Business Details
46 Years
experience
Handcrafted Pastels for Professional Artists
Founded in 1980, Great American Art Works has dedicated over four decades to perfecting the art of handcrafted soft pastels. Our journey began in Cincinnati, Ohio, when artist Bob Strohsahl discovered inconsistencies in available pastel products and set out to create a superior alternative using his chemical engineering expertise. Today, under the leadership of Levi Rinker and Sonia Caldwell, we continue this legacy in Anderson, Indiana, producing 546 meticulously formulated colors that honor traditional artistry while embracing modern innovation.Our pigments meet ASTM D4236 safety standards and prioritize lightfastness ratings of I or II, ensuring lasting vibrancy for professional artists. We maintain rigorous studio safety practices while actively supporting local art communities through initiatives like the Anderson Artist Alley and The Walking Man Project. Our commitment to quality extends beyond products to include educational resources about pigment science and responsible studio practices.
Services
Pastel Sets
Color Families
B2B Vendor Partnerships
Art Education Resources
Custom Color Formulations
Details
- Year established: 1980
Highlights and features
- We offer 546 meticulously formulated pastel colors with ASTM lightfastness ratings
- Our pigments contain no dyes, ensuring lasting vibrancy in artwork
- Handcrafted in small batches using traditional methods since 1980
- We maintain strict studio safety protocols with proper ventilation systems
- Actively support local art communities through public art initiatives
Associations and certifications
- ASTM D4236
What people say
Rich velvety texture
Beautiful blending
Superior lightfastness
Extensive color range
Pure organic experience
Services
Pastel Sets
We offer curated pastel sets in various configurations including Half Stick (18/60 count) and Full Stick (18/39/78 count) options. Our sets feature carefully selected color palettes from our 546-color spectrum, catering to both beginners and professional artists. Each set provides balanced color ranges for landscape, portrait, and abstract work while maintaining our commitment to pigment purity and lightfastness.
Color Families
Our 546-color system includes distinct color families like Earth Tones, Greys, Chromatic, Pearlescent, and Unique Lines. Each family contains carefully calibrated shades that maintain consistent lightfastness ratings. Artists benefit from our pigment expertise that avoids dye-based colorants, ensuring archival quality in every color selection across all chromatic ranges.
B2B Vendor Partnerships
We provide bulk purchasing options for art retailers, educational institutions, and galleries. Our vendor program supports both online retailers and physical storefronts with flexible pricing structures. Partners gain access to our complete product line including exclusive sets and receive technical support about pigment safety and application best practices.
Art Education Resources
We offer comprehensive educational materials about pigment chemistry, studio safety practices, and color theory applications. Resources include pigment vs. dye comparisons, lightfastness testing documentation, and safe studio operation guidelines. These materials help artists understand material properties while maintaining professional safety standards.
Custom Color Formulations
Our formulation expertise allows for creating specialized color lines like Mars pigments and historical recreations. We maintain strict quality control over unique color development while preserving traditional techniques. Custom options meet the same ASTM safety standards as our standard palette, ensuring consistent quality across all formulations.
People
Bob Strohsahl
Founder
Chemical engineer turned artist who pioneered handcrafted pastel production in 1980. Developed proprietary formulation techniques that established Great American Art Works' reputation for quality. Retired in 2024 after mentoring the new leadership team.
Levi Rinker
Co-Owner
Artist and business leader with background in abstract photography and sculpture. Apprentice to Bob Strohsahl for three years before assuming leadership. Focuses on product innovation and community art initiatives in Anderson, Indiana.
Sonia Caldwell
Co-Owner
Business partner with expertise in art education and community engagement. Collaborates on product development and local art programs. Oversees the company's public art initiatives and educational outreach efforts.
Diane Schear
Former Assistant
Longtime production assistant who contributed to quality control and formulation processes. Instrumental in training the new leadership team before retirement in 2024. Maintained consistency in product standards over two decades.
Questions
What makes your pastels different from other brands?
We use only pure pigments with ASTM lightfastness ratings I or II, never dyes. Our small-batch production ensures consistent quality across our 546-color spectrum.
Do you sell directly to consumers?
We operate as a B2B manufacturer. Our products are available through partner retailers like Blick Art Materials and Jerry's Artarama.
How should I store your pastels?
Store in a cool, dry place away from direct light. Use our archival paper recommendations for best preservation of lightfast colors.
Are your pigments safe to use?
We follow ASTM D4236 standards. Use proper ventilation and avoid dust inhalation. Safety guidelines are provided with all purchases.
Can I get custom color formulations?
Yes, we offer custom color development while maintaining our quality standards. Contact us for special order details and pricing.
What community initiatives do you support?
We support Anderson Artist Alley, The Walking Man Project, and A Town Center cooperative. Our initiatives focus on local art education and public spaces.