Arts at Canal Place Closing Its Doors December 31, 2011

After nearly 9 years in the Shops at Canal Place, the Arts at Canal Place Co-op Gallery will be closing its doors. After many months of study by a Sustainability Committee and discussing ways to keep the gallery open in the fragile economy, on Tuesday December 13th, the membership voted to close on December 31, 2011.
Arts at Canal Place opened on May 1, 2003 as one of the original shops at Canal Place, offering fine arts and crafts to the community. The shop has remained open 7 days a week staffed by member artists. Many local artists from the tri-state area have participated in this unique business. Seven of the current 27 participating artists are founding members.

The co-op members wish to express their gratitude to the community and their loyal customers who purchased artwork for themselves and gifts for others. "Our thanks are extended to the Allegany Arts Council whose generosity made the gallery possible and supported it through the years", said Jean Barnes Downs the current gallery coordinator.

A program of the Allegany Arts Council, Arts at Canal Place offered opportunities for artists of all media to exhibit their work. The gallery provided a venue for sales and promoted relationships with other artists for networking and growth.

December has been designated as Customer Appreciation Month and the featured artist show in the gallery loft highlights the work of many of the member artists. Stop by in the next few weeks, say goodbye, and pick up some unique gifts. If you are holding a Gift Certificate from the gallery, please be sure to come by to redeem it before December 31.

The gallery is located in the Shops at Canal Place, 16 Howard St., Cumberland. Hours are 10-6 daily, with extended hours until 8:00 p.m. on December 16 and 17. There is free parking in the Canal Place lot on Howard St. The phone number is 301-777-8199. After the closing of the gallery, artist contact information will be available on the website at www.artsatcanalplace.com .