our mission statement:
artists helping other artists

History

In the fall of 1988, Ed and Nora Faria began an art facility in their garage. While searching to find a name that defined them and the business they wanted to develop, they came across "Artel" a Russian word meaning Artists Helping Other Artists. They had been doing business in their garage for about one year, when it became apparent that a larger facility was needed. That need was fulfilled in March of 1990 when they opened a store front at 700 E. Main Street in downtown Turlock.

At the time only fine art materials were offered, but as time went on it became evident that there was a need for recreational painting supplies and that numerous people were interested in teaching classes also. We were able to match the two needs and today Artel Art Center offers many recreational art classes ranging from session classes to one day workshops and in a variety of art mediums. At times we also have out-of-town artists that will give a weekend workshop. Requests also came for picture framing, so ready-made frames and framing supplies were added to our growing inventory.

Our next area of growth was to become a full service frame shop offering custom framing, a wide variety of mats and design information. Nora attended framing school, so Artel Art Center could now service artists with the raw art materials and frame the finished works of art. Today we are a full service picture frame shop. Offering framing materials for the do-it-yourselfers as well as mounting and shrink wrapping. We have a large selection of wood and metal ready-made frames in a variety of sizes. In 2003, our daughter Galen, joined us in the business full time. She and Nora earned Professional Picture Framer Certificates and are available to help with framing design and material choices. Please see the link to our framing page for more information on our framing options.

The move to Modesto happened in August 1998. Our new home is in McHenry Village, on the corner of McHenry and Briggsmore Avenues in the heart of Modesto.

Please browse the rest of our site with any of the links along the left to view all that Artel Art Center has to offer.

 

» Artel Art Center offers discounts on art supplies and picture frames everyday! «

Artel Art Center
1700 McHenry Ave #D-60 Modesto, CA. 95350
Phone: 209-527-5678