Best Art Supply Store

Hull’s started in 1948 as Hull’s Hobbies, but made a gradual transition over the years to become an art supply store before being acquired by its current owner in 1999 and officially turning into an art shop. Over that time, Hull’s has remained an independent bastion for local artists as well as a generally fun store for non-artists. The people at Hull’s try to steer clear of it becoming "a lifestyle store," as they put it, so balance is maintained by stocking greeting cards, decorative papers, crafts, scrap books, Moleskines and supplies for those besides master artists. Nevertheless, artists’ gear (mostly paints) remain their main racket, next to framing. They’ve recently become a dealer of Utrecht’s line of affordable wares, now that the Dixwell Avenue Utrecht store has closed. And as always, they offer just about anything you could need, from matboard to inks to pastels and sketchbooks and lots more.

Best Frame Shop

Hull’s has the Best Frame Shop category on lock, having won it eight years running. It’s a no-brainer for a large portion of people, businesses and galleries in the area, and the framers are certifiable experts, regularly doing work for Yale’s Beinecke Library and the Knights of Columbus. Pick out the frame and mat yourself or take their advice (they know what they’re talking about) at either of Hull’s locations. A stop at the Whitney Avenue location is also a visit to "a trove of local artistic talent," as the shop regularly features the work of artists from New Haven and around the state.

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