Business closures in Langley are putting a dent in the holiday spirit.

A celebrated art gallery, a shop that sells comfort footwear and a restaurant are the latest victims of the recession hitting the nation and the South End.

A longtime fixture of the Langley art scene announced it will close before the end of the year. The Whidbey Art Gallery, formerly known as the Artists’ Cooperative, will be closing on Dec. 28. The gallery, currently located at 117 Anthes Ave., has been a part of the Langley community for seventeen years.

“It has been so slow, we are just not making it,” said artist Moe Jerome. “Our landlord tried to help, but that didn’t work.”

The owner of the building is local businessman Paul Samuelson, who is also mayor of Langley.

Jerome added that the gallery is a victim of economic circumstances and the combined monthly $2,400 rent and overhead wasn’t being recovered through the sale of art. “We didn’t have any choice but to close,” he said.

“We’re going to take a year off, then see how the economy is doing,” he said. “Sort of an artistic sabbatical.”

Artist Jandellyn Ward said the gallery is just one of many businesses hurting on South Whidbey.

“Basically, the economy and lack of people has taken its toll,” she said.

The artists hope to have occasional art shows during the coming year in association with the Northwest Art Alliance of Seattle, and will continue to show their work on their Web site,

www.whidbeyartists.com.

Other businesses in the downtown core are planning to close as well.

North Star Trading, located on First Street behind city hall, is shutting its doors next month, but owner Liz VanDyke will continue to manufacture her signature leather products in Clinton, selling them online at www.sheepskingoods.com.

Maureen Cooke said she is shutting down her Fish Bowl restaurant on Second Street by Dec. 31.

“It’s OK, but I’ve been bleeding for two years and now I’m hemorrhaging,” she said. “Our business is based on tourists as opposed to getting local support.”

She said that this week she went on a mental tour of shops throughout the city and realized that not a single merchant ever came in to eat at her restaurant.

“My biggest support came from the artists’ coop and now they’re closing, too,” she said.

Cooke, who opened in 2001, has her building for sale or lease and hopes to find someone who can utilize her kitchen.

“Maybe it will be an opportunity for new blood to get something going,” she said.

Her biggest disappointment came when the Port of South Whidbey’s request for money to rebuild the marina went down to defeat at the polls in November.

“When the levy lift failed, I was crushed,” she recalled. “That marina will be Langley and South Whidbey’s saving grace when it finally gets built. I have a friend with a tour boat who is anxious to make a stop here, even run a passenger service to Everett and Seattle. The potential is huge.”

News of the closures follows the recent announcement that Linds Drug Store on First Street may be closing its doors. Owner Ron Lind said he’s evaluating the situation and will make a final announcement after the holidays.

Langley Chamber of Commerce executive director Sherry Mays said all is not bleak, however.

“Note that the vacant buildings on First Street are empty because they aren’t done with the work on the building,” she said. “Apparently there are new businesses going into those spots as soon as construction is done.”

Mays said there are other bright spots.

“Knitty Purls is up 100 percent over last year and the Inn at Langley’s business is up 30 percent. Not everyone is hurting. The Clyde? Doing great,” she added.

Mays also noted some downtown businesses had been weathering economic storms for 30 years, and they deserve a gold star for perseverance.

“We have to remember that our town is quiet during the shoulder season anyway,” Mays said. “This is a slow time of the year.”

Mayor Samuelson takes the realistic view that while some businesses remain strong, others are struggling.

“Sometimes, a business owner must realize the business plan isn’t working and the current recession acts as an exclamation point,” he said. “My office has been and will continue to work hard with everyone to find solutions; these are my friends and we’re not going to let them down.”

Samuelson set up a council on economic development when he took office and hired consultant Mike Hearl to actively recruit outside businesses to either relocate or expand their operations in Langley.

“This is our chance to work together for a prosperous future,” he said.

Prospective business owners are invited to check out the Langley chamber’s Web site for more information at www.visitlangley.com.