Downtown Modesto business closing after 22 years. How long you have left to visit

The Chartreuse Muse Gallery and Art School is closing after 22 years of business in downtown Modesto.

Owners Ellen Roehne and Sandra Veneman are stepping away from the business side of art and want to “enjoy time in their studios,” according to a news release from the gallery.

“We have decided to close The Muse on a high note and many may be sad, including us, but all good things come to an end,” the release says.

Established in 2002 on H Street, Roehne and Veneman moved the business to 10th Street after five years for a better place to showcase the “higher caliber artists found in the Modesto region,” according to the release. The space also had the capacity for two rooms where ceramics, painting and other classes were taught.

The Chartreuse Muse was one of the initial galleries to take part in what was first named “The Gallery Walk.” It began in 2003 with Anderson Gallery on J Street, the Central California Art League on I Street and The Chartreuse Muse — when it was on H Street. Visitors could walk among the three galleries to enjoy the art on display.

The event has grown to around 15 stops, that now include venues other than art galleries. It is now called the Third Thursday Art Walk.

A clay studio was established at the gallery in 2013 and was “one of The Muse’s great successes,” the news release says.

“The Muse has been a great asset to the community by encouraging seasoned professionals and newly budding artists to show and sell their work,” it says.

Art sales and classes will continue through the end of May.

The final art show, titled “A Shade of Green,” will be on display April 9 through June 1. The reception for the show will be April 13 from 5 to 8 p.m.

Throughout June, the gallery will be open for final sales. The Chartreuse Muse will close for good at the end of June, Veneman said.