Johnson Gallery bids farewell 

After two decades operating one of San Luis Obispo's most prominent art galleries, Gail Johnson has announced that she will close her gallery on Marsh Street and go "back to basics" to concentrate on picture framing.

Johnson Gallery will remain open through the holidays, offering steep discounts on art and gifts throughout the store, until Dec. 23. After closing the gallery, Johnson will continue to provide her custom framing services from a new location at 3563-N Sueldo off of South Higuera.

Johnson originally opened her gallery and framing studio in March 1985 on Chorro Street, and 10 years later moved into the historic Victorian home at 547 Marsh St. In June 1994 Johnson launched Art After Dark, which has gradually become the most important monthly art event in the city.

The cheerful art enthusiast cited a recent change in buying patterns as her reason for closing the gallery's doors. Johnson made it clear, however, that her gallery had been a very successful venture for the better part of 20 years, and that she looks forward to a bright future of picture framing.

"I still get to be around art, and I still get to be around artists," she said. "I'm just focusing back in on my first love."