LOGAN SQUARE — A family-owned art and supply store that has earned rave reviews and a loyal following over the past 25 years in Logan Square is packing up, rebranding and expanding to bigger digs in Bucktown.
"So many people love this store and want to be involved. They are even asking us if we need any help moving," said Rich Goldman, owner of Genesis Art Supply at 2517 N. Western Ave.
If all goes as planned, by mid-August the shop, which is rebranding to the name ArtSupply.com, will be greeting customers just in time for the back-to-school rush in its new location along a shopping strip that counts Target and Home Depot among its neighbors.
The journey to the nearly 17,000-square-foot headquarters at 2525 N. Elston Ave. in Bucktown is the culmination of a lifetime dream for Rich Goldman, whose father, Sheldon Goldman, started the store in 1945 as Sheldon's Art and Drafting Supplies.
The larger space — over five times as large as the existing 3,000-square-foot space in Bucktown — will allow ArtSupply.com to offer offer acrylic, oil and airbrush painting workshops as well as provide a gallery, lounge and performance space.
"It was my dream to be a hub for artists. Now with my daughter and son involved we can grow bigger, be more open and give back to the artist community," said Goldman.
Goldman oversees the store's 25 employees. His 30-year-old daughter, Mira Goldman, serves as ArtSupply.com's operations manager. His son, Sol Goldman, 37, founded Genesis Art Supply's air brush supply division seven years ago.
At its new location, the store will be open later, to 9 p.m. daily.
The Internet domain name that the shop has had since 2003 is more representative of the future since about 80 percent of the store's supplies are purchased online, Rich Goldman said.
The larger space will allow the company to have more room to stock more supplies for its core customers, who are are students teachers, professional artists and amateurs.
Realtor Sondra Barrett, who helped Goldman secure the new lease on Elston, said Rich Goldman had been "looking for the right spot" with parking and space big enough for workshops and studio classes located in an area that's "accessible and affordable to rent."
In addition to non-metered street parking along Elston Avenue, ArtSupply.com will offer eight dedicated parking spots for customers, Barrett said.
Through the end of July, Genesis is having a moving sale with up to 80 percent off, according to a sign.
ArtSupply.com, currently at 2417 N. Western Ave. but look for the new location to open in August at 2525 N. Elston Ave. Current hours on Western are 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday-Friday; 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday; Noon to 6 p.m. Sunday. Ph: 800-Yes-4-ART (800-937-4278).
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