Old Town Hall Studio and Gallery holding sale as it prepares to close

The near decade-long run of the Old Town Hall Studio and Gallery is coming to a close.

Owners Don and Eileen Urness have announced plans to sell the building in order to downsize.

“That leaves us with a whole lot of art we would like to get rid of,” Don said.

They will be selling original art at reduced prices from noon to 5 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 8, and from 5 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 12. The gallery is at 814 Main St.

Those who can’t make the sale but want to buy art may email Don at urnessart@gmail.com.

“The earliest we would likely sell the building is next summer but we are hoping to give some artwork new homes,” Don said. “We have not scheduled any shows this year but are open most Wednesday evenings for open studio. It gives artists an opportunity to work on art, get feedback on projects or simply visit with any other artists that show up.”

Both he and Eileen are artists — Don taught art for more than 30 years, the final 27 at Cedar Grove-Belgium High School — and in 2016 they bought the 851-square-foot former Belgium Town Hall.

The more than century-old building lacked running water, and the Urnesses added a bathroom, painted the exterior and added insulation. They hosted events and offered artists a place they could go to explore their craft.

“Traveling, grandparenting and other interests are keeping us busy, and unfortunately we don’t spend as much time at the gallery as we should,” Don said.

While the Urnesses will sell the building, they remain in pursuit of their passions.

“We have a plan in the works for a new smaller studio that would essentially be work space and storage,” Don said.