Lynn man looks at art store possibilities in downtown

LYNN-Downtown Lynn isn’t exactly Monmartre, but it is home to a growing number of artists who must travel outside the city or go online to buy art supplies.An area businessman has expressed interest in opening such a shop in Lynn, but before that happens, an ongoing survey will help gauge whether the plan is feasible.”We’ve sent out emails to lots of artists in the area and we’re hoping they respond to the few questions,” said Susan Halter, executive director of LynnArts, 25 Exchange St. in Central Square and the hub of the city’s arts scene.”We think there are enough artists in the city and in Nahant, Swampscott, Salem and other surrounding towns who would patronize a quality arts supply store in Lynn,” she said. “We’re hoping to get feedback from people through email by next Friday because the business owner is planning to visit here in two weeks.”According to Halter, the would-be investor owns a chain of art supply stores.”Right now, the artists who live and work around here have to go to Beverly, Cambridge or Woburn to buy what they need, whether it’s paper, paint, bookmaking or photography supplies. There’s just no place around here,” said Halter, noting that Arnold’s stationary in Central Square closed a few years ago, and other large office supply stores in the area don’t always cater to artists. “If they don’t want to travel, then they have to order their supplies online.”In an email to Greater Lynn artists and artisans, Halter said, “We need your help. There is a quality art supply store looking to move into downtown Lynn, but his ?inside people’ are telling him that there are no artists in the area. We’re trying to convince the owner that not only would artists from Lynn come to his store, but also artists from Nahant, Salem, Swampscott and other neighboring towns.”Halter noted that the LynnArts galleries are within view of the Lynn Museum, the Raw Art Works (RAW) studio and program for at-risk teenagers, North Shore Community College, and other institutions with art programs.Artists should respond directly to Halter by email at [email protected]. When replying, at least answer the following three questions: 1) What kind of art do you make?; 2) How often do you buy supplies?; and 3) Where do you currently buy them?For more about LynnArts, go online at www.LynnArts.org.