Lakewood, N.J. May 19, 2008 -- For nearly every artist, the easel is one of the most basic pieces of equipment. But good studio easels are often out of reach for art students on tight budgets. It's a dilemma the founders of Madison Art Shop (http://www.MadisonArt.com) know all too well: The Web site retailing fine art supplies and studio easels began as a way for students of the Madison Art School to purchase supplies and equipment at prices just above wholesale. Now, with winter term just around the corner, MadisonArt.com is staying true to its roots by offering art studio easels at an average of half off the manufacturers' list prices.

Because MadisonArt.com specializes in easels, the company is able to combine its low prices with knowledgeable customer service. It's a combination that has inspired a five-star rating for MadisonArt.com on Yahoo! Shopping -- and over 200 customer testimonials to date.

"I was especially happy that Madison responded with personal emails to my concerns about the purchase," wrote one customer in a Yahoo! Shopping post-transaction survey. "They also reassured me I could return the item if there was any problem. There was no problem. The price was the lowest I found anywhere."

A member of the National Art Materials Trade Association (NAMTA) and the d'Art community and network, MadisonArt.com is owned and operated by active fine artists and art teachers. The company carries a full selection of easels by leading manufacturers, including BEST, Richeson Academy, Jullian - Paris, Soltek and Studio RTA.

"Our stock consists of our own personal favorite brands, colors and sizes that we, as well as the students of our affiliate art school and association, continually enjoy," explained Sharon Shurkin, president of Madison Art Shop. "We began stocking and selling fine art supplies upon our students' requests. What began as a courtesy to those students turned into a full-fledged business in its own right."

Much remains of the days when Madison Art Shop was a strictly a service to its students, however. The company is still staffed entirely by artists, and it still offers the deep discounts most art students need. In spite of the fact that MadisonArt.com makes less profit than its competitors, Shurkin said the site will remain a resource for art students who cannot afford to pay the high mark-ups most other art supply stores charge. "Our pricing was originally set up with our school's students in mind, and we never changed it," said Shurkin. "Now we have become known for our low prices and our staff's depth of knowledge. Thanks to the Internet, we can extend our pricing and service to students around the world."

CONTACT: Sharon Shurkin Madison Art Shop 732-961-2211 mail@madisonartshop.com http://www.madisonarshop.com/

CONTACT: Sharon Shurkin, Madison Art Shop, 1-732-961-2211,mail@madisonartshop.com

Web site: http://www.madisonartshop.com/