Reddi-Arts owners Kelly and Mary McCormick announced May 14 that Jacksonville’s longtime source for art supplies is closing.
“It is with a heavy heart that after nearly seventy years in business, Reddi-Arts time has come to an end. We will be temporarily closed Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday and will reopen on Thursday, May 22 to begin our liquidation sale,” they wrote on social media.
“While art remains eternal, the path of business comes with unpredictable challenges, as the McCormick family found out barely two months after purchasing the business in January 2020. The last five years have brought pandemic, a drastic increase in prices, from our fixtures to our fixative, as well as other challenges that have ultimately led us to this difficult decision.”
Kelly McCormick took over Reddi-Arts on Jan. 10, 2020, about two months before the coronavirus pandemic shut down all but essential businesses.
The McCormicks bought the business from Bruce Meiselman, who operated Reddi-Arts for 37 years at 1037 Hendricks Ave. in San Marco. They moved the store to 1731 N. Main St. in Springfield.
“To our customers, employees, and supporters, we thank you from the bottom of our hearts. We are forever grateful for the part we have been able to play in so much of the community’s artistic endeavors and journeys. We are forever grateful for the trust and support you have given us and for being our driving force. While this chapter is coming to an end, the memories and moments Reddi-Arts will leave behind remain, and we encourage you to share your favorite memories here with us.
“We hope to see all of you in the store for one last round of support in helping us empty the building; as of Thursday everything but the pieces currently hanging in our gallery will be going on sale,” the McCormicks wrote.