Ron Ansley, proprietor of California Art Supply, opened his store under the corporate moniker “Create or Die Art Supply,” but he really doesn’t want you to die for art, and he encourages you to keep both your ears. In fact, his concept was fine art supplies at fair costs, no matter the artistic vision or skill level. I think he’s succeeded.

“Most people are afraid to try,” Ansley said, “If you can hold a pencil in your hand you can create art.”

After 30 years working up to president of Flax Art, Ansley opened his own San Mateo emporium as a retirement project in 2014. That was quite a risk. Independent art stores are even scarcer than independent book stores these days.

“There just has to be a real art store in town,” he said, determined that the store will stay in business long after h

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