A group is set to protest the closure of the art gallery in Yarmouth.

It’s happening Saturday at noon in Jim MacLeod Square, next to the building’s entrance.

Joann Ranson with the Friends of the Art Gallery of N.S. Western Branch says they were blindsided by the closure.

“We hope that the community will come out to support. We want to send a clear message to the decision makers that there is community support for the art gallery,” said Ranson.

The board of directors in Halifax made the decision last Friday to close the branch permanently due to finances.

Ranson says it will affect a lot of people.

“To lose this heart and soul on Main Street would be devastating to children, the elderly and the whole community. It really is outrageous. There is so much programming and culture and heritage.”

She says consultations should have been done with the community to talk about coverage of financial shortfalls.

The board says they’ll still offer programming in the area.

The province owns the building, it will still serve as a Visitor Information Centre.

No employees are affected by the closure.

The Western branch became a seasonal location in 2020, after being open year-round since 2006.