Forstall Art Center and Custom Framing

oran_yu_rang

2024-04

It was a great experience! Everyone was so friendly and helpful. We got to demo the products and were guided through them very well. We learned quite a bit about art techniques and mediums and the differences between products. There were a variety of products available and even some on sale. I'm happy with my purchases and glad we stopped by!

Cathy Phares

2024-05

Forstall has an excellent selection of paint. The variety of brands and inventory is vast. The employees are always helpful and great with suggestions and advice. They offer parking with backdoor entrance, which is key when shopping downtown. Highly recommend!

Donna Rutledge

2024-03

Love this place!!! Ran across this spot accidentally while on my lunch break. Lots of great supplies and classes available. I ended up registering for a watercolor demo class with my sister and niece. We had such a great time (and they made us a wonderful lunch as a bonus). I left with what I considered a watercolor masterpiece. What a great experience we had, this place was the highlight of our weekend. We plan to go back and take another class soon.

AimeeLaurette

2024-05

My first experience here was suspect at best. Decided to try again thinking maybe I over reacted. This was not the case. No worries will never even attempt to shop there again. The only reason I even gave it one star it is the lowest choice.

cojo1121

2024-05

I had an incredible experience at Forstall Art & Framing! Rose was so helpful in honing my creative vision for my runDisney bib, medal, & photograph and executing a polished product I will cherish for years to come! thank you!

Jack Howard

2023-11

My wife and I were in the right place at the right time and we lucky enough to purchase a Renoir etching. The framing was solid but dirty and the glass needed replacing. We took it to Forstall and they did a great job. They are professionals, handling everything with care. They listened to what we wanted and delivered it at a reasonable price. We’ve already sent other people, including or son, their way.

Mary Beth Meeks

2023-10

I cannot say enough good things about Forstall. I had three large pieces of art framed by Phillip. He went above and beyond making sure everything was perfect. I love this place so much.

Amy Vos

2022-05

THE art supply store that sells a MASSIVE array of AFFORDABLE art supplies! Beats AAS, Hobby Lobby, Michaels (all places I respect greatly!) and the only place I'll go to get my Daniel Smith watercolors. They do such thorough and professional custom framing that people bring in invaluable, personal works or art to Philip and expectations are always exceeded. They can build you a canvas, offer individual and group beginner-to-advanced art classes at an AFFORDABLE cost, and you'll not find a more friendly or informative staff!Mr. Phillip Forstall (owner) and his motley crew 😂 are extremely knowledgeable, fun and helpful - all incredible artists! If they don't have something, they'll order it or find the perfect substitute. Philip constantly has 20-75% off sales on everything from brushes to technical supplies. Beats the competition every time! Great contests, events and Giveaways, too!And as an added bonus, it's surrounded by great places to eat! Love this place! Follow them on Instagram at @Forstallart

Olivia W

2024-02

High quality and professional. I wanted a small correction on one of my frames and they resolved the issue enthusiastically and free of charge. I’ve had 3 framing jobs with Forstall and will return.

Antonio Allen

2023-05

They do amazing framework here and I highly recommend them. The customer service is outstanding and everyone is super nice. Honestly one of the best art stores around.

Isopherus

2023-11

Of the eleven, common art supplies, I needed, they carried none of them. The employees were very friendly and the store was clean and well kept. Was just upset that, unless you're buying supplies for painting, their selection is less varied than a Walmart or hobby lobby.

Jeff Johnston

2024-04

Great experience! Really awesome frame choices! I am super happy with the quality of the frames and the overall look.

Brian Whone

2024-01

Wow, I was gift shopping and totally out of my element but was given great ideas and recommendations. One of the best shopping experiences I've had in a long time! Thank you!

Nicole Wong

2023-09

I’ve been coming to Forstall for the past few years and I love getting all my art supplies here. Each time the service has always been amazing. The staffs are very friendly and knowledgeable. Of all the art stores I have been to around the world, Forstall is one of the best.

Gottfried Kibelka

2021-05

Friendly, knowledgeable, offering otherwise hard to find stuff , and keeping prices in check. A wonderful place with appointment only hours during Covid-19. Don't be discouraged, their number is at their door.

Ran An

2023-11

Fantastic store for art supplies for all ages and skill levels. The staff are friendly and very helpful and will demo items to help you decide on the right purchase.

Robin Roberts

2023-11

From classes and workshops, Forstalls is THE art supply store. They have expert friendly help - walls of paint and supplies for a wide vary of techniques. Easy to get to, either by the red front door or parking at the back door.

Julie Snidle

2023-10

I teach encaustic and oil painting workshops at Forstall Art Center and am thrilled that they carry Ampersand art panels. I have depended on the high quality of their gessobords and encausticbords for years; they are my favorite substrates to paint on.The friendly and knowledgeable staff at Forstall will help you with all or your art supply needs. A trip to Birmingham would not be complete without a visit to Forstall.

Cynthia Miller

2024-03

Excellent Art Supply Store. They also provide good quality art classes.

sophie mcvicar

2023-05

Wonderful framing! They do an excellent, professional job. I have always been wary to entrust my paintings to another party, but they handle everything in a respectful, archival matter. The craftsmanship of the frames is superb.

Stewart Dansby

2023-05

Phillip Forstall, Owner, greeted me and my wife with open arms when we walked in unannounced one day. We needed to stretch a large (~5' X 8'), fine oil canvas onto a frame and we weren't sure where to have it done. We found Forstall on Google. We went to right place.After talking art and artists for a bit, Phillip shared with us his insights about our piece and then explained how he would stretch such a canvas onto a frame that he would custom-build. Phillip's expertise was immediately apparent. My wife and I knew we were in good hands. The result speaks for itself. The canvas is perfectly stretched and the frame is solid - a professional display. Phillip even connected us with a local reputable fine art service qualified to install such a piece, and the work is now the centerpiece of our home.Phillip is exceptionally knowledgable, skilled, friendly and polite, aside from being cool. His store is like a candy shop for artists. I 100% recommend Forstall Art Center, Phillip and his staff to anyone in need of or interested in art supplies/services. Working with them was easy, fun and educational. We will be repeat customers.

becky filler

2022-05

I have been buying pottery related items from Forstall for a while such as clay, glazes, etc. I recently bought a kiln from them and I have to say they really went out of their way to get my my kiln as fast as possible and even called the distributor for me while I was in the shop one day. I really appreciate Philip and his whole crew. They always are awesome and it feels good when you know who your materials are coming from. If you need to buy a kiln come here Philip is really the best! Thank you Forstall!

Tammy Hollingsworth

2023-05

I highly recommend their Framing Services and Staff. They are so patient and professional and really helped me find the exact frame, mat and glass for my art. It was the best experience and I am so glad I found them!

Nolan Woodard

2016-05

I really love Forstall Art Center. The people there have always been very helpful and friendly. My experiences shopping there inclined me to have some frames made too. They were very patient and was very happy with the results. The owners are super cool and very welcoming. Sincerely, I've lived all over the USA and art supply stores can often be snobby. This isn't one of them. Birmingham should feel blessed to have such a wonderful art supply store which also supports the community. The only negative is that I don't get over there more often. I am and will be a life-time customer.

Christina Cenczyk

2018-05

My husband and I absolutely adore Forstall and stop in regularly to buy supplies, frame our most recent finds, and get unique gifts. You wouldn't think about an art supply shop as necessarily a place for gift ideas, but the owners always keep rotating in fascinating end-cap items you just don't see in a regular craft store - plus they usually have some kind of demo going on if you want to experiment with the supplies a bit. Phillip and Annette are delightful owners and a wonderful addition to the growing downtown area.

Jamie Rains

2018-05

Had such a fabulous experience meeting the Forstalls yesterday! One of those , "this is why shopping in a small ,locally owned place is so worth it" experience! My senior in college architect major appreciated the quality products and organization of the store. Teenage daughter loved their dog and cool crafts and friendliness of the store and I loved all of the above! We also enjoyed hearing about the places their family enjoys dining in the downtown area. OH and got a lovely print framed - Just wish I had more things to have framed. Forstall is FANTASTIC!

Carol Jones

2022-05

I would give them more than 5 stars if I could! They are wonderful! Everyone there is so helpful (Rose, Phillip and Ray). Ray did a beautiful job custom framing my cross-stitch wall hanging. I would have never been able to pick the right mat, frame, etc., but Ray did! Thanks so much to everyone there!!!

Asher Katz

2016-05

Love this store! The Forstalls are the best! Glad to see all the 5 star reviews on here--very well deserved, in my opinion. The folks who left 1 star must be crazy. This is one of the best art supply stores around. I wish there were more like it. The owners and the staff are wonderful, knowledgeable, friendly and engaged. Highly recommend shopping here!

Erin Hardin

2016-05

I love this store. I came in several years ago knowing very little about art supplies or about what I needed. Phillip, Annette, and the staff were always very helpful and accommodating, as well as knowledgeable about the products. I've been loyal to them ever since and now I feel like part of the family. Shop local and check out this gem of an art center!

Heart

2023-09

Incredible art supply store with lovely people, high quality supplies, good art advice and awesome events! Certainly a must-frequent spot for Birmingham artists