The art world may be one of the hardest hit by the cash flow problems of 2008. But, although the tough economy brought changes that forced some galleries to close, other changes on the Whidbey art scene reveal a spirit of revival.

When the Fishmonger had to close its Cash Store doors last month, the folks at Open Door Gallery + Coffee embraced the chance to expand their gallery space.

Now, in addition to the Cash Store coffee shop gift gallery and the gallery it has across-the-hall, Open Door will add a third open-community gallery and event space in the space left by the Fishmonger.

“Whidbey artists and others lost an important exhibition and event venue when the Front Room space on the second floor of the Cash Store closed,” said Open Door owner Louise Long. “We’re especially excited to increase the visibility for local and regional artists at the Cash Store and to carry on the tradition of having a professional gallery space available for artists to hang their own shows.”

In downtown Langley, while galleries such as MUSEO and Karlson/Gray Gallery have been plugging along weathering the dual storms of the economy and the snow, a veritable Whidbey institution was not as lucky.

After 16 years as a cooperative where artists could show and sell their work, the Whidbey Art Gallery held its final show in December due mainly to the trickle-down hardships of a bad economy.

Meanwhile at Greenbank Farm, major changes have been taking place and art galleries are adding a new identity to the farm.

Raven Rocks Gallery & Gifts joined the Rob Schouten Gallery and the Artworks Gallery late last year to create a row of art galleries that has given Greenbank Farm that “destination” glow.