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!!!

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 Ill 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 youll 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 dont have something, theyll 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, its surrounded by great places to eat! Love this place! Follow them on Instagram at @Forstallart

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 werent 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. Phillips expertise was immediately apparent, and 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.

Forstall is the only place I take any prints I need framed. Their work is impeccable, they pay attention to detail, and go above and beyond. I will not go anywhere else. Would give them 6 stars if I could.

Great experience picking out frames with Ray. He was attentive and super helpful. Highly recommend them for your next framing job.

Friendly, knowledgeable, offering otherwise hard to find stuff, and keeping prices in check. A wonderful place with appointment only hours during Covid-19. Dont be discouraged, their number is at their door.

Great art supply shop! Everything you need and excellent customer service directly from the owner. Always enjoy supporting a locally owned shop.

Im an undergraduate art student and I enjoy coming here to buy and browse any supplies I need! Plus youd be supporting a small business by shopping here, highly recommend!

I walked in thinking I’d just poke around, and left with art supplies in hand and tons of knowledge and warmth from Rachel and Betsy. The depth of knowledge, experience, and sheer friendliness was off the charts. I could have stayed there forever. I wish I lived closer; I would be there all the time, whether I needed anything or not!!

More than just another art store. This hidden gem is a great place to get your art supplies, and framing done all in one place. Michael’s offer the same, but where Forstall shines is the diverse brand offerings that Michael’s does not have. If you want quality paint, brushes, etc... this is where you go. I’m mouth to please, but these guys seem to know just what to do. Give these guys a try, see if you don’t just find your new local go-to art store.

This hidden jem is absolutely amazing. Inside is an immaculate, perfectly organized and just beautiful shop. Upon entering I was instantly greeted by a beautiful man (Will I believe) that was more than willing to help me find exactly what I was looking for. Their selection of paint markers are insane. Could have easily spent my whole paycheck! I’m officially a life long customer that will not go anywhere else. Oh yeah, right next door is one of if not the best tattoo shops in Alabama, Non Stop Art. Pick up some art supplies then go get a tat.

The absolute best experience! The staff was friendly, knowledgeable and helpful.

I visited Forstall to frame a diploma, and I couldn’t have asked for a better experience. Forstall has a big selection of great frames, and they were very helpful in picking out the right one for me. Service was quick and highly detail oriented.

Could not have gotten better! Lovely environment, positive attitude great customer service!

Their framing of our art is itself a work of art. Ray is so patient and knowledgeable. He listened to our ideas and he improved upon them whether it was a wider version of the frame we selected, the shade of the mat, addition of museum glass, or other details we had not considered. We recommend them highly!

Great experience! I was greeted when I came in and William helped me navigated the huge selection. Thanks William!

I visited there and bought everything I needed. I must write that 5 stars isn’t enough to rate the quality of service I experienced. These guys are high-caliber, excellent, personable, and knowledgeable. I will be ordering from them online because I live out of town, and if I’m down that way, will stop buy and make purchases. You guys have won my business! Thank you, Forstall art!

I had a wonderful experience getting a piece of art framed. They were personable, professional and gave me several thoughts regarding my framing. They didn’t mind me questioning things and asking opinions. I would absolutely use Andy again and I’d highly 100% recommend them!

Great staff, knowledgeable and always willing to help you with any questions you ave

Had four things framed here—two small watercolors and two vintage posters. Excellent selection, and NO PRESSURE to talk you into a particular frame or style. Mr. Forstall trusts your taste and frames things perfectly!!

My boyfriend and I came here to get some Christmas gifts framed. Phillip Forstall was friendly, attentive and so helpful! Go here for all your art and framing needs!

Phillip and William are great and buying from Forstall is always a positive experience. Phillip’s framing advice and conversation I look forward to whenever I decide to have a piece framed and can’t make up my perfectionistic mind. He makes the process more fun and collaborative.

The staff is wonderful- they really know what they’re talking about and the prices are very fair. Also they have a kick ass mural outside.

Outstanding service! Ive had stuff framed at Michaels and Hobby Lobby, and Forstall outclasses them. I will be going here for all my future framing needs. Not only did they do great work, but the framing manager and employees went out of their way to help me find the perfect frame and recommended the best type of glass for where the picture will be hung.I could not recommend Forstall more.

Forstall Art Center is such a gem! If you are looking for it, they probably have it. The prices are great (often cheaper than online retailers), and the selection is top notch. They carry the highest quality for the best price. There were four separate products I was searching for and they had them all, unlike other places in town. Forstall is a wonderful local business that I am happy to support.

I brought in this early 19th Century piece of nautical folk art. A family heirloom. A whale’s tooth piece of scrimshaw. I requested it to be shadow-boxed.The resulting work was exquisite. People were walking off the street exclaiming it’s beautiful work. It truly captures New England with the weathered wood and muted colors. Some people even wanted to but it on the spot.But it is safely home. Thanks to the staff of Forstall I have a wonderful piece to add to my collection.

My husband and I recently had several pieces framed and could not be more pleased with the final products. Phillip and Ray are super friendly and easy to work with. Definitely recommend for any framing needs!

Will was very helpful.

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!

My husband and I absolutely adore Forstall and stop in regularly to buy supplies, frame our most recent finds, and get unique gifts. You wouldnt 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 dont 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.

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!

It has been the best go to store for everything. There is no place like it that I have encountered in my life. They have the best supplies, information, support team and classes. They bring national reps and artists to demonstrate and teach. I have moved out of state and long for my trips back in the area to go there. Will now have to utilize their shipping. It truely is a once in a lifetime gem. The difference from a retail store to an establishment that cares and nurtures the artist is such a rare find.

I had a wonderful time teaching at Forstall Art Center. Phillip, Annette, and Andy were great hosts, a home away from home. The store is amazing and stocked to the rafters with all types of art supplies, which is fantastic if any of my students needed a particular color that I have on my palette. I would highly recommend the venue to instructors and students alike.

Outstanding locally owned store! They have a massive amount of art supplies and workers who are generous with their service and expertise. I can appreciate the hard work it takes to keep such a store organized and extremely relevant in these times. The person who recently wrote a negative review must have been having a bad day.

Philip was super nice and made sure my deadline was met. I am a college student, but Forstall always manages to frame my work at an affordable price. The framing guy is also helpful when you have artwork that is complex and needs a frame that works alongside your art not compete against it. I would recommend stopping by next time your beautiful artwork needs to look professional or just add to home decor.

BEST ART STORE AROUND!The staff was extremely knowledgeable and very polite. This has become my favorite art store in the Birmingham area hands down. Great prices on top-notch art supplies. If you are a professional or just starting to make art this is the place to go.

Love this place. Phillip and Annette are amazing. They have great artist demo’s and have wonderful hospitality creating an excellent learning environment; it is all very organized and they have a diversity of products. They are very supportive of artists and create a supportive atmosphere!! Plus they are from Nee Orleans!! Geaux Saints!!

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, Ive lived all over the USA and art supply stores can often be snobby. This isnt 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 dont get over there more often. I am and will be a life-time customer.

Phillip and Ray were great to deal with; I brought them a couple of sketch drawings for custom framing and sought their guidance + direction. Their pricing was fair, meeting my timing deadline was extremely helpful, and the end result was fabulous. I highly recommend Forstall to anyone seeking custom framing.

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. Ive 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!

I recently attended the Nancy Chaboun 3 day workshop at Forstall. It was a fantastic workshop. Nancy is a great teacher and Philip, Annette and Andy worked extra hard to make it a success.

Forstall is a great resource for both art supplies and art information. Family-owned and operated, everyone that works at FAC is a working artist and will cheerfully help you find the art supplies for whatever you are creating. The frame shop in the back does very good work, too. Helpful. Friendly. Local. What more could you want? Go here!!

I highly recommend Forstall! I had them do a shadow box for me. The turn around time was totally reasonable and the final product is absolutely amazing! Definitely exceeded expectations!

The Best Customer Service Ever!! From Beginning to the End!! Andy, Mr. Forstall & Tahla🙌🙌🙌 we’re all soooooo Sweet & Helpful!!! We Felt right at HOME! I definitely recommend this Place for Supplies & Painting Groups! The Ladies Felt soooo Much Peace here! I’ll be Back Again & Again!! They Truly Blessed My Life! I speaking Blesses Over this Business!

Forstall Art Center does a great job serving the art community with current art supplies, custom framing as well as ongoing art classes and workshops. The staff is very knowledgeable and courteous. My experience there has always been first rate.

Forstall is my go to place for art supplies and framing. Ive been going there for eight years now. From day one the staff were knowledgeable and friendly and continue to be. The owners are a really nice couple and are quick to order something for you if they dont have it in stock. Highly recommended!

One of the best art stores in Birmingham as theyve always had great and welcoming customer service, Very informative on all supplies. Affordable classes are taught by very talented and experienced artist and sometimes events are held featuring artist around the country. If anyone is looking to gain good experience in their craft Forstall is the place to be.

I always enjoy stopping by Forstall Art Center. It is like the TV Show Cheers for the Art World! Customers are always greeted warmly by the staff and they aim to please. This is a family owned business that treats you like family. Support LOCAL businesses!

Forstall Art is a wonderful resource for artists in the Birmingham area! Annette and Phillip Forstall are fantastic supporters of the arts in Bham. I have taught there for years and they both could not be more helpful to customers and my students. They go out their way to have the supplies in the store that we need and order specialty items for individuals. They generously support arts groups in the area by supplying materials and knowledge. The treat everyone- employee and customer with kindness and respect.

SO thankful for this art supply store. The folks that work there feel like family; they are extremely helpful and attentive. They truly put you first! They have even let me borrow their van to transport canvases. Amazing!

I took two pictures to be framed and they turned out even better than I imagined they would. Ray did a great job in helping me find the best mats and frames for my pictures.

I have been as customer at Forstall for at least 7 years, first as a graduate student and now as an elementary art teacher. I also had the pleasure of working there for 3 years. The Forstalls are hardworking, dedicated, and wonderful people! The staff are knowledgeable and friendly and the prices are competitive (you may qualify for a discount, just ask). Love this place!!

These people are really good. They know their stuff, give you great ideas on frames and are very honorable. Phil does a great job and worth a trip to their new store.

These folks are the best! Excellent, knowledgeable, and kind staff always make a trip to Forstall a pleasure. Beautiful framing work and every supply you might need all in one convenient space downtown.

As an artist, Im so thankful to have Forstalls in Birmingham. I value their knowledge and experience; when I need advice or suggestions they have simple and honest answers, going into more detail if I have more questions. :) Ive always been greeted with a smile when I come through the door. I also appreciate that they are kind to my children, treating them and their questions seriously like the budding artists they are. Forstall supports our local art community so generously and I am proud to support them right back.

We have known the Forstalls for many years and have always found them to be gracious and charming. On our most recent visit to their store this past year we found it well stocked with a wide assortment of quality products. The staff was both knowledgeable and courteous.

Got 4 posters framed here- they did a wonderful job and the work was done much sooner than I expected. Philip was also really helpful when I needed to change the size of a piece after the initial order. Will be a repeat framing customer. Thanks ya’ll!

Forstall Art Center carries top quality products and the staff is very knowledgeable about them. I always get great advice and service. Thanks for being there!

Forstall Art Center is an outstanding resource for artists in the Birmingham area. Their high quality materials, classes, and service always exceed my expectations. And they treat you like a good friend!

Forstall is the happening place for artists to learn new techniques or to purchase whatever supplies they need. I always feel welcome when I walk in the door, and the staff is friendly and helpful. I like to support local businesses and this is one of my favorites!

Love this place. Staff is awesome. Great products and always well stocked.

Super Helpful.

The staff were very helpful and friendly. I had a great time collaborating ideas with them. Ill be back!

Friendly, kind, creative staff. The store is well stocked and very organized. Recommend this place 100%!!!

We are lucky to have Forstall Art in Birmingham. It is a well stocked store with knowledgable staff. Phillip and Annette keep up with new products and often have demos and samples available to try. If they don’t have a particular item, they are happy to order it and can usually have it in by the next week.I take advantage of the numerous class and workshop opportunities offered at the store by both local and national artists. It is convenient to have supplies available if you run out of something in class. I have also had a number of custom framing orders done here. All were done well.The Forstalls are super supportive of the local art community and small businesses. I am happy to support them by shopping in their store.

I have known Annette and Phillip Forstall for over 20 years. Their honesty, integrity, and character are without question. If you want to be treated like family, shop at Forstall Art Supply.

I buy almost all of my art supplies from Forstall. The customer service is fantastic, and I always enjoy workshops and demos Forstall hosts. I highly recommend Forstall to all my artist friends!

Great place!!! Helpful and friendly staff. Warm, encouraging atmosphere with nice music. Wonderful place for artist...

Complete professionalism. Courteous, responsive, timely, and excellent work. I recommend Philip and his staff highly.

Friendly staff and knowledgeable staff. Great location. This is my go to store for just about everything!

An inimitable resource for local artists---with not only supplies but a variety of classes to share skills, ideas, and develop your own practice. Ive been going here for years, and the staff is always helpful and hardworking---the more I go the more I appreciate what they offer to this community.

Amazing framing!! The finished product was stunning!! Highly recommended!!

Have shopped at both the nola and bham stores for 20 plus years. Wonderful selection of materials and always super helpful and generous to the community. Has changed the face of the Birmingham art community. GOOD VIBES/GOOD TRIBE.

Ive been visiting Forstall Art Center in Birmingham for over 15 years and have found the staff helpful, knowledgeable and above all very friendly. their selection of art supplies is extension and complete and they always seem to have something new and interesting.

Forstall art store is like being with good family. They are so helpful. They will work with you until you have what you need.

Really nice & helpful staff. Love the wide selection of acrylic paint & supplies!

The best custom framing anywhere in the metro area! Great selection, convenient location, super easy and plentiful parking, Forstall has everything!

Terrific independent art supply store...well stocked, helpful staff and a wonderful family atmosphere! A breath of fresh air in a world full of big box stores!

Really helpful. Very knowledgeable. Will definitely be back!!

I love Forstall Art!! The staff is always so friendly & knowledgeable, and I always enjoy the fun atmosphere while Im looking for supplies or coming in for a class! I look forward to my next visit every time I get to go! Thank yall for doing all yall do!!

They seem to always think or assume you are stealing in this store. But they have a really great assortment of high quality art products.

I have known the Forstalls since I was in elementary school. They are very knowable about all their products. I am an art student at UAB and I would highly suggest them to anyone. They offer great student discounts and have a massive variety of art supplies not offered anywhere else.

Nice place and people but I wish they carried more supplies for Potters

Walked in, gave them my list and they grabbed all my stuff for me. Very helpful.

I love Forstall Art! They usually have everything I need and if they don, t they order it for me. They have supplies for everyone--- from the student to the professional. Ellen

Love this store. Very nice owners. Lots of everything.

Very extensive art supply selection, but it felt like the staff was hovering me at times.

I love this store!I always feel welcomed, like I have come to my friends house!Thank you guys for your support and love to the art!

The staff are very helpful and knowledgeable. Excellent place to shop for art supplies!

Been shopping at Forstall for several years and even attend a figure drawing group that meets there after store hours. Its really nice to shop at a place that is so accommodating and where the owners/staff know me by name and care about whats going on with me and my family.

Very convenient, I brought a picture frame, philip was very helpful, did it in a very professional organized manner .

I have never been in Forstalls that I wasnt greeted enthusiastically....and helped with whatever I needed!Great store, great service!

Great atmosphere, friendly and very knowledgeable staff, incredible selection. The best in Birmingham!

Really dig the story and selection some pretty dope products

There racist I guess they wait on CERTAIN people due to C-V 19 I JUST NEEDED A DYE FOR SYNTHETIC FIBERS I KNEW THEY HAD SOMETHING, BUT THEY WERE BEING VERY RACIST AND SHADY

I have known the Forstalls for over 25yrs and they have grown their business by being customer friendly, stocking and promoting a wide variety of supplies, hiring knowledgeable staff and really knowing their products. Yes a true Mom and POP that gives back to their community and supports the arts.

I just entered the world of airbrushing thanks to Phillips guidance. Very friendly and willing to answer any questions you may have.

$60 dollars for 50lbs low fire clay. Over priced staff not friendly.🖓

Beautiful store, helpful staff and great selection.

Great place, knowledgeable staff,convenient location, 5 stars.