Worcester: Home to the Oldest Art Supply Store in the Country
Wednesday, March 28, 2012
“That’s our main goal – to promote the art community. We try to service all levels from students to working artists. We have a lot of kids’ supplies, too,” she said. “We’re all about local business.”
While the business has moved around, it has always been in Worcester, and they like their current location at 258 Park Ave.
“We have like-minded businesses in the area – Artworks Gallery across the street, there’s Jelly’s. We think alike. It’s a nice little shopping area.”
Sciascia says that C.C. Lowell caters to customers, setting them aside from other franchise art supply stores. “The advantage of dealing with an independent store is that we listen. When we hear something isn’t working right we take it out of the mix. When people ask for things, we bring it in.”
While Sciascia has enjoyed servicing the busy artists in Worcester, the creative process isn’t just for the customers. It’s also for the employees.
Creative Problem Solvers
“The majority of our day is spent solving problems for people. We solve people’s creative problems,” she said. Whether you need to paint it, fill it, or frame it. We can all brainstorm.
That’s what makes us unique.”
“Everyone who works here really gets that and is part of that creative process. We want to help the customers. It’s more than selling an item to someone. We want them to be successful. We always ask for feedback.”
Sciascia has been with the small company for 17 years and has noticed that customers are never afraid to ask questions, which range from “‘How do I make purple?’ to ‘How do I fix this frame?’”
“It’s great. We don’t have a whole lot of turn over here. People who work here seem to stay. We get close like a family. That is the best start – to have a strong set of employees. We make our own rules,” she said.
Art Trends
The small store has a staff of six employees, all of whom enjoy getting to know their usual customers and their latest projects. Sciascia has noticed some trends.
“I think that there’s been a big push to mixed media. People aren’t just coming in and buying brushes and canvas – the staple of a painter. They’re getting all sorts of things and trying new mediums,” she said. “It’s not the quote “artist.” It’s the person doing home décor – decorative things without the pressure of putting out a realistic painting.”
Sciascia believes that Worcester’s creative community is flourishing and loves the opportunity to help it stay going.
“Our arts scene seems to be thriving. The galleries here are doing well.”
Promoting a Community
C.C. Lowell hosts many events throughout the year, including Women, Wine, and Design, various contests, and demos with their new supplies to give customers a hands-on experience. They also have a close relationship with the Worcester Arts Museum.
“We try to get involved in community projects – anything we can get our hands on,” Sciascia said.
“We have their open house here once a year. It’s a chance for people to come in, sign up for classes at the museum, have some food and wine, enjoy art demos – it gives them a chance to meet with teachers.” This year’s open house will be April 25th and all budding artists who are looking forward to taking classes at the WAM are encouraged to attend.
In the fall, Worcester’s many colleges keep the staff busy. “We supply art supply kits for the area colleges. It’s a pretty big job, and it’s a free service. We charge the price of the kit items and that’s it. We do it to make it easy for the student sand the faculty.”
C.C. Lowell also encourages local business with their support of the WOO Card as well as their own reward card program. Sciascia and owner, Bill Cavanagh, are also involved with Worcester Local First.
Another new product that will hopefully lead to a community event has been Montana spray paint. “It’s pretty popular for aerosol artists and it’s been really popular for us. We’re hoping to do a mural initiative. We haven’t nailed that down yet.” Sciascia mentioned doing a mural on their store on Park Ave.
C.C. Lowell also gets a lot of business and exposure through Start on the Street, an annual street arts show on Park Ave, right outside their store.
“We love Start on the Street. It’s a lot of fun. Part of it is the visibility. It’s nice to have 10,000 people standing outside your door,” she said with a laugh. “It brings together the whole arts community.”
“We’re all in it together. We’re trying to keep the arts going.”
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