I’ve been banned for life from Pearl Paint for shoplifting, and I can’t complete my graduate degree without access to the store,” she explained breathlessly to Waters after the lecture. A long line of students waiting to get his signature behind her already seemed impatient. “Can you write me a letter explaining that I’m rehabilitated?” A slight pause…”Are you going to do it again?” asked Waters. “No,” she replied. “Sure.” He shrugged his shoulders and wrote his letter on the program press release.

Paddy Johnson — Art Fag City » The Undetermined Influence of John Waters Over Pearl Paint Employees

This story is kind of awesome. I too have a love/hate relationship with Pearl, the famous art supply stores that are in danger of closing up shop across the country.