Jerry’s Artarama – Knoxville
5220 Homberg Dr.
Knoxville, TN 37919
Phone: (865) 588-0738
This is the candy store. They have nearly everything you’d ever need. These people make the work so much easier, they even deliver directly to our studio! I know it’s in Knoxville and that’s not just across the street but they really go out of their way to make it feel like they’re our hometown art supply store. When you choose small stores like Jerry’s over Hobby Lobby, you’re supporting small business but also getting better materials.
Winell Lee – Cookeville
10325 Old Baxter Rd
Baxter, TN 38544
Phone: (931) 372-9663
This is the place for wood, square stock, mouldings, etc. Always helpful, good people!
Poplar wood at 1×2 nominal (3/4″ x 1-1/2″ actual) is the typical wood we use for stretcher/strainer bars and panel backing. For canvas stretching, you’ll need 1×2 nominal and 1″ quarter round. Winell Lee also sells a 1x full 2″ that’s nice for a simple outer frame, leaving some extra wood to route a profile into.
Their store used to be in Cookeville on Jackson but have moved to Baxter next to their sawmill. I know it’s a few minutes drive but you’ll get much better wood and service than Lowe’s. You’d easily waste 15 minutes in Lowe’s just finding a straight piece of wood!
Short Sheet Fabrics
10924 Kingston Pike
Knoxville, TN 37934
Phone: (865)966-5065
Short Sheet has a huge selection of fabric and a room full of fabrics suitable for painting supports at $3 to $5/yard.