Updated October 6th, 2026.
While big box stores are often the first place people go when they need to purchase art project supplies, we suggest shopping locally instead. According to Forbes, putting your money into the local economy benefits your surroundings. Small businesses improve the economy by employing people in the neighborhood and also tend to support local charities and social programs. If you are interested in shopping local, we suggest checking out these Denver small businesses next time you need arts and crafts supplies!
Where Can You Buy Art Supplies in Denver?
The best local spots to buy art supplies in Denver include Reynold’s (sculpting and molding), Meininger (fine art, on Broadway since the 1800s), Fancy Tiger (sewing and knitting), Guiry’s (paint and canvases), Recreative Denver, and The Craft Box Thrift Store.
Why Shop for Art Supplies Locally?
Shopping locally for art supplies keeps money in the local economy and strengthens the community. According to Forbes, small businesses employ people in the neighborhood and often support local charities and social programs, so choosing a local art-supply shop over a big-box store benefits your surroundings as well as your projects.
Where Can You Buy Sustainable or Secondhand Art Supplies in Denver?
For eco-friendly and budget-conscious options, Recreative Denver in the Santa Fe Art District sells repurposed supplies and accepts donations, and The Craft Box Thrift Store in Wheat Ridge resells donated craft supplies at reduced prices. For more ideas, see RMCAD’s guide to sustainable practices for your next art project.
Where Can RMCAD Students Get Art Supplies on Campus?
RMCAD students near Lakewood, CO can find art supplies on campus at Spectrum, the campus store, and The Mine, the on-campus student supply bank, for any last-minute needs.
Reynold’s
Reynold’s – Looking for supplies for sculpting, casting, molding or modeling? This local gem has everything you could need for your next school project or cosplay costume. They have an impressive showroom that showcases the many projects their supplies can be used for.
Meininger
Meininger – Located on Broadway, this fine arts store has been around since the late 1800’s. They started as a book binding and art supply store for traveling artists who came to Colorado to paint the wild west. Today, they have both an online and brick and mortar store, so if you are out of state, you can still support this small business!
Fancy Tiger
Fancy Tiger – This craft supply store on Broadway sells mostly sewing and knitting supplies and patterns, but also offers other amenities as well, including sewing machine repair services, classes and workshops. You can also rent their machines and tools! In addition, the store is currently donating part of their proceeds from pattern sales to a local charity.
Guiry’s
Guiry’s – From paint brushes, to canvases, and paints galore, this family run chain of paint stores is a fan favorite. Their stores can be found across Colorado as well as online. They specialize in art and home improvement supplies.
Recreative Denver
Recreative Denver – If you are looking to donate art supplies or buy repurposed supplies, stop by this store located in the Santa Fe Art District. They have everything from frames, to fabric, paint and specialty items. They also offer memberships where you can use their tools and workshop. If you are interested in learning more about other sustainable practices, check out Sustainable Practices to Adopt for Your Next Art Project.
The Craft Box Thrift Store
The Craft Box Thrift Store – This artsy thrift store located in Wheatridge resells donated craft and art supplies at marked down prices. They also donate part of their proceeds to one of many local charities. Visit the store to see what treasures you can find! They specialize in quilting, needlework, card making and scrapbooking supplies.
Next time you are in need of art supplies near Lakewood, CO, check out these great local businesses. If you have any last minute art supply needs, check out the campus store, Spectrum, or The Mine, our on campus student supply bank. We are always looking for new local businesses to support, so if we missed any, let us know on the student app!
This blog post is not sponsored by any of the above businesses.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I buy art supplies in Denver?
Denver has a strong selection of locally owned art and craft supply stores. Options include Meininger on Broadway, a fine arts store operating since the late 1800s; Guiry’s, a family-run Colorado chain specializing in paint, brushes, and canvases; and Reynold’s, which focuses on sculpting, casting, molding, and modeling supplies. For repurposed and secondhand materials, Recreative Denver and The Craft Box Thrift Store are both solid choices. Shopping at these local businesses keeps money in the community and supports neighborhood employment and local charities.
What is the oldest art supply store in Denver?
Meininger, located on Broadway, is one of the longest-running art supply stores in the area, dating back to the late 1800s. It began as a bookbinding and art supply shop serving traveling artists who came to Colorado to paint scenes of the American West. Today it operates both a brick-and-mortar store and an online shop, so customers can support the business even from out of state.
Where can I buy cheap or secondhand art supplies in Denver?
Two local spots focus on affordable and reused materials. Recreative Denver, in the Santa Fe Art District, sells repurposed supplies including frames, fabric, paint, and specialty items, and also accepts donated supplies. The Craft Box Thrift Store in Wheat Ridge resells donated craft and art materials at marked-down prices, specializing in quilting, needlework, card making, and scrapbooking. Both options are budget-friendly and more sustainable than buying new.
Where can I buy sculpting and casting supplies near Denver?
Reynold’s is the go-to local source for sculpting, casting, molding, and modeling materials. It carries what you need for school projects, cosplay costumes, and other three-dimensional work, and its showroom displays finished projects that show how the supplies can be used. It is a strong option for anyone working in sculpture or prop-making, not just paint and paper.
Why should I shop for art supplies at local stores instead of big-box retailers?
Shopping locally keeps more money circulating in the community. Small businesses employ people in the neighborhood and often support local charities and social programs, so purchases ripple beyond the transaction itself. Several Denver art supply shops reinforce this directly; stores like The Craft Box donate a portion of their proceeds to local charities. Beyond the economic benefit, local stores often offer specialized knowledge and services that big-box retailers do not.
Where can RMCAD students buy art supplies on campus?
RMCAD students near the Lakewood campus have two on-campus options for supplies. Spectrum, the campus store, carries materials for last-minute needs, and The Mine serves as an on-campus student supply bank. These are convenient backups when students don’t have time to visit an off-campus store, and they sit alongside the many local Denver-area businesses students can support for larger supply runs.
Do Denver art supply stores offer classes or equipment rentals?
Some do, which makes them useful beyond simply buying materials. Recreative Denver offers memberships that give access to its tools and workshop space, so artists can use equipment without buying it outright. Services like these can be a good fit for anyone who wants hands-on access to tools or space without committing to a full purchase.
