Celebrating 50 years of being the creative heart of Hobart!
For half a century, Artery has been putting the art in Hobart.
They’re more than an art supply store, they’re a place where creativity and community come together, helping generations of Hobartians bring their creative ideas to life.
This year marks 50 years since Artery first opened its doors, beginning as a small picture-framing business in Sandy Bay in 1976.
“It started with a gentleman called Charlie Miller,” says long-time manager and co-owner Linda. “He registered the business name on 6 April 1976 and began as a picture framer. Then people started asking for art materials, so he brought in a few supplies and it just grew from there.”
Over the decades the business changed hands, but their ethos remained the same: supporting the creative community. Today, Artery is something of an institution amongst Hobartians, with generations of artists, makers and hobbyists passing through its doors.
“Being around for 50 years means we’re a little bit of an institution,” Linda says. “But that institution is really about creativity and expression.”
The Art of Life
Linda first joined Artery on the first Monday of 2000.
“I got the job just before Christmas and the owners said, ‘Enjoy Christmas, we’ll see you back on the first Monday’,” she laughs. “That’s what I did and I’ve been here ever since.”
More than 26 years later, the relationships she has built remain one of the most rewarding parts of the job.
“I’ve met so many people through the shop. There are customers who were coming in when I first started and they’re still coming in now. Having those long-standing connections is really lovely.”
In 2006, Linda became manager when then-owner Roy took over the business. Following his passing in 2021, ownership was left to Linda and her business partners, continuing Artery’s long tradition as a locally owned and independent business.
“We wanted to create a place that we enjoyed coming to every day,” she says. “We’ve worked really hard to build a team that’s kind, supportive and generous. A lot of our staff stay for a long time, and some have even gone away travelling and later come back to work with us.”
No Limit for Creativity
While Artery remains a destination for artists, its idea of creativity extends well beyond pens and paper.
“Creativity comes in all sorts of forms,” Linda says. “If you’re not careful about the way you present things, you can actually limit people’s creativity.”
That philosophy has helped shape the store’s evolution. Alongside traditional art materials, Artery stocks creative kits, craft activities and unique products designed to inspire curiosity and bring new people into creative pursuits.
The result is a remarkably diverse customer base.
“We don’t want to be the ‘Bunnings of art materials’,” Linda says. “We want to sell creativity and free thinking.”
As an independent retailer, Artery has the freedom to choose products that align with its values rather than simply following trends.
“One of the great things about being fiercely independent is that we don’t have to stock something just because everyone else does.”
Supporting Local
Artery’s impact stretches far beyond its shelves.
Over the years, Artery has supported art groups, awards, schools and community initiatives, while building strong relationships with neighbouring businesses on Collins Street.
“It’s often the smaller things that make a difference,” Linda says. “Supporting local art groups, supporting awards and supporting the community.”
They regularly collaborate with nearby retailers on activities like Christmas shopping evenings, creating shared experiences that encourage people to explore and support local businesses.
For Linda, these connections are essential to a thriving city.
“Community is really important. With the right support, local businesses can help shape the city into something that’s more community-minded and more local.”
She believes shopping locally plays a vital role in maintaining Hobart’s unique character.
“It might cost a little bit more sometimes, but supporting local businesses is important. It’s how you keep a vibrant economy and vibrant places.”
Iconic Window Displays
Artery are locally renowned for having iconic window displays throughout the yeras, particulary during Dark Mofo and Christmas.
“When I first started working here, nobody else was particularly interested. And then one of the owners at the time used to race in Tagar, so I used to get him to bring in all his old wheels and stuff, and it just evolved from here”
From giant scarab beetles to cardboard Volkswagens, Linda has executed elaborate displays over the years. This year’s Mofo window, Linda took inspiration from their 50th birthday,
“Because it’s our of his 50th birthday, we thought we would go back to the beginning of Artery. And so I created our birth chart for 6th of April, 1976: Artery’s astrological natal chart.
The heART of Hobart
Linda has spent much of her life working in creative industries, from textile design in Sydney to set and theatre design overseas, before eventually settling in Tasmania.
That lifelong connection to the arts is one reason she feels so passionate about Artery’s role in the community.
“We love art. We love creativity. Most of the people who work here have an art background, a music background or some other creative background. Having that passion behind what you’re doing really matters.”
She believes creativity is woven into Hobart’s identity.
“Hobart has a really vibrant art scene. Art contributes so much to the culture and the feeling of a place. I think we’re really lucky that creativity is such a defining part of Hobart.”
As Artery celebrates its 50th year, their focus remains on inspiring creativity, supporting local artists and maintaining the sense of community that has sustained the business for generations.
“It would be wonderful to think Artery will still be here for many years to come,” Linda says.
After 50 years, it’s clear Artery’s story is about much more than art supplies. It’s a story of creativity, independence and connection, and the role local businesses play in giving Hobart its unique character.
Artery are also a participating business of our Hello Hobart Gift Card program, helping support local businesses in Hobart one gift card at a time. We couldn’t think of a better way to give the gift of creativity than with a Hello Hobart Gift Card.
And we couldn’t not mention the store doggo Ruff! A sweet black Lab who greets each customer with a kind sniff and tail wag. What ‘s not to love!
