Gulf Coast Museum of Art to close

The Gulf Coast Museum of Art is closing Jan. 30 after struggling with poor attendance and a constant deficit since opening in 1999.

Museum leaders cite its location as the primary reason for its troubles. Executive director Michelle Turman said the plan is to find a new location for the museum, probably in Clearwater.

In closing the facility, located in Pinewood Cultural Center, which also houses the Florida Botanical Gardens and Heritage Village, she said she and the board of directors would have more time and energy to focus on that search.

-- Lennie Bennett, Times staff

[Photo: Douglas R. Clifford, Times files]