A long-time 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.

“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.