A mannequin in a gas mask armed with a can of spray paint makes up the window display at the Art Colony at the Blueprinter. Artsy, avant garde and cutting edge, the visage delights the eyes of people coming into the store just moments before they hear the loud croak of a frog to welcome them inside.

The frog, a signature sound of the opening and closing door, is also the store's mascot, hinting at the humor and personable environment of the family run business that has been a local's favorite for artists and creative types for nearly 35 years.

Started as small blueprint shop by Hal Wiener in 1977, the store is now run by Hal's son Mark, and his son Mike. Unlike the big box art supply stores, the Art Colony is the place that people go because they want to find a special tube of blue paint, and they know Mark will know the best kind for their needs. They know if he doesn't have something, he'll open up his catalog and special order it for them. They know that if they are regular customers, he will make sure he knows what they usually buy and have it on hand.

But it's also a place where creativity thrives and is encouraged. The back of the shop is a large class space for visiting artists who come to teach workshops in every kind of medium from painting to encaustic. Mike is known to invite his younger generation peers to the back parking lot on weekends for spray painting demonstrations on canvas set upon easels. And Mrs. Wiener recently threw a huge yard sale for teachers in the back where they could buy textbooks and instructions materials for over 50 percent discounts on the cost.

This is the kind of store I like to support. Family run, invested in the community and passionate about what they are putting out for the world.

To learn more about the store's art classes and events, stay in touch online.