First place:

Gallery5

200 W. Marshall St.
678-8863
gallery5arts.org

Second place: Crossroads Art Center
Third place: Quirk Gallery
Honorable mention: 1708 Gallery

Gallery5 has survived since 2005 by being an indispensable community space, offering everything from live music to visual arts and comedy. The nonprofit is located in one of the most memorable buildings in Jackson Ward, the national historic landmark known as Steamer Company No. 5, Richmond’s oldest fire station and jailhouse.

Last year, Gallery5 signed a five-year lease after a new owner bought the building and oversaw a full renovation that also dramatically raised the rent. But Prabir Mehta, chairman of the board of the directors, says this will secure Gallery5’s place in town for five years – much better than its previous month-to-month rental situation.

Regarding this victory, Mehta is quick to thank all of the community support that has been key to Gallery5’s survival for 15 years.

“Thanks to our supporters, we are once again putting on art shows, virtually at the moment, but it’s still a great feeling to look at our city’s wealth of talent on an online group show,” says Mehta, noting that there’s a Patreon account set up to support the organization and get exclusive art content. “Our plans also include reopening our doors as the world gets a little safer with some new socially distanced health protocols in place. We’ll update everyone with details when we have them locked in.”