Edmonton twin brothers’ close art supply store after 40-year run

Although thousands of cars drive past it every day, the little art supplies store on Calgary Trail packs quite a bit of history.

Keith and Ken Harcus may have fell into this business accidentally, but as twins, they stuck together to make ‘Colours Artist Supplies’ successful.

“We’ve got wonderful customers that have been with us for years and years, cartoonists in major newspapers, people writing books, famous artists,” said Keith.

The twins took over this business in 1984 after originally opening in 1947, eventually the two expanded the business across western Canada, opening nine stores, from Vancouver to Winnipeg. Those other eight stores were sold to their staff.

However, every artist must decide when to hang up their easel and come the end of the month, the owners will be closing up shop and heading into retirement.

“We’ve probably had close to 1000 employees, part time and full time,” said Keith. “Very, very dear friends. We are very fortunate in that our employees really built the company.”

During the Harcus twins’ 40-plus years in the arts business, numerous architects and engineers came through their doors, eventually creating many buildings still standing today, including the jubilee auditorium.

“Through the years, a lot of the downtown area was built using the people in Edmonton buying their supplies from stores like ours,” said Keith.

“We actually inventoried 38,000 items, more heavily in years past in drafting supplies, some engineering supplies,” said Keith. “A lot of city plans were drawn up with drafting supplies.”

“We’ve had customers all over North America. I remember one in Ireland,” said Keith. “We actually sold some engineering equipment that went aboard a nuclear submarine in San Diego.”

The brothers are looking to forward to retirement and getting some more quality family time.

“I’d like to think Ken and I did the best job we could, we’ve been very successful and really supported by fantastic customers, many of them have become good friends,” said Keith.

“It’s time to go buy ice cream for grandchildren, and volunteer for various museums and whatnot,” said Keith.

They will need a lot of ice cream to go around for the family’s 17 grandkids.