Artworld Picture Framing & Art Supplies

On my first visit to Artworld Picture Framing & Art Supplies on Yates, I found their front door locked. I was about to walk away when the merchant opened the door with a long wooden stick. I was initially puzzled and amused at the situation but considering the store’s proximity to Pandora Street and the ongoing problems downtown Victoria merchants have to contend with, I quickly understood the purpose of the locked door and the merchant’s ingenious device. Having noticed the presence of security guards in London Drugs on Yates and in Save On Foods on Pandora, and considering the fact that businesses have a duty to provide safe premises for customers and employees, I must say I appreciate the merchant’s concerns. I have not used their picture framing services. As a beginner art student, I have only shopped there for drawing materials. The store is well-supplied and the staff is knowledgeable. Both the gentleman and the young lady who assisted me were patient and accommodating.After visiting this store recently, I revised my rating because of a disagreeable experience. I was looking for affordable paper to practice drawing, the salesman I inquired about drawing paper showed me some large, expensive paper, when I showed no interest in buying it, he walked away and left me to my own devices. As I looked around, I found a shelf with several types of paper that probably would suit my purposes but the salesman was busy chatting with his colleague and not interested in answering any questions. To add insult to injury, while browsing, I realized that during my first visit, I had purchased drawing items which are more expensive individually than a “drawing kit” the store has, which contains everything I need but the salesman who assisted me at that time never showed me this kit. I left the store dissatisfied, thinking that poor service is a good recipe to send a prospective customer away.

Awesome place! Dropped in a half an hour before my workshop, and got all supplies that I needed. Thanks for help, I would never figure it out myself

What a bad shopping experience! Door is locked so employees let you in with a giant stick from the other side of the counter.No greetings or welcoming when you come in. After walking around being ignored for a while, we asked for assistance. We were given one curt answer from the hipster who seemed to either loath being there or despise humans in general. I guess we should have figured that out by the way he answered the door.After we realized this was not the store to start purchasing fundamental pieces for acrylic painting we left.I took pictures of items I had questions on and went home to google. I purchased everything I needed online...... where even the chatbot was more friendly that this store’s employees.I won’t be returning.

Tbh I’m really sick of the gentrification of the art scene downtown. Shopped here for the last year to support my neighborhood local art spot but I’m switching back to Opus bc of the anti-homeless sentiment going on in this store. The stick they use to unlock the door sends a message that they only want “certain people.” It’s gross, esp in this part of town. We’re all human and all humans make art.

Good selection of quality art supplies and framing at reasonable prices. Family run business with lots of heart and years of experience. Best staff ever. I have never been let down for product support or framing quality. Art World is a first stop for anything relating to art supply, if they don't have it, they can find it. Unlike other local art suppliers, they know their products and have contacts around the world to tap into.

I needed a custom frame for my office, and shopped around extensively before coming to Art World. Not only did they deliver an excellent product but were the most affordable by far but also got it done in only a few days when everywhere else quoted at least a week. Will come back here for all my future framing needs.

Artworld is my favourite art store in town, the staff truly go above and beyond to help you find what you need and are supremely encouraging in your artistic pursuits. Any supplies they do not have they will bring in for you. Very personal, informative and genuine shopping experience that has never disappointed us. This is where the “real” artists shop.

I have patronized Artworld for a long time and overheard the most awful conversation between two longtime employees and some patrons while in the store recently to buy markers. If you care even a little bit about homeless and unhoused people you should go anywhere else. What the employees were saying was so offensive I left there in tears. I will never come here again.Honestly Prestige does better framing and Monk just re-did their whole store.

Just got a framed print taken apart and inside glass cleaned. It was 25$+tax. Saved me the time to do it.I'm happy with that. Thanks Andrew.

Have dealt with Artworld for several years and it has always been a pleasure to do business with them; whether buying art supplies or having something framed. These people truly do go above and beyond and if they don't have something in stock and are able to order it for you, are quite happy to do so.