Artist & Craftsman Supply Files for Chapter 11: A Restructuring Path Forward
In a move that has rippled through the arts community, Artist & Craftsman Supply, operating as Artstock, voluntarily filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection on December 21, 2025. This 40-year-old retailer, one of America’s largest independent art supply chains, made the filing in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the District of Maine under the oversight of Judge Peter G. Cary. While such news often triggers immediate concerns about closures and job losses, the company has taken deliberate steps to reassure its loyal customer base and 138 employees across 18 stores in 11 states that this represents a restructuring opportunity rather than the end of an era. With a presence stretching from California to Maine, and from New York to Oregon, Artist & Craftsman Supply has become a treasured resource for artists, crafters, and creative professionals who rely on their extensive inventory of painting, drawing, sculpting, crafting, and printmaking supplies.
The financial picture revealed through federal court documents shows both assets and liabilities ranging between $10 million and $50 million, with between 100 and 199 creditors affected by this development. CEO Robert “Bob” Landry signed the filing as Artstock’s authorized representative, with legal guidance from Sam Anderson of Bernstein Shur Sawyer & Nelson. What distinguishes this bankruptcy from more dire scenarios is the indication from both Bankruptcy Observer and federal court records that funds are expected to be available for distribution to unsecured creditors – a positive sign for the company’s vendors and partners who might otherwise face significant losses. This financial transparency provides some reassurance to stakeholders while the company works through its reorganization plans.
In a heartfelt statement shared on Instagram, the company emphasized the voluntary and strategic nature of this filing: “To be very clear, we are not closing…Chapter 11 is a proven process that will help us continue doing what we do best, providing quality art supplies to our valued customers, while we position the company for long-term success.” This message reflects the company’s commitment to transparency during an uncertain time, directly addressing the concerns that naturally arise when bankruptcy is mentioned. The leadership team has taken particular care to communicate that this process is about restructuring liabilities and creating a sustainable path forward, not about closing stores or abandoning their mission to serve the creative community.
For the approximately 120,000 members of the company’s rewards program and customers holding gift cards, Artist & Craftsman Supply offered additional reassurance by confirming that business will continue “in the ordinary course.” Gift cards will be honored, and the rewards program will continue without interruption – practical concerns that matter greatly to regular customers who may have invested in these offerings. This commitment to maintaining normal operations while addressing financial challenges behind the scenes demonstrates the company’s prioritization of customer relationships during this transitional period. Rather than viewing the Chapter 11 filing as merely a financial maneuver, the company appears to recognize it as a trust-preservation exercise with its community of artists and creators.
The company’s message to its community struck a particularly human note: “We understand this news is concerning, but it is very important to us that you know the facts and understand what this means and what you can expect going forward…Your loyalty helps support these valued team members and allows A&C to continue to be a haven for artists, crafters, and creatives.” This acknowledgment of customer concerns, coupled with appreciation for their continued patronage, highlights the interconnected nature of retail businesses and the communities they serve. The 138 employees across 11 states aren’t just staff members; they’re knowledge specialists who help guide customers through creative processes, recommend appropriate materials, and maintain the welcoming atmosphere that has made these stores community hubs for four decades.
Looking ahead, the bankruptcy process has established several key milestones. According to PacerMonitor, a meeting of creditors is scheduled for January 26, 2026, to be conducted via telephone. Important deadlines include April 27, 2026, for the filing of claims and March 27, 2026, for objections to discharge. These dates represent the formal pathway through which Artist & Craftsman Supply will navigate its financial restructuring. While the company works through these legal processes, its focus appears firmly set on maintaining the customer experience that has built its reputation over 40 years. The coming months will reveal whether this strategic bankruptcy filing achieves its intended purpose: allowing a beloved arts supply retailer to reinvent its financial foundation while preserving the creative community it has nurtured for decades.
