After 20 years in business, Spectrum Art Gallery will close for good next month.

Owner Star Sosa announced the closing in a news release Wednesday, saying the gallery's final day of business at its location in The Forum, 1125 Military Cutoff Road, will be Sept. 10. 

"That is the final day she will operate Spectrum Art Gallery, a fine art and craft gallery that has been a mainstay in the Wilmington art scene since 1997," the release said. 

Two years ago, Sosa split her store into two locations and departments: one an art gallery and the other a fine jewelry studio. Only the art gallery will be closing. The jewelry store will remain open. 

“The local art scene has evolved and changed dramatically in the time I’ve been here,” Sosa said in the release. “At this point it is both incredibly vibrant and also very challenging. As much as I have enjoyed the gallery business, I have decided the best course of action for me is to focus on my jewelry store, where my strongest talents lay.  I have reached a time in my life where I would like to simplify my business and my life.”
 
A final clearance sale of fine art, handmade craft, jewelry and clothing is in effect immediately with everything storewide offered between 15 and 50 percent off, including brand new merchandise. 

"We have an amazing inventory at this point and my goal is to find happy homes for as much of it as possible before September 10th. It’s not just about me, it’s about the many creative and talented artists, designers and craftspeople who have made Spectrum Art Gallery such a delightful place to visit for nearly two decades. The Gallery was recognized as a Top Retailer of American Craft among its many accolades and its reputation extends well beyond the Wilmington area. I’m very proud of what we built here and I want to send it off in style,” Sosa said. 

Previously, Sosa had planned to open a space next to the new location of Strickland's Window Coverings at 5422 Oleander Drive. Instead, Sosa is closing the gallery, and a new tenant is moving into The Forum space.

“The Forum has needed a great ladies dress shop to balance out its many offerings. I think this new shop will help support the synergy among the other stores in this part of the center. I am looking forward to working closely with her to make The Forum the premier attraction for discerning women shoppers in the area," she said.

Sosa said she had considered becoming an art consultant and opening an office, but in the end, she couldn't make the numbers work. 

"I have two businesses, and I needed to focus on the one that really supports me, which his the jewelry store. The gallery’s really been a labor of love, and I’m getting to the age where I can’t just live on love," she said.