Brandon Gallery In Downtown Madison Closed

The Brandon Art Gallery in downtown Madison has closed.

The gallery was the subject of a raid in November. Law enforcement authorities said at the time they were investigating the possibility of art fraud. They collected several van loads of art works from the gallery, and carted them off. There have been no charges reported against anyone directly associated with the gallery since that time. Gallery owner David Crespo said at the time that he was cooperating with the investigation.

Crespo could not be reached for comment at his home or at the number listed for the gallery early Friday. Other area merchants said the closing could be due to a drop off in business at the gallery, but that they did not know for sure. Several other retailers reportedly are looking into the possibility of taking over the space.

"The space is available," said Eileen Banisch, executive director of the Madison Chamber of Commerce. "The Davis Family owns it and there may be several prospective retail tenants interested."

The gallery is in a key spot in the downtown, right next to the movie theatre, across from the book store, and close to the library, coffee shop, and post office.

Davis Realty could not be immediately reached for comment Friday afternon.