For nearly 80 years, Gwartzman’s Art Supplies in Chinatown has been a haven for Toronto’s creatives—a place where students, professionals, and hobbyists have rubbed elbows while searching for the perfect brush or the right shade of cerulean blue.
Now, after a top-to-bottom renovation, the family-owned shop, which opened in 1945, is looking fresher than ever, but rest assured, its charm remains fully intact.
“It was time,” says Jacqueline Gwartzman, the second-generation owner who grew up running around the store’s creaky wooden floors, helping customers, and learning the family trade.
“This building is over 125 years old, and while it had character, it was definitely tired. We like to think of the renovation as a spa day for the space.”
But don’t worry—this isn’t one of those heartbreaking stories where a beloved institution goes corporate and loses its soul.
Gwartzman’s still feels like home. The shelves are just a bit sleeker (black now, to make the colours pop), and the original brick walls, which were uncovered during renovations, lend a cool industrial vibe.
Jacqueline laughs when she talks about some of the quirks they uncovered during the reno. “We found old plaster walls painted this funky pink colour, and the original pipes are still here—some functional, some decorative, but we left them all because they’re part of the building’s story.”
The biggest heartbreak? Those creaky wooden floors, loved by generations of customers, couldn’t be saved. “People actually wanted to take pieces home to turn into art or picture frames,” she says, visibly touched by the sentiment. “But they were just too old and brittle to salvage.”
The grand reopening party this fall wasn’t just a celebration of the new space—it was a full-circle moment for the Toronto art community.
Mayor Olivia Chow, who Jacqueline revealed has a soft spot for art supplies from her own creative days, stopped by, along with a crowd of loyal customers and local artists.
“Seeing so many familiar faces, people who shopped here during their first year of university or who’ve been coming for decades—it was really emotional,” Jacqueline shares.
Even though Gwartzman’s now boasts a sleeker aesthetic, the sense of history is palpable.
Posters from decades past, donated by customers or hung by staff, will soon return to the walls, framed and carefully displayed. Jacqueline explains, “These posters are a big part of our history. We used to hang them on the ceiling, and customers would literally climb ladders to put theirs up!”
But this isn’t just about nostalgia. The renovation has created room for new opportunities, like workshops, artist meet-and-greets, and pop-up events. Already, Gwartzman’s has hosted artist Mike Hendley, giving fans a chance to learn about his techniques and shop for supplies in the revamped space.
The newly renovated space allows workshops and pop-up events
“We’ve always been more than just a store. We’re a community hub,” Jacqueline says. “It’s exciting to have a space that reflects that, with the flexibility to grow.”
One of the keys to Gwartzman’s longevity, according to Jacqueline, is its adaptability and commitment to its customers. “We don’t stock everything, but we’re very intentional about what we carry. If a customer recommends a product, we’ll look into it. Some of our best additions have come from those conversations.”
Jacqueline’s passion for her work is evident.
“My father used to say, ‘You quit when it’s no longer fun.’ I still enjoy it. I love meeting people, hearing their stories, and being part of their creative journeys,” she says.
When asked what keeps customers coming back, Jacqueline smiles. “We’re independent. We’re family-owned. And people know when they walk in, they’re going to find staff who care, who know the products, and who are happy to help.”
As for what the future holds, Jacqueline hints at more events, new products, and even deeper connections with Toronto’s thriving art scene.
“Every day I learn something new,” she says. “The art world is fascinating—it touches everything.”
So, whether you’re a longtime customer or a newcomer inspired by a viral art trend, Gwartzman’s remains the place to be. Sure, the floors may not creak anymore, but the heart of the shop is alive and well.
Gwartzman’s newly updated storefront is located at 448 Spadina Avenue.
