About

Martha Mae: Art Supplies & Beautiful Things is a shop that offers a curated selection of tools for writing, drawing, painting and ceramics as well as supplies with broader applications for everyday life at home and in the office. We carry brands and artisans from all over the world, each of whom carefully design and source their materials. Each brand we carry takes great care in the products that they make and we are honored to carry items that are both thoughtfully sourced, as well as often using reusable, recycled or refillable formats.

At Martha Mae, we believe that the objects we use and handle daily can be beautiful while being useful. Further, we think that the small pleasure of cutting with well-designed scissors or writing with a subtly scented ink can have a ripple effect on our everyday spaces and happiness.

Founded by Jean Cate with her beloved Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Martha Mae, the namesake of the shop. After graduating from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, Jean started this store as a way to open her practice and share tools she’s found through painting, sculpting and drawing as well as tools found while attempting to live a beautiful life. 

Our new venture with Avenir Creative, The Center of Order and Experimentation, is the home to our Martha Mae Outpost. Located in the West Town neighborhood of Chicago, The Center of Order and Experimentation is a wonderful place to grab a coffee, buy a gift, and meet new friends.