thompson Ln, Nashville, TN 37204
- Phone: (615) 385-5344
- Website: https://locations.michaels.com/tn/nashville/9607
- Hours: Monday-Saturday 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM, Sunday 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Ratings
- Google: 4.3 stars (248+ reviews)
- Yelp: 3.5 stars (38 reviews)
- BBB: A+ rating
Services & Pricing
- House brand Master’s Touch paints, brushes, canvas
- Student-grade supplies at value pricing
- Custom framing department
- Fabric by the yard (cut to order)
- Kids birthday parties: Starting at $149 (2 hours, ages 4-12)
- Private events: Starting at $399
- In-store classes: Art, sewing, cake decorating
- Weekly sales flyer with rotating discounts
- Rewards program
What Makes Them Different
Extended hours (open until 9 PM weekdays) accommodate working professionals who can’t shop during business hours. The 100 Oaks location in South Nashville provides central accessibility. National chain buying power means predictable inventory and consistent pricing. The craft/party/fabric breadth serves households with diverse creative needs under one roof.
Best For
Hobbyists and crafters who need convenience, predictable hours, and one-stop shopping. Parents buying kids’ art supplies. Event planners needing party supplies alongside craft materials. Anyone prioritizing evening/weekend accessibility over expert consultation.
Pricing Reality
Weekly sales frequently offer 40-50% off specific categories. Without sales, house brands undercut professional alternatives significantly but with corresponding quality differences. Custom framing prices competitive with independents on basic jobs. Rewards program provides modest ongoing savings. Watch for coupon stacking opportunities.
Red Flags / Data Gaps
Staff turnover typical of retail chains limits expertise depth. Customer service complaints appear in reviews regarding returns and rewards program pressure. Product range skews toward craft/hobby over fine art. Some reviews note inventory inconsistency on specialized items. Expect self-checkout pressure during busy periods.
5. Hobby Lobby
Contact Information
- Address: 1789B Gallatin Pike N, Madison, TN 37115
- Phone: (615) 612-3509
- Website: https://www.hobbylobby.com/stores/search/287
- Hours: Monday-Saturday 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM, Closed Sunday
Ratings
- Google: 4.0 stars
- Yelp: Limited reviews
- Yellow Pages: 5 stars
Services & Pricing
- House brand Master’s Touch paints and supplies
- Canvas, brushes, easels, sketchbooks
- Custom framing department
- Leather crafting supplies (unique local offering)
- Fabric and sewing supplies
- Home decor
- Weekly sales: 40% off rotating categories
- No online ordering for in-store pickup at this location
What Makes Them Different
The Madison location serves the northern Nashville metro where other dedicated art supply options are scarce. The leather crafting section fills a niche neither Jerry’s nor Plaza addresses comprehensively. Sunday closure distinguishes their schedule. The 40% weekly category sales can yield significant savings for patient shoppers who plan around the rotation.
Best For
North Nashville and Madison residents who need supplies without the drive to Germantown or East Nashville. Leather crafters. Shoppers who can plan purchases around weekly sales for maximum discount. Home crafters needing fabric, floral, and decor alongside art supplies.
Pricing Reality
Base prices run higher than Michaels on comparable items. The 40% weekly rotation makes strategic timing essential. Custom framing competitive. Without catching sales, expect to pay more than alternatives. The Sunday closure eliminates a key shopping day for many.
Red Flags / Data Gaps
Location in Madison means 20+ minute drive from downtown Nashville. Sunday closure limits weekend shopping. Reviews note occasional signage/pricing discrepancies at checkout. Digital payment support may be limited at some registers. Limited reviews make service quality assessment difficult.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which store offers the best guidance for professional-grade oil painting supplies?
Jerry’s Artarama and Plaza Artist Materials both stock comparable professional lines (Gamblin, Winsor & Newton), but Jerry’s VIP discount program (10% ongoing) edges out Plaza for frequent purchasers. Plaza’s student discount provides better value for currently enrolled students. Neither chain matches the consultation depth available at these independents.
What’s the actual price difference between independent stores and chains for comparable supplies?
On professional brands both carry (like Winsor & Newton), Jerry’s and Plaza price at standard MSRP while chains rarely stock these lines. On student-grade alternatives, Michaels and Hobby Lobby run 20-30% lower than independents for house brands. Smart Art undercuts everyone at 50-75% below retail for donated supplies, but with unpredictable availability.
Where can I find specialty printmaking supplies in Nashville?
Plaza Artist Materials carries the deepest printmaking inventory locally, including Speedball inks, carving tools, and specialized surfaces. Jerry’s stocks basics. Neither chain carries printmaking supplies beyond starter block printing kits.
Which stores accommodate last-minute or emergency supply needs?
Michaels’ 9 PM closing provides the latest weekday hours. Jerry’s same-day delivery (order before noon, 20-mile radius) offers studio-emergency coverage without leaving the workspace. Hobby Lobby closes at 8 PM. Both independents close at 6 PM weekdays.
Where should I shop for children’s art activities or classroom supplies?
Smart Art + Craft Supplies provides unbeatable value for bulk children’s supplies and classroom materials under $5 per item. Michaels offers structured kids parties and predictable inventory. Jerry’s and Plaza focus on quality over kid-friendly volume pricing.
Comparison Matrix
| Factor | Jerry's Artarama | Plaza Artist Materials | Smart Art + Craft | Michaels | Hobby Lobby |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| <strong>Location</strong> | East Nashville | Germantown | Donelson/Music Valley | South Nashville (100 Oaks) | Madison (North) |
| <strong>Google Rating</strong> | 4.5 (168+ reviews) | 4.4 (95 reviews) | 4.7 (294 reviews) | 4.3 (248+ reviews) | 4.0 |
| <strong>Price Tier</strong> | $$-$$$ | $$-$$$ | $ | $-$$ | $-$$ |
| <strong>Professional Grade Stock</strong> | ✓ Extensive | ✓ Extensive | Limited/Variable | ✗ Minimal | ✗ Minimal |
| <strong>Custom Framing</strong> | ✓ | ✓ | ✗ | ✓ | ✓ |
| <strong>Student Discount</strong> | ✗ (VIP card instead) | ✓ | N/A | Rewards program | Weekly sales |
| <strong>Sunday Hours</strong> | 11 AM – 5 PM | 12 PM – 5 PM | 10 AM – 6 PM | 10 AM – 7 PM | Closed |
| <strong>Evening Hours</strong> | Until 7 PM | Until 6 PM | Until 5-6 PM | Until 9 PM | Until 8 PM |
| <strong>Local Delivery</strong> | ✓ (20 mi radius) | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ |
| <strong>Printmaking Specialty</strong> | Basic | ✓ Strong | Variable | ✗ | ✗ |
| <strong>Spray Paint Selection</strong> | ✓ (Montana, MTN) | ✓ (Montana) | Variable | Limited | Limited |
| <strong>Best For</strong> | Working artists, muralists | Students, printmakers | Budget/mixed media | Convenience, crafters | North Nashville, leather |
Jerry’s Artarama serves working artists requiring professional materials with same-day delivery capability. Plaza Artist Materials anchors the Germantown arts district with printmaking depth and student pricing. Smart Art + Craft Supplies operates as the only creative reuse nonprofit, unbeatable for budget shopping and unusual materials but unpredictable for specific needs. Michaels provides the longest hours and broadest accessibility for hobby crafters. Hobby Lobby serves northern Nashville where alternatives require significant drive time. The geographic distribution means most Nashville residents have at least one option within 15 minutes, with downtown and East Nashville artists benefiting from walkable concentration of the strongest independents.