Our History
What (and who) is Dick Blick?
Many people have asked, "Dick Blick - is that a real person?" The answer is yes. Dick Blick's first catalog originated in 1911 in the form of a small pamphlet issued by the company's founders, Dick and Grace Blick. Their first product was a lettering pen, which quickly became a bestseller. Their "warehouse" was their kitchen, and their "shipping department" was the Galesburg, Illinois, post office.
Today, Blick Art Materials is in its third generation of family ownership and is the largest and oldest provider of art supplies in the United States. Our products cater to the full spectrum of artists - from the youngest child ready to scribble with his or her first crayon to well-known, gallery represented professionals. Our superior customer service, extensive selection, and competitive prices make us the choice for professional and amateur artists, art educators, architects, designers, students, and hobbyists - virtually anyone requiring quality art materials for work or pleasure.
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1911
Dick Blick began his company originating from sales of the Payzant Pen.
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1933
Blick's iconic "Running Man" was developed to represent the company's promise of being "the fastest shipper in America."
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1948
Robert Metzenberg purchases the company from Dick Blick. The family-owned business is now in its third generation.
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1950
Blick's Masterstroke brushes are promoted.
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1956
The Grand Avenue warehouse is constructed in Galesburg, Illinois.
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1974
Blick's first retail store opens in Galesburg, Illinois.
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1984
Blick's yearly catalog expands to 400-plus pages.
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1997
Blick's first website is launched.
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2001
Blick's state-of-the-art distribution center is built in Galesburg, Illinois.
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2004
Blick acquires The Art Store chain of 11 retail stores.
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2007
Blick implements A.C.E. (Achieving Continuous Excellence) program focusing on four key objectives: Safety, Attendance, Quality, and Productivity.
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2011
Blick acquires Art Media retail stores in Portland, Oregon, and the Primary Art store in Savannah, Georgia. A mural commemorating the company’s 100-year anniversary is given to the city of Galesburg, Illinois.
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2012
Blick processes its 10 millionth customer order.
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2013
Blick acquires Utrecht Art Supply and Manufacturing’s 40 retail stores and paint manufacturing facility in Brooklyn, New York.
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2015
Blick opens a third distribution center in Monroe Township, New Jersey, to better serve its East Coast customers and retail stores.
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2016
Blick achieves Great Place to Work® (GPTW) certification, and continues to develop and implement programs to increase associate satisfaction and attract top talent.
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2017
The Artists Serving Artists program shares the artwork and inspiration of select retail associates on Blick's social media channels. Blick also launches its first online Associate Art Showcase for viewing and voting by the public. Both programs highlight the unique talents Blick's associate-artists bring to our customer interactions.
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2018
An industry first, Blick adds a range of cadmium-free oil colors to its Utrecht Artists’ Oil Colors line. Developed at the Utrecht manufacturing facility in Brooklyn, New York, the new oil colors perform as well or better than their cadmium counterparts, while eliminating artists’ health and environmental concerns.
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