A long-running and much-loved gallery may close

The Fine Art Center, a gallery that got its start at Town & Country in Kettering and is now located in Centerville, might be closing. It’s listed as the “oldest existing cooperative gallery in the Dayton, Ohio area” on the website. That existence is now in jeopardy.

The cooperative had over 20 members last year. Each member contributes $160 per month to help pay the rent for the gallery at Cross Pointe. During 2015 and 2016, the gallery lost several members. They recently lost eight members, so the current roster total is nine. That membership level will not sustain the rent of the property.

They have been looking for other locations, but the possibilities are not good.

“This gallery has been in operation for 22 years, and I have been involved with this gallery for the past six years. I am deeply saddened to have to tell people we cannot remain open,” said gallery president and member artist Mary Clifford.

During December, several events are taking place. Stop in for holiday gifts at great prices, and to show support for local artists.

Art by Patricia Tallman and Wanda Stofer is being presented in the Visiting Artist area. Tallman was the first-place winner of the 2016 Square Foot Exhibition with her painting, “Memories of S.E. Asia.” Stofer will be showing her watercolors.

Kathryn Kaines is presenting her oil paintings in the Art Room. She worked as a realtor in Michigan, and would unwind by painting “into the wee hours of the night.” The Members Window will feature paintings by Bonnie Kuntz from Dec. 18-31. In addition, wood sculptures by Bob Bush will be presented in the Visiting Artist’s window.

“We need funds as soon as possible, certainly before the end of 2016 in order to stave off eviction by the mall property owners,” Clifford said. “The people remaining in the gallery are real stalwart artists; it will be a sad day to close up shop. But that’s how things go … something ends, and perhaps something new will begin.”

If you’d like to help, the gallery has a Go Fund Me page: gofundme.com/2s9fjfk3.

“The past and present artists at the Fine Art Center would like to thank our customers and fellow artists for your support, purchases, and love over the 20-plus years we have been in business,” Clifford said.


WANT TO GO?

What: Local art at affordable or closeout prices.

Where: The Fine Art Center at Cross Pointe, 101 E. Alex-Bell Road, Suite 156.

Hours: 11 a.m. - 7 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday, 1 - 5 p.m. Sunday. Early close 3 p.m. Dec. 24 and Dec. 31

Final Sale

When: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Dec. 31

More Info: 937-293-5381; thefineartcenter.org

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