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Gallery officials said the decision was included in an aggressive three-year operating plan, developed by the gallery board, to deal with the continuing economic downturn. It follows a previous decision to close on Thursday nights.

The gallery will now be open only four days a week, Thursday through Sunday. Elaine Pyne is Director of Advancement for the Gallery. She said the scaled back hours, which they hope can be restored within the next few years, will protect programs and keep staff intact through the financial crisis.

The gallery's operating endowment, along with other not-for-profits', took a hit when the economy soured. The gallery faces a roughly half million dollar deficit.

But Pyne said a separate $67 million endowment dedicated to purchasing new works can't be used to fill the gap. But she said it will help build the permanent collection that ensures the Gallery's long term stability.

She said closing one more day a week will save about five percent on their operating expenses. © Copyright 2009, WBFO