PORTLAND (AP) – The economic slump has hit hard at Portland’s art scene, with eight art galleries closing within the past year and two others either moving or in the process of relocation.

The closings come despite what appears to be heightened interest in the visual arts. Attendance has been strong at recent First Friday Art Walks that draw plenty of visitors to the galleries.

But owners say high traffic does not necessarily translate to sales. The owner of Daniel Kany Gallery in the Old Port district says he was doing OK until the housing and stock markets collapsed last fall.

Daniel Kany, who’s closing his gallery at the end of the month, says sales at that point dropped off the cliff.

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