Though not yet a true art supply store, Art Mart became a community favorite. Harmon also stocked imported art supplies, becoming one of the first direct importers of Fabriano Paper and other recognizable brands of European art materials. The Harmon Gallery inside the Maryland Avenue store exhibited the work of many well-known local and national artists, including Ernie Trova, Siegfried Reinhart, and Al Hirschfeld. Art Mart’s Friday night art openings were big events in the St. Louis art community.

After a few years, Harmon opened stores in Columbia, Maplewood, and Warson Woods. The Warson Woods store and its café, a concept decades ahead of its time, eventually relocated to 112 North Kirkwood Road in the heart of the Kirkwood shopping district.

In 1983 Dick Baizer, who had owned a chain of clothing stores, was looking for a new challenge. Harmon wanted to leave the art supply business to concentrate on his painting and travel. So Baizer bought the company and changed the name to Artmart – The Professionals Marketplace.

Baizer aggressively upgraded Artmart’s stores. He also changed the company’s direction with his vision to sell to professional artists – advertising agencies, design firms, architects, engineers, and corporate art departments – from a central location.

An 18,000 square foot building at 2355 South Hanley Road – its present location – opened in 1985. Eventually the Maplewood store closed and the framing operation moved to the Hanley location. With his wife, Charline, Baizer became involved in the St. Louis art community, beginning a long association of philanthropic activity.

Baizer’s son, Keith, joined Artmart in 1985 to service outside commercial sales. Growth was quick with Artmart’s increased attention to consistent and personal service. Strong retail sales became increasingly important as the computer’s role as a design tool eroded the traditional commercial art business. By 1989 big changes in merchandising were made, and Artmart grew the business by serving the needs of the home artist, hobbyist and craft artist. The company’s tag line was changed to The Creative Marketplace.

An exterior face-lift made Artmart a recognizable landmark on Hanley Road – the building with the spots. However, the biggest expansion was yet to come – the Frame Center. The 7,000 square foot building directly to the north of the existing Artmart building was purchased in 1992. After a 1995 renovation by Kiku Obata, Artmart expanded the framing operation with a new retail concept – a quality frame superstore. Frame Center has America’s largest selection of quality ready-made and photo frames, frame supplies, mats, and custom framing.

In 1996 Keith began managing the company while Dick focused on the custom picture frame business. “To Inspire Creativity” became the defined core purpose of the business.

Tragedy also struck late on October 16th 1996 when a fire caused severe damage to the building and merchandise. Undaunted, Artmart viewed the fire as a great opportunity to rebuild. On August 1, 1997, Artmart reopened. With aggressive advertising, a new “Come in and Get Creative” tag line, public relations blitz, and a very loyal customer base, Artmart’s sales soared to pre-fire levels almost immediately.

Over the next five years Artmart continued to grow, with the product mix changing to meet the needs of its customers, and the company continuing as a major contributor to art organizations and the creative community.

Charitable giving has been a core value for the Baizers and Artmart, including a 50th anniversary giveaway of $50,000 to customers and local charities, the “Inspiring Creativity” scholarship program awarding $1,000 art scholarships to high school seniors, the “Say Yes to Art” art ambassador program that spreads creativity to sick and disadvantaged kids throughout the area, and a special gift to Washington University honoring Charline Baizer. Artmart’s “What Inspires You” children’s’ art competition awards $500 savings bonds to children in grades K-8, and prizes also are awarded to participating schools. In addition, Artmart’s “Easel the Arts” program donates easels to local schools and art organizations.

Artmart also has endowed “Say Yes to Art” Sundays at the St. Louis Artists’ Guild, a childrens’ art gallery and Free at 3 progam at COCA, an annual art scholarship at Webster University, and the Richard and Charline Baizer Scholarship at Washington University.

In 2006 Artmart updated its brand identity and unveiled a new tagline – ALL YOUR IMAGINATION NEEDS.

Artmart has been honored to serve “ALL YOUR IMAGINATION NEEDS!” and looks forward to the next 50 years!

Community Involvement 
Charitable Giving 
A Letter From The Mayor of Creativity
Testimonials