After 34 years of representing artists and the arts in the Roanoke Valley, The Arts Council of the Blue Ridge is closing its doors.
The council was an advocate for the opera, ballet, private artists, among other groups in the area. The decision to close came from the Board of Directors because there weren't enough funds to keep the organization afloat.
"The economic times have been difficult and our funding sources were reduced to the point where initially we were not able to maintain our staff," said Vernon Danielse, the interim director of the council.
The Arts Council is set to close December 15th but its work will continue. Several important activities including the Arts Calendar, the artists' directory and website, will now be handled by the Convention and Visitors Bureau.
