Our Mission
Our mission is to create the finest quality art supplies that inspire artists to bring their creativity to life.
Our panels are our passion. We craft our panels with the world's finest surfaces and archival materials to serve as the foundation for your artwork. It is our privilege to partner with you and support your artistic career. We hope our panels give you the confidence and tools to achieve your creative potential.
In your quest to share your creative vision, there is your paint and there is your brush, but your panel ultimately records your lasting impression. So start every painting on a Raymar panel because...
Lasting Art Lives on Raymar™
Our Story & History
Passion led us here... Like other brilliant ideas, Raymar started with humble beginnings in the family garage. Our story began in the spring of '98 when Catherine Dietrich, a professional artist, and her husband John, an entrepreneur and art lover, were inspired to fill a need.
The idea came when Catherine enrolled in Ted Goerschner’s workshop at the Scottsdale Artist’s School. She was surprised at the supply list requirement to make her own canvas panels. The steps seemed laborious and time consuming when all Catherine wanted to do was paint. So John was given the task to make panels for Catherine and her classmates. Enlisting their daughter Emilie for help, they set up shop in the family garage and made the first, what would eventually be known as a, Raymar Panel.
They quickly realized a viable product was missing in the art materials industry. Catherine thought,
The idea came when Catherine enrolled in Ted Goerschner’s workshop at the Scottsdale Artist’s School. She was surprised at the supply list requirement to make her own canvas panels. The steps seemed laborious and time consuming when all Catherine wanted to do was paint. So John was given the task to make panels for Catherine and her classmates. Enlisting their daughter Emilie for help, they set up shop in the family garage and made the first, what would eventually be known as a, Raymar Panel. They quickly realized a viable product was missing in the art materials industry. Catherine thought,
"Imagine all the frustrated artists out there!" And the idea for Raymar was born...
John consulted Ross Merrill, then curator of the National Museum of Art, to research and develop a professional, archival painting panel. Merrill indicated when the museum restored paintings they adhered them to a rigid surface to protect the painting from environmental stresses and prevent further damage to the paint film that would crack from periodic re-stretching. The advice of Ross Merrill was invaluable,
"Start a painting on a rigid support to ensure the longevity of your art."
Filled with research and driven by a desire to help artists, the Dietrichs set about to produce their first professional panels. In the summer of 1998 Raymar was founded, named in honor of John's parents Raymond and Marion, who were a source of strength and inspiration.
Renowned artist, Kevin Macpherson tested the first Raymar panels and enthusiastically shared his discovery with his extensive network of art students. Kevin's endorsement helped launch Raymar. He continues as our mentor, close friend and product advisor.
Renowned artist, Kevin Macpherson tested the first Raymar panels and enthusiastically shared his discovery with his extensive network of art students. Kevin's endorsement helped launch Raymar. He continues as our mentor, close friend and product advisor.
"I made my own panels before I discovered Raymar, now placing a Raymar panel on my easel is step one to creating a great painting!"
In 2008, Catherine's daughter Emilie officially rejoined Raymar after John's unfortunate passing the previous year. Emilie took up the reins to carry on her father's legacy and has grown Raymar into one of the premier art panel companies in the industry. Together as business partners, Emilie and Catherine own and manage Raymar in Phoenix, AZ along with their dedicated staff.
We thank you for choosing our small family business to be your art panel supplier. We feel it is our privilege.
From our artist family,
Emilie & Catherine Dietrich