PSoTD

How will the art gallery survive?

First Fridays at Fusion Art Gallery have been among the most popular events in the downtown Bentonville area since the art supply store and gallery venue opened its doors in 2005. The first Friday of every month, a new exhibition featuring local artists opened - and Fusion's doors opened to masses of art enthusiasts. It was a monthly celebration of not only original art, but local art.

But the First Friday event scheduled for June 6, which will feature every artist that's even shown at Fusion, will be the last. Owner Cindy Suter recently made the decision to close Fusion Art Gallery for good.

"It's going to be difficult," Suter said of closing the business. "When the economy is struggling the way it is, artwork, galleries and art supplies are normally the first to go. People have to buy groceries, put gas in their car and pay their mortgages. We've clearly felt the effect of what's going on in the economy today."