River Arts District painter Philip DeAngelo and his wife and business partner Tina couldn't bear to lose Cheap Joe's — so they bought it. The couple is giving the beloved art supply haven new life, opening Asheville Art Supply in its place.

In late March, Cheap Joe's announced it would close all three of its locations due to "economic strain within the industry," including its Riverside Drive store. A couple of weeks later, Cheap Joe's announced that a local company would take over the space, continuing to sell art supplies — but the name of the new local operator wasn't shared until last week.

When we asked DeAngelo what the plan was in taking over the art store, he assured us that "plan" was the wrong word — this decision was guided by passion and prayer.

The store has always been near and dear to him as a loyal customer for 20 years, and for half that time, a brand ambassador. But he heard about the news of the closure just as we all did, through social media.

The DeAngelos have been part of the RAD community for nearly two decades, and after Helene tore through the area, destroying 80% of its studios, losing Cheap Joe's was another devastating blow to local artists.

The draft calls for stronger relationships between arts districts. | Photo by AVLtoday

"It's more than a place to go buy paints or brushes," DeAngelo said. "It's a bigger part of our community than I think most people realize."

The pair was distraught over the loss, and although this new venture was not something they had ever expected, they couldn't see the store go.

The name may be different, but DeAngelo (a self-proclaimed "art geek") said that everything else about the store will remain the same, including the staff, who are all artists themselves.

The couple hopes to open Asheville Art Supply by Friday, July 4. Cheap Joe's is open until it sells out its inventory. Stop by Monday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-7 p.m. to shop what's left.