Art Under The Sun Gallery will be closing its doors on Saturday, March 21st. Art Under The Sun Gallery is run as a co-op by the Floyd Artists Association. Co-op member Marsha Slopey Paulekas said, “Instead of focusing as much on the retail aspects, we’re focusing more on artist networking for hard economic times.” Paulekas said, “We’ll still be staying together as a group. The mission statement of the FAA states, “The mission of the Floyd Artists Association is to support and promote artists of Floyd County and contribute to the creative arts culture of Floyd.” We’ll still be doing that.”

The Floyd Artist Association will be closing the doors to its gallery but it will still provide many benefits to its members. When artist Cheryl Mackian was asked about the benefits of FAA she said, “For me it’s been just about everything! It runs the gamut from support, to teaching, and opportunities to get your work shown. Because of the FAA and my involvement with it, I’ve gotten into the Bread and Butter artist sale in a couple of weeks. (March 26th; Center in the Square, Roanoke) I could never have imagined doing that two years ago!”

Instead of displaying in the gallery space, the Floyd Artists Association is planning more exhibits in coffee shops and restaurants around the area. Artist Patricia Woodruff said, “We have a joint exhibit now at Brambleton Blend in Roanoke and Tuggles Gap Restaurant. Karen Sewell’s work is on display at the Coffee Mill on Main Street in Radford, a large joint exhibit at the Floyd Clinic in the Cross Creek Complex, and my work is at the Barter Clinic. It’s been great working together as a co-op. We share the work of scheduling, putting up and taking down exhibits. You’ll still see our art around town!”

The Floyd Artists Association is continuing to do classes and figure drawing sessions to help artists continue to learn and practice. The figure drawing sessions are currently held on the 1st and 3rd Tuesdays of the month at member artist, Andrea Marshall’s Bed and Breakfast on Little River Road. For directions see www.Little-River-Bedand Breakfast.com or call 540-745-4598. The B & B provides a scenic mountain setting and the opportunity to do figure drawing inside or outside if the weather permits. The cost is $10 to cover the model fee. For more information on drawing sessions or classes, check out the Floyd Artists Association website at www.ArtUnderTheSun.org or call 540-745-PENS.

The Art Under The Sun Gallery last days to be open will be Thursday, March 19th from 11am to 5pm, Friday, March 20th from 11am to 6pm and Saturday, March 21st from 11am to 5pm. Stop by and see our last show in the Gallery! 302 S. Locust Street (under the Winter Sun), Floyd, VA