HIGHLAND PARK, Ill., May 12, 2025 — Blick Art Materials (“Blick”), the nation’s largest provider of fine art supplies, has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire the remaining inventory and select intellectual property assets of Art Supply Enterprises, Inc. (doing business as “MacPherson’s”). This includes the rights to manufacture and distribute the Art Alternatives, Fredrix, and Hello, Artist! brands.
This strategic acquisition marks Blick’s formal entry into the wholesale distribution channel. Blick will launch an independent platform to serve former MacPherson’s customers and vendors with renewed strength, reliability, and long-term vision.
“This expansion marks a new chapter for Blick—one that builds on our foundation in retail and deepens our role in the supply chain,” said Robert Buchsbaum, CEO of Blick Art Materials. “We’re focused on providing independent stores with the tools and support they need to thrive.”
Blick’s extensive infrastructure includes over one million square feet of automated distribution space across Illinois and New Jersey, and an assortment of more than 100,000 products. This scale enables the company to offer competitive pricing, dependable fulfillment, and seamless service to its new dealer partners.
Blick invites independent retailers, art supply dealers, and specialty resellers to connect and learn more about its upcoming wholesale platform.
To schedule a presentation, please email: distribution@dickblick.com
MacPherson’s is represented by DLA Piper LLP, BDO Consulting Group, LLC, and SSG Advisors, LLC.
Family-owned and serving artists since 1911, Blick Art Materials is the largest provider of art supplies in the United States. Its products cater to the full spectrum of artists. A long-time advocate of art education in the U.S., Blick also provides support for scholastic, collegiate and professional art shows, both financially and through a variety of materials that emphasize the benefits of art education.
The company’s corporate office is in Highland Park, Illinois, and its main operations are in Galesburg, Illinois. In addition to over 60 retail stores nationwide and Utrecht Manufacturing, Blick supports the wholesale distribution needs of independent art supply dealers through its extensive product offering, and fulfillment infrastructure.
For more information, visit DickBlick.com