BALLER ART WARE - Los Angeles, California

Dinesh Dave

I’ve been coming to this art store regularly because my wife loves to paint, and it’s the most convenient place to find the supplies we need. Unfortunately, after today’s experience, we’re seriously reconsidering whether it’s worth coming back.

This morning, I came in for one simple task: to get a 21”x21” foam core, 0.5” thick. That’s it.

When I arrived, the blonde woman was at the counter. There was no greeting, even after I said “Good morning.” I asked if she had a measuring tape, but instead of helping, she launched into a lecture about foam core sizes. I only needed to measure the thickness, something not listed on the labels, but that detail seemed to be brushed aside.

I then asked if I could get the foam core cut to 21”x21”. She directed me to the back, where a gentleman would assist me. After waiting several minutes and calling out “hello” multiple times, it was clear no one was there. I returned to the front to let her know, and with visible annoyance, she sighed, asked for the measurements, and went to cut it herself.

I thanked her, expressed my appreciation for Baller Hardware being a community staple for 66 years, paid, and left. However, when I got home, I realized the foam core had been cut incorrectly—19”x21” instead of 21”x21”. Frustrated, I had to drive 15 minutes back to the store to get it fixed. In fairness, I acknowledge that I should have measured the cut before leaving the store, and I take responsibility for that oversight.

When I returned, she was on the phone, complaining about something while I stood there waiting. After finally acknowledging me, I explained the mistake. There was no apology—just a curt direction to the man in the back, who this time was available. He cut the foam core correctly, apologized sincerely, and I thanked him. Unfortunately, the off-cuts were now useless for any future projects. As I was leaving, the woman offered a half-hearted apology, but it felt more like an afterthought than genuine concern. I politely thanked her anyway.

I’ve read other reviews about this particular staff member, and it’s disheartening because it seems this isn’t an isolated incident. Everyone has bad days, but this feels like a pattern. Art stores should be a welcoming space for people to explore their creativity and joy, yet she consistently dampens that experience.

In stark contrast, the folks at Baller Hardware are incredibly helpful and kind, always making the experience pleasant. The same goes for the younger staff at Postal Works, who are friendly and accommodating. After 66 years of serving the community, perhaps it’s time for this store to bring in staff who reflect that same level of care—people who value both art and the people creating it.

D&D Explorers

Friendly service. With a great selection of paints and Canson paper for different art and architecture projects at reasonable prices. They also offer framing service, plenty to choose from.

Matt O'Connor

I love Baller Hardware, I love this store as well, it always has everything I need. But my last visit the employee behind the counter, who has been there as long as I can remember, was so busy on their personnel cell phone that I did not feel like a valued customer, at all. It felt like an inconvenience to ask any kind of question. During checkout, her phone was pinging more than a popular teenager. She may be the owner of the business for all I know, but it wasn’t very professional, that’s all.

cynthia ibarra

Love this store has great art supplies and owner really friendly love her art work look forward to the next visit!

Robert Ben Garant

Don’t use this place to do your framing.
The hardware store across the street is great. That’s why I ignored the negative reviews for the framing services. I shouldn’t have.

I brought in an art piece that had been framed and matted, and asked them to duplicate the mat and frame for a second matching art piece. They put in a different color mat. Didn’t match the cut or size of the mat. Didn’t match the frame.

Baller: “sorry, we couldn’t find a match.”

Then why didn’t you call me and say so?

I needed the piece for an art show. I’ll redo it somewhere else.

Believe the reviews. The hardware store is great. The framing service is not good.

Kiera Yambao

Lady at the register was rude! Brought my little sisters with me and 20 mins in, sister told me the lady was staring at us the entire time. We paid and as we were heading to the car the lady burst out of the store and yelled at us saying my little sister didn’t pay for the pens and markers she was holding. It was so embarrassing! She accused my sister of not putting the items down on the counter when we were checking out and insinuated we did it on purpose. I’m away being stared at when I shop here. 🙁 overall very bad experience and won’t be coming back 🙁

Jason Huff

Excellent framing work for any artwork and great art supplies. I truly love this spot and the vibe inside. The prices are fair and the people are lovely. Tip: If the checkout line is long you can take your items over to Baller Hardware and checkout there too.

C. LaFont

I’ve lived in the neighborhood over 30 years, and have been coming here for years. Along with Baller Hardware, this place is a huge part of what makes this neighborhood one of the best in the city (even w/gentrification). They deserve to be here forever.