Ypsilanti Art Supply opened its doors on a crisp Friday evening in 2023. A line formed out the door, full of local artists who missed the independent art scene after the closing of Art Attack in 2013, which left Ypsilanti without an independent art store. After over two years of business, owner Megan Foldenauer says an idea that started as a passing thought is now becoming a reality.
The storefront on the north side of Ypsilanti Art Supply is in the beginning stages of its transformation into a space for teaching, lounging and a small gallery, among other things. The new space is roughly double the size of the current store, separated into an open front, and a more secluded back.
"It's the perfect space for classes, for workshops, for people to ... rent per hour," Foldenauer said.
She expressed her desire to create a small library area surrounded by cozy second-hand chairs and stocked full of art books that have begun to clutter her house. The library will be in the front section of the new store, and will act as a place for customers to relax and make art.
The back of the new store will be a place for more semi-formal activities, like classes. Foldenauer plans to hold classes, especially in her areas of expertise, like drawing and watercolor. Teaching opportunities, however, are not limited to just Foldenauer. Local artists will be able to hold their own classes in the new space, though the logistics of the booking process are not yet solidified.
One of the distinctive qualities of Ypsilanti Art Supply is its vast inventory of supplies from independent vendors. With more space, Foldneauer will be able to carry an even wider range of supplies and expand into different mediums of art as well.
"There's a couple areas I haven't gotten into because of the space or the resources, more in the sculpture and ceramics area, I'd love to expand into that," Foldenauer said.
One of Foldenauer's many hopes for the new storefront is to expand accessibility to every artist in and around Washtenaw County. To Foldenauer's surprise, there is a hidden gem in the space in terms of accessibility.
"The space in the back is separated by an ADA accessible bathroom, like a brand new one, which makes me so happy to be able to offer that," Foldenauer said.
Foldenauer is a member of the Ypsilanti Downtown Development Authority, a group that is dedicated to offering support to small businesses in Downtown Ypsilanti. It has expanded several times since its creation in March of 1976, offering a place for small businesses to build strength in numbers and thrive despite financial uncertainty.
"It feels really good to get rid of one of the empty storefronts in downtown," Foldenauer said.
While an opening date is not yet solidified, Foldenauer hopes to have the new space ready to open to customers on Ypsilanti Art Supply's third birthday, April 7, 2026.
Ypsilanti Art Supply is located at 42 N. Huron St., in Downtown Ypsilanti.
