PEPAI
©2014 Craig Ashby
Digital Photograph

Another lost New York City gem. Pearl Paint was the first art supply store I ever shopped at in New York City. Even to its last days it was and will always be my favorite.

Sure those stairs were a nightmare. On a hot muggy day you could have a heart attack attempting to reach the top floor. But each floor was filled to the brim with everything you could ever need or want.

Due to the volume of product, the prices were better than any other art supply store in New York City. The price difference being far lower on Art Boards to acrylic paint. Great deals all around.

Plus it gave me a reason to go down to Canal Street. Always a push and shove of high adventure. Aggressive vendors and Asian locals making it a video game of avoidance.

Now, like so many other landmarks it is gone. Just a neon sign just partially lit as a reminder of all the things that will never stop changing in this city.

Maybe they will turn it into a Duane Reade or Starbucks. We definitely need more of those. Maybe another 24 hour bank would be better than an art supply store that was affordable.