About

Iron Oxide Art Supplies first opened its doors in January of 2014 in the historic #2 Firehall building in downtown Nanaimo. However, its roots go back much further as the proprietor, Willow Friday, opened her first store, House of Indigo Boutique, back in 2002. 

Iron Oxide carries a full spectrum of art supplies including acrylic, oil, and watercolor paint, a tremendous selection of brushes, colored pencils, spray paint, pastels, stencils, inks, pencils and pens, markers, supplies for printmaking, calligraphy, bookbinding, and more!

If we don't have it, please ask and we'll likely order it in. 

In addition to being a fully stocked art supply store with the best prices on the island, Iron Oxid offers creative support to the public and sponsors community events like Nanaimo Artwalk, Art Bomb, Vibe Dance's Dance Video Collection and more.

"Firstly, the service is incredible. Small first time customer yet I felt like I mattered. All questions answered, products demonstrated, and all with no pressure sales. What I wanted was what I purchased. Not something I didn't want or need.
Second, the amount of stock was impressive.  Looking forward to my future artistic journey with these folks!"

Cory Schreyer

"If you need supplies for your next art project, this is the place. The atmosphere is amazing, and there is so much to choose from. Staff is knowledgeable and helps get you on the right track."

Kate Asher

"This place absolutely whips. It's my favourite art store period, and my favourite store in Nanaimo. The stock is priced so well that it's shocking, they have a tremendous amount of stuff packed very efficiently into a small space. The employees are lovely and very helpful. A total gem."

Katie Nordgren