Soho Art Materials carries the basics for Bushwick’s art community. — Photos by Mimi Luse.

Ten years ago Jonny Siegel was a Wall Street man. As the story goes, his father needed a hand with his company, Trimar, which made stretcher bars, the wooden supports artists use to mount their canvases. So in 1999 Siegel ditched the Barron’s and the briefcase to devote the rest of his career serving the needs of downtown Manhattan artists. Soho Art Materials (which has recently moved to 7 Wooster Street) has been Pearl Paint’s neighborhood competitor since then, selling sundry paints and pads, but specializing in custom stretchers and canvases.

	Jonny Siegel and canvas. Click for more.

Though he works hard, Siegel doesn’t regret making the switch. “Being your own boss is awesome, plus it’s not about the money, it’s about the relationships you build, helping people out.”

Two years ago, Siegel moved the canvas-building operations to a warehouse in Bushwick, also building an outpost of Soho Art Materials (the “Factory Store”) adjacent. Open weekdays, it’s a downscaled version of the SoHo boutique, selling a range of paints, pads, pencils, inks, and other basics. “We try to cover the nuts and bolts, but if artists tell us that they need something in particular we try to keep it here for them.” Siegel says.

Given the massive concentration of artists working nearby, the store gets a steady stream of traffic daily. Located near the Jefferson L, around the corner from Studios on 44 Stewart (Serj Studios), those at 592 Johnson (The 1896), and a quick walk from the patch of artists spaces near the Morgan Ave L stop, Siegel’s store is a life-saver if you’re in a pinch and need that Burnt Sienna ASAP!

Soho Art Materials Factory Store
36 Gardner Ave | 718-418-4050
Mon-Fri 9am–4:30pm