Happy New Year! We hope you enjoyed a wonderful, art-filled year and are feeling inspired as we step into another year of creativity, curiosity, and color. As always, we’re grateful to be part of your creative journey and look forward to all that we’ll create together in the year ahead.

In 2026, DANIEL SMITH marks a significant milestone—our 50th anniversary. For five decades, our commitment to quality, innovation, and serving artists worldwide has remained at the heart of everything we do. To help open this anniversary year, we’re honored to share a letter from John Cogley, Owner of Daniel Smith. Throughout the year, we’ll be celebrating this milestone with special moments, stories, and surprises—so be sure to follow us on social media and subscribe to our newsletter to join us in celebrating 50 years of art, color, and connection!

As we celebrate our 50th anniversary, I find myself reflecting with profound gratitude on the extraordinary journey that began five decades ago with the vision of our passionate founder, Dan Smith. His dream was simple yet powerful: to create a superior product at a reasonable price. This was the beginning of our manufacturing roots.

Later, Dan wanted to create a place where artists could find the supplies, inspiration, and community they needed to bring their creative visions to life. Over the years, our company has grown and evolved, but the heart of our story remains unchanged—bringing artists the products and tools to support their artistic expression. This marked our transition from solely manufacturing to combining manufacturing and retail sales.

Thank you for being the soul of our business. Your patronage is not just appreciated—it is cherished. Every brush, pigment, and canvas that left our stores was part of a greater narrative: your creativity, your projects, your artistic adventures. We are deeply grateful for your trust and for the privilege of supporting your journeys, whether you are a seasoned professional or just beginning to explore the wonders of art.

One of the greatest joys has been hearing stories from every corner of the world about purchases made through our catalogs or in our beloved stores, affectionately dubbed “the candy store for artists.” These anecdotes—whether from locals who wandered in on a rainy afternoon or travelers who made a special stop—remind us of the special place we share in your lives. It is a delight to listen as you recount the origin of a favorite brush, the discovery of a new color, or the preparations for a community art event. Our aisles echoed with laughter, excitement, and the quiet focus of artists dreaming up their next great work.

While we no longer sell directly to customers, we continue to grow our manufacturing and, through our distributors and retailers worldwide, bring DANIEL SMITH products to you.

What has truly enriched my life is the opportunity to be part of this vibrant, creative community. There is a unique joy in hearing about the mural that brought a neighborhood together, the classroom project that sparked a young mind, or simply watching a customer’s eyes light up as they describe their latest inspiration. Your stories, your passion, and your creativity are what make this world so fascinating and beautiful.

From the bottom of my heart, thank you for 50 years of art, friendship, and shared inspiration. We look forward to continuing this remarkable journey with you—celebrating the arts and supporting your dreams for many more years to come.

With deep appreciation and warmest wishes,

John Cogley
Owner, Daniel Smith, Inc.