Reasons that led to closure of Nakuru's only art gallery

The art world evolves at a fast pace, and it is with great surprise that the first and only art gallery in Nakuru has closed just over a year in operation.

Harrison Kabue, the artist who founded the gallery, explains that the closure was due to changes in the management of the Kenya National Library Services.

Kabue notes that other than management changes, other factors that led to the closure of the gallery were a few art lovers, enthusiasts, art collectors, and walk-ins.

He adds that it became difficult to pay the rent and to support the students who wanted to learn art since buying the equipment was expensive 

Kabue now showcases his work from his home in Tumsifu, Nakuru East Sub-county, by appointment. 

"I still exhibit the art at home on request because I have the space, and the art continues to grow," he notes.

Before closure, the gallery had six artists showcasing their art.

Kabue admits the closure is a loss for art lovers since Nakuru has great artists with great work.

He plans to open another venue to support both artists and art enthusiasts, as there is still no dedicated art gallery in Nakuru. 

"There is a need for a local space for art lovers and artists, who currently must travel to Nairobi to engage with art," he notes.

Kabue looks forward to collaborating with institutions to show the importance of art through pop-up art exhibitions 

"The gallery was strategic since it helped in including art as part of the activity in the library alongside chess, dance, book reading, providing a diverse learning opportunity at one spot," he says

Following the gallery's closure, Kabue returned to school to further his education to become a medical school lecturer and has produced more art that he's not shown to the public.