By Howard Koplowitz
It is all a part of the preparation being done for the closing of Jerry's Artarama, at 248-12 Union Turnpike. The art supply store will be shutting its doors on June 5 after servicing Queens for approximately 30 years. “When I came in Saturday, (the mural) was gone,” said Patrick Bartholomew, the manager of Jerry's for eight years. He said the acrylic mural, which has a graffiti look to it, was painted by students who attended an art school at the rear of the business at least five years ago. The wall painting acted as both an advertisement and a venue to showcase the students' talents. Bartholomew said he hates to see the business close.”It's kind of sad. It's kind of been an institution. We're the only real art store in Queens,” Bartholomew said. “The shame of it is that some of our customer base is extremely loyal. People have been shopping here for 25 years.” Higher rent and tax rates, Internet sales, spikes in gasoline prices, a cut in arts programs at schools and the gravitation toward digital graphics were the factors that forced Jerry's to shut down, Bartholomew said. “The art industry has changed in the past 15 years. It's a shrinking market.” “In this day and age it's hard to maintain the space of the store,” he added. The employees had mixed reactions.”It's a shame because even if I wasn't working here, I'd wanna stop in,” said employee Francisco Ramos. “It's a really cool store. It's not a conglomerate. It has that family feel to it. It's more intimate. Everyone knows each other.”Co-worker Blkgaud Bey said he is not all that saddened about the situation.”Basically sometimes change is good,” Bey said. “I need the vacation.”Ramos and Bey are just two of the 10 to 15 employees who will be out of a job when Jerry's closes.”It's sad. It was a good experience,” said Christine Menzer, a cashier at Jerry's for nearly five years.As part of its going-out-of-business sale, all items in the store will be 70 percent off. Reach reporter Howard Koplowitz by e-mail at news@timesledger.com or by phone at 718-229-0300, Ext. 173
