The Michigan Artists Gallery in Traverse City will close its doors after 24 years in business. This week is the last chance to physically admire the displayed artwork.
Owner, Sue Ann Round said she came to the decision after a rough winter and challenges faced throughout the COVID crisis.
"I don’t know if people had a premonition of what was happening or not but December and January were not really strong and then we went into COVID time(s)," Round said. "It just started to tumble kind of fast and I had to make some very difficult choices that I think so many people in the world are starting to make now."
She said there's sadness in the community, the gallery was a hidden gem for some but many people treasured the experience.
"There’s a joy in here, there’s a tremendous amount of mixed-media and we’re just very proud of this gallery," Round said. "It's been a great place."
She said artwork of more than 80 artists has been displayed throughout the years.
In an effort to continue the support, the new owner of the building is making efforts to virtually share artists' work.
Until then, Round created a YouTube video to walk viewers through the gallery.
A new business, Earth Labs, will be moving into the gallery space after the Michigan Artists Gallery closes its doors on July 31.
