Arlene's Artist Materials, Inc.

Arlene's Artist Materials, Inc. Arlene's is the Capital Region's premiere art supply store with in house frame shop. We are locally- Yes, there really is an Arlene!

Arlene's Artist Materials started out as a ceramic studio in 1960, originally located in a small 500 sq ft store on Madison Ave (the site of the present day Partridge Pub). Arlene's outgrew their original store and moved to its current location at 57 Fuller Road, Albany, NY (with over 10,000 sq ft) in 1974. Teachers, students, craft enthusiasts, parents and hobbyists can always find what they need

at Arlene's. Come and browse the handmade art papers, unique journals and artsy novelties in the gift section of our store. Even the non- artist can find something at Arlene's. Arlene's Artist Materials is about the art community- from student-quality to professional materials, we have items found nowhere else in the area. We have over 40,000 different products and will be happy to special order anything we don't have in stock. Whether you paint, draw, sculpt; are a professional, student or a beginner artist, you will find what you need at Arlene's. We have items found nowhere else in the capital district. We deeply discount all our paints, brushes, canvases, and easels every day. Many more in-store specials are going on constantly- come in and check them out. Along with fine art supplies we carry handmade art papers, unique journals and artsy novelties in the gift section of our store. You'll find unexpected treats you can transform into treasures. Everyone on staff at Arlene's is also an artist, so we are able to answer any of your questions. If we don't know we will try as hard as we can to get you the answer. The owner and staff at Arlene's are enthusiastic supporters of the arts in the Capital Region. You will see many of us at openings supporting other artists and exhibiting our own work. We have been voted the best art supply store by the Times Union, the Capital Region Magazine and Metroland time and time again. Many of our customers have been coming to us since our store was on Madison Ave. We love to meet new people, so come on in to shop, chat and have fun. As an independent art supply store, we feel a special connection to the arts community in the Capital District. Our relationship with the artists who patronize Arlene's is strengthened by our common support of the museums and galleries in this area.

🌸 Last Chance to Join This Saturday’s Abstract Floral in Oil & Cold Wax Workshop with Tracy Loring ArtIf you’ve been wan...
08/04/2026

🌸 Last Chance to Join This Saturday’s Abstract Floral in Oil & Cold Wax Workshop with Tracy Loring Art

If you’ve been wanting to loosen up your painting, try something new, or reconnect with your creative instincts, don’t miss this workshop. Cold wax + oil is a game‑changer — tactile, expressive, and perfect for creating soft, abstract florals that feel alive.
In just three hours, you’ll explore intuitive mark‑making, rich layered surfaces, and atmospheric color with Tracy Loring’s guidance. It’s a rare opportunity to experiment, play, and walk away with techniques you’ll use long after class ends.

Why You Shouldn’t Miss It
🌷Break out of your routine and paint more freely
🌷Learn cold wax techniques you won’t get in a traditional oil class
🌷Create expressive, layered florals through movement and spontaneity
🌷Get hands‑on guidance from Tracy in a supportive, creative space

Seats are limited — give yourself this time to explore.

Register Today
Online: https://www.atelieratarlenes.com/event-details/abstract-floral-in-oil-and-cold-wax-with-tracy-loring
Phone: (518) 482‑8881
In‑store: 57 Fuller Rd, Albany NY 12205

With only one week left, there are so many amazing 3x3s still available! 🎉 Each piece is an original artwork for just $1...
08/01/2026

With only one week left, there are so many amazing 3x3s still available! 🎉 Each piece is an original artwork for just $10, and the majority of proceeds support a fantastic cause — the Lower Adirondack Regional Arts Council (LARAC).

Stop in, discover pieces you love, and support LARAC at the same time. It’s a win‑win all around.

Don’t let this year’s 3x3 at Arlene’s pass you by! The show ends next Saturday, August 8, 2026. Come grab your favorites before they’re gone!

08/01/2026

Join us today Saturday, August 1, 2026, from 11 am to 3 pm for a Summer Showcase featuring the work of Sarah Blakeman.

Sarah Blakeman is a freelance illustrator based in Albany, NY, working in watercolor, pen, ink, and markers to create art that connects viewers with their emotions and memories. Her work, which strives to add love and kindness to the world, is shown locally, available by commission, and for sale at Arlene’s Artist Materials.

The Summer Showcase at Arlene’s series highlights local creatives and makers, giving them a platform to share their talents with our community. On Saturdays throughout the summer, these showcases will be set up right outside our front door.

Come celebrate local creativity, support regional artists, and enjoy a fun, family‑friendly event. Free to attend and full of inspiration!

We are saddened to report that our co-founder Arlene Clements passed away on July 19th. The Arlene's Artist Materials un...
07/30/2026

We are saddened to report that our co-founder Arlene Clements passed away on July 19th. The Arlene's Artist Materials universe has lost an icon. Arlene was truly a pioneer in her day. is what it is today because of her hard work and dedication. She was able to enjoy a long retirement doing what she loved most, traveling and painting. She will be missed by many.

07/27/2026

📣Upstate Artists' Social is next week in Schenectady! 📣

Artists of all levels are welcome to come and talk about art! Bring a piece of your work to display, discuss your process and meaning, and hear from other local artists.

Please note this event will be held outside in the Alchemy Studios backyard (near the Ceramics Studio entrance). In the event of rain, we will move inside to the Schenectady Studio.

🔹Upstate Artists' Social, Thursday 7/30, 5-8pm, Ages 21+

07/25/2026

Join us today Saturday, July 25, 2026, from 11 am to 3 pm for a Summer Showcase featuring the work of Holly Thompson, Critterful Creations, LLC .

Holly Thompson of Critterful Creations is a self‑taught queer/trans artist whose colorful, whimsical work celebrates overlooked animals and transforms complex emotions into joyful, community‑centered art. Through their love of critters, oddities, and expressive handmade pieces, they create work that sparks delight and resilience in a world that often makes joy hard to hold onto.

The Summer Showcase at Arlene’s series highlights local creatives and makers, giving them a platform to share their talents with our community. On Saturdays throughout the summer, these showcases will be set up right outside our front door.

Come celebrate local creativity, support regional artists, and enjoy a fun, family‑friendly event. Free to attend and full of inspiration!

Ready to invest in your creativity?If you’re craving time, space, and guidance to push your work further, the Studio Imm...
07/24/2026

Ready to invest in your creativity?

If you’re craving time, space, and guidance to push your work further, the Studio Immersion Retreat with Carolyn DiFiori Hopkins, MFA is exactly where you need to be. Join us at CREATE Community Studios – Troy on Friday, August 7th, and Saturday, August 8th, (11 AM–4 PM) for two full days of focused, independent studio work designed to move your paintings beyond the “first idea” and into real artistic growth.

Over this retreat, you’ll build, disrupt, reopen, and refine your work — learning how to stay with a painting long enough for it to transform. Carolyn brings decades of experience in observational and atmospheric painting, offering direct, individualized instruction that supports your decision‑making every step of the way.

This retreat is ideal for:
🎨 Serious adult learners
🎨 Semi‑professional painters
🎨 MFA‑adjacent artists
🎨 Artists seeking a retreat‑style, process‑driven experience

You’ll learn about opening your work — fast starts, large surfaces, gesture, movement, and breaking habits. You’ll learn how to recognize when a painting becomes fixed too early and how to reopen it through layering, scraping, editing, and bold experimentation.

Ready to invest in your creativity?
💻 Register online: https://www.atelieratarlenes.com/event-details/studio-immersion-retreat-at-create-community-studios-with-carolyn-difiori-hopkins-mfa
🏪 In person at Arlene’s: 57 Fuller Rd, Albany, NY 12205
☎️ By phone: (518) 482‑8881

What are you waiting for — come get creative and bring your art to the next level.

🎨 ONLY TWO WEEKS LEFT! 🎨If you haven’t dropped by yet, run—don’t walk! 🏃💨We still have just under 60% of the original do...
07/23/2026

🎨 ONLY TWO WEEKS LEFT! 🎨

If you haven’t dropped by yet, run—don’t walk! 🏃💨

We still have just under 60% of the original donated artwork still available at the 3x3 at Arlene's fundraising exhibition. That means dozens of incredible, mini 3"x3" masterpieces are waiting for a home—and every purchase directly supports the Lower Adirondack Regional Arts Council (LARAC) and our local arts community. 💙

Whether you're a seasoned collector or looking for your very first piece of original art, this is your chance to snag something special before time runs out.

🖼️ Why You Can't Miss It:
🏆 One-of-a-Kind Finds: Unique 3x3 art donated by talented local artists.
💝 Direct Impact: Proceeds keep LARAC’s local programs, exhibitions, and community events thriving.
🎨 Affordable & Fun: The perfect way to collect local art or pick up a unique gift!

📍 Where: Arlene’s Artist Materials
⏳ When: Now through August 8th— 2 Weeks Only!

Tag a friend you want to go art-hunting, and let’s support local arts together! ✨

Say it with wool — and say it from the heart. 💛✨ Join artist‑in‑residence Althea Pestine‑Stevens for a cozy, hands-on wo...
07/22/2026

Say it with wool — and say it from the heart. 💛✨

Join artist‑in‑residence Althea Pestine‑Stevens for a cozy, hands-on workshop where you’ll turn soft, colorful wool into one‑of‑a‑kind greeting cards that feel as good as they look. Whether you’re crafting a birthday note, a thank‑you, or a “just because,” this workshop is all about slowing down, making something meaningful, and letting texture and color guide your creativity.

🧶 What you’ll do:
🪡 Create your own felted design using the wet‑felting process
🪡 Transform your felted piece into a finished greeting card
🪡 Experiment with color, texture, and simple imagery
🪡 Make multiple cards to take home

🎨 All materials are included — just bring yourself and your imagination.

Perfect for beginners, seasoned makers, and anyone craving a joyful, tactile afternoon. Come make something warm, personal, and heartfelt.

📅 Register online: atelieratarlenes.com/event-details/heart-felt-cards-with-artist-in-residence-althea-pestine-stevens
📍 Register in store: 57 Fuller Rd, Albany NY 12205
📞 Or call: (518) 482‑8881

Let’s turn wool into keepsakes together. 💌✨

Address

57 Fuller Road
Albany, NY
12205

Opening Hours

Monday 10am - 6pm
Tuesday 10am - 6pm
Wednesday 10am - 6pm
Thursday 10am - 6pm
Friday 10am - 6pm
Saturday 10am - 5pm

Telephone

+15184828881

Website

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