Oliver Art Gallery spokesman Steve Staresina said the decision was based on best bang for the buck – more space, same rent – but in Osoyoos at 8302* Main Street.

Staresina said traffic at the store in Oliver was up – but sales down. The co-op of artists will have to consider a name change along with the new venue.

The OAG was located across the street from the “Cock and Bull” café on Hwy 97.

“In March, 2011 after closure of the only commercial art gallery in Oliver, a group of local artists met and agreed to form the town’s first artists’ co-operative gallery. Their mission was to display the highest quality art by artists from the South Okanagan in an attractive gallery setting. Management and staffing of the gallery is done entirely by member artists who are best qualified and available to provide information on art and artists’ work on display. All art displayed is replaced on a regular basis so frequent visitors to the gallery will always find something new and exciting.”