Last week, the popular West End Gallery on Broad and View Street announced they will be closing up shop after 30 years in Victoria.
However, they say they are doing so in order to focus on their second gallery location in Edmonton, Alta.
The gallery is owned and operated by a family of art enthusiasts, Dan and Lana Hudon.
Dan and Lana opened up shop in Edmonton originally in 1975, and in 1994 moved out to Victoria in order to start their second location.
In 2005, their son Matthew took over the Edmonton West End Gallery with his wife Jennifer allowing his parents the time to focus on the Victoria gallery.
Now, the whole family will be reunited in Edmonton in a bittersweet move, according to the Hudons.
“We are filled with gratitude for the past and excitement for what’s to come, but with a heavy heart, we must announce the upcoming closure of our Victoria Gallery on the corner of Broad and View Street,” announced the Hudons on Facebook.
“The West End Gallery has been more than just a space for art; it has been home to memories, achievements, and the celebration of Canadian talent.”
The Hudon’s expressed that they are incredibly grateful for all the connections they’ve made in Victoria over the past three decades, but they are excited to focus on all the relationships they’ve fostered over nearly 50 years with artists in Edmonton as well.
The Victoria West End Gallery’s last exhibition, their Annual Garden Collection, launched on Saturday, March 16th, and runs until April 27th—after which they will be closing up shop.
“Thank you for continuing to be part of our story,” the Hudons wrote.
“Here’s to continuing this remarkable journey, filled with more art, inspiration, and the deep, enduring connections that art brings to our lives.”
In a followup post to the initial announcement they were closing, the Hudons thanked all their supporters for the kind messages.
They say they are trying to be positive about the situation, albeit through teary eyes.
“We are sad; however there are brighter days ahead,” they concluded.
