Tough times are questioning the future of the Metchosin Art Gallery.
"Due to the low economy, sales have been less than we had anticipated. We have been paying a curator, but if sales aren't there we can't afford it," said Gaert Linnaea, president, Metchosin Arts and Cultural Association. "The gallery was taking up our resources."
The association is seeking to restructure how the gallery is run and hoping to find a user group willing to lease the space and run the gallery independently. The space is leased through the Sooke School District and overseen by the District of Metchosin.
The gallery will close at the end of November unless a solution is found first.
"Anything can happen," said Mary Gidney, past-president Metchosin Arts and Cultural Association. "I would hope someone would want to rent it starting Dec. 1."
The gallery is run by the Metchosin Arts and Cultural Centre Association who has also been providing office space for the West Shore Arts Council and rental studio spaces for artists.
The Metchosin Art Gallery held its first show in July 2012. The gallery was created from an old library space in the old Metchosin elementary school building.
A public open forum on the issue will be held Sunday, Oct. 20 at 2 p.m. at the West Shore Arts Council office, 4495 Happy Valley Rd. Anyone unable to attend can send in comments or ideas to linnaea1@telus.net.
The Massively Mini show will continue as planned and run from Nov. 7 to Nov. 30.
Art showcased will all be small pieces by a variety of artists. This is the second time the gallery has hosted a "mini" show.
"It's been pretty popular for people looking for Christmas gifts," said Gaert Linnaea, president, Metchosin Arts and Cultural Association.
The opening party is Nov. 9 from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m. A silent auction will run the same day from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m.
The Metchosin Art Gallery is located at 4495 Happy Valley Rd.