Howard’s Art & Frames

A cornerstone of Hagerstown’s creative scene for over eight decades, Howard’s Art & Frames has long served as a dependable resource for local artists, hobbyists, and collectors. Originally founded as a paint store in 1941, the business has transformed over the years into a comprehensive destination for art supplies, custom framing, and educational opportunities. It continues to stand out for its extensive inventory, knowledgeable staff, and ongoing engagement with the regional arts community.

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The heart of Howard’s operations is its diverse and well-stocked selection of art materials. Patrons will find a wide range of supplies to meet nearly any creative need—from professional-grade oil paints and watercolor sets to specialized items like sculpting tools, airbrush kits, and printmaking paper. Notably, the store carries materials from established industry names such as Golden, Holbein, Winsor & Newton, Liquitex, Prismacolor, and Faber-Castell. Whether someone is a seasoned painter or just beginning to explore sketching or mixed media, the offerings are curated to support artists of all levels.

In addition to selling supplies, Howard’s provides a number of value-added services that go beyond the traditional retail experience. These include canvas stretching, paper and board cutting, and airbrush repair—services that are difficult to find elsewhere in the area. A demonstration station within the store allows customers to try out select products before purchasing, and a loyalty rewards program gives frequent visitors added incentives to shop local. These features contribute to Howard’s reputation as more than just a store—it’s a hub for artistic growth and community.

One of the most distinguishing features of Howard’s Art & Frames is its robust schedule of educational programming. The business hosts regular art classes throughout the year, led by experienced local instructors. These classes cover a range of topics such as acrylic painting, realistic watercolors, and airbrushing, and are open to both teens and adults. The classes are held in multi-week sessions, with all materials available for purchase in-store. Notably, students receive a discount on supplies for the duration of their course, reinforcing Howard’s role in supporting creative education.

In addition to formal classes, Howard’s hosts community events like the Spring Supply Swap, which provides a forum for artists to sell, trade, or give away extra materials. These events promote sustainability and camaraderie among area creatives, further embedding the business within the fabric of the Hagerstown arts scene.

Custom framing remains a core service at Howard’s, with staff offering expert advice on how best to preserve and display artwork, photographs, or memorabilia. Customers consistently praise the personalized attention they receive, and the store’s ability to deliver quality framing work that enhances and protects cherished items. With an eye for detail and a deep understanding of aesthetics, the team ensures that each framed piece meets the expectations of artists and collectors alike.

Online feedback highlights the store’s welcoming atmosphere, well-organized layout, and the helpfulness of staff, who are often credited with making thoughtful product recommendations. Visitors frequently mention the store’s commitment to carrying professional-grade products while maintaining an inclusive environment for artists of all backgrounds and skill levels. Several reviewers describe the experience of shopping at Howard’s as both inspiring and educational, reinforcing its role as a vital resource in Western Maryland.

By balancing retail with community engagement and education, Howard’s Art & Frames has maintained its relevance in an evolving marketplace. Its continued success reflects not only the quality of its offerings but also a genuine commitment to fostering artistic expression in the Hagerstown area and beyond.

Local business profile by multiple RFHC contributors, based upon information from www.howardsarts.com, online reviews, and multiple social media platforms. All local business profiles are created at no cost at the discretion of RFHC, although businesses have the option for featured placement and graphical enhancement of the profile for a fee.

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