GRAFTON — After 45 years in business, the past 16 of which were under the ownership of Kim and Edward Bank, Gallery North Star will permanently close its doors Dec. 2.
“This has been an extremely difficult decision for us,” Edward Bank said in a news release. “We had to evaluate the many factors involved with continuing to operate the gallery, and it just proved to be unfeasible.”
He said there were three major reasons driving the decision.
“First is the general economic conditions. Retail sales across all sectors are down, with the art business being particularly hard hit, resulting in a disproportionate number of art galleries across the country closing over the last two years.
“The second reason is the change in the demographic of people coming to Grafton. The Grafton Inn's change in focus to becoming a destination wedding business with events scheduled every weekend has negatively impacted Grafton businesses. Wedding guests do not visit the local shops and are in town for a brief period to spend time with friends and relatives, not to partake of all the town has to offer.
“Lastly, we have been unable to come to agreement with our landlord, The Windham Foundation, over necessary repairs to the building we are housed in. With continuing rising rents versus declining sales, the economics of staying in business are not there.”
The Banks will be relocating to the mountains of North Carolina after the first of the year.
“We are sad to leave this great town and the many friends we have made,” Kim Bank said. “We are appreciative of the support of the community over the last 16 years and hope to revisit often.”
Gallery North Star will remain open through Dec. 1 for a last opportunity for people to visit the gallery.
Located in historic Grafton, the gallery has been dedicated to presenting a diverse selection of work by Vermont's and New England's finest artists in a unique setting. The gallery will be open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and available works may be viewed at www.gnsgrafton.com.