Rook & Raven is a local art supply store in Gresham, Oregon, created for artists, makers, and people who simply love working with their hands.
I can’t remember a time that I didn’t want to be an artist. I love the art but I also love the tools. I love the feeling that comes with opening an empty sketchpad, discovering a new ink, or breaking in a new brush. To me, an art store is my “third place.” It’s where I feel most myself and where I know I will find other folks like me.
I caught the baking bug as a kid. I was always watching and helping my grandma in the kitchen, although she might have described it as hindering.
During my time as a student at the Arizona Culinary Institute I found a love for chocolate and sugar work, as well as cake decorating. I discovered that I love making desserts look not just tasty, but also beautiful.
I want to inspire other people to discover this, but also to support those that already have in taking their ideas and skills to new levels.
The art of sugar work, in all of its shiny splendor, shouldn’t be gatekept, but accessible to all.
Rook & Raven’s Reason for Being
Jason is an illustrator and Nixy is a baker. We’ve been friends for decades and Gresham residents for many years. Not too long ago we realized that we were both dissatisfied with the local options for buying the tools we need to practice our respective arts. Craft stores are great for crafts but their tiny art supply sections are limited. And the existing art supply stores are great but it’s not always convenient to drive downtown to pick up the perfect sable brush or acrylic medium, or all the way to the West Side just to find the exact right piping tip. So we decided it was time that all of us East Siders who paint, draw, print, sculpt, or practice sugar arts, have a place around the corner where you can find the quality art supplies you want sold by knowledgeable people.
We want Rook & Raven to be a hub for the local art community. We want to know what you’re making with your supplies. We want to hang your art on our walls, offer some classes, and be a place for artists and art lovers to gather.
Check out our Grand Opening page for details on our opening celebration this fall and come see what we have to offer. We look forward to seeing you!