Gulf Coast Museum Of Art To Close Largo Facility

Pinellas art-lovers were saddened by the news that the Gulf Coast Museum of Art plans to cease operations at its Largo location effective first quarter, 2009.

According to David Barshel, president of the board of trustees stated, the decision to close the Largo facility was a difficult one and came only after many alternatives had been examined. Ultimately, though, the board determined the closing is the best way to insure the long-term viability of the museum in Pinellas. In a press release, Barshel said that “board members are committed and have agreed to continue their service,” and that they will be “developing a long-range plan for the relocation of the museum.”

The organization intends to open a new museum elsewhere in the county sometime in the future.

The museum, located at 12211 Walsingham Road, Largo, is part of Pinewood Cultural Park and is adjacent to Heritage Village and The Florida Botanical Gardens. GCMA has hosted both regional and national exhibits.

The upcoming and final show, Christopher Still: Coming Home, will open on Saturday, Oct. 11. The show will offer a unique retrospective covering over 30 years of work by this celebrated Florida painter, a native to the Tampa Bay area.