SAXONBURG — After five years and 18 majorexhibitions, the Saxonburg Area Artists Cooperative is at an end, according to Sam Andrew, co-founder and co-directorof the gallery.

The final show was “Daily Ritual: A Ceramic Cup Show,” an invitational exhibit for ceramic artists.

“That’s the stuff we miss, the shows and having the people come in the town,” said Andrew, himself a sculptor.

Andrew said community members offered help to keep the gallery going at the back of 215 W. Main St.

“Their point was we did a lot to attract people to town,” he said.

But it wasn’t a matter of finances or manpower, said Andrew of Tarentum. “It was a matter of group members not being able to step up and take the responsibility. People have other jobs and other responsibilities, other commitments.”

A full complement of cooperative members numbered 15. Those members had their work placed in the gallery and helped run it.

Back in 2009 when the SAAC gallery opened, the average lifespan of a private gallery was nine months, Andrew said, according to his research.

“Back when we hit the first year anniversary, I was amazed and it amazed me every time we rolled over another year. We had a great five years,” he said.

“Who knows what will happen,” he added. “A couple of folks have talked to members of the historical society. Maybe they’re going to try to work something out, maybe get some things in one of the buildings down at Roebling.”

He said he would like to see anything that promotes the display of original artwork.

“So people can look at original artwork, maybe not even buy something, but talk about it,” he said.

“We closed up with the property owners (of the building that housed the gallery) and they were very positive and if anything ever shakes out, who knows.”