Gallery5

200 W. Marshall St.
644-0005
gallery5arts.org

Second Place: Quirk Gallery

Third Place: Crossroads Art Center

That a 165-year-old firehouse has been repurposed as Richmond's favorite art gallery will surprise only those who've never witnessed the fire performers in the street out front on a First Friday, or taken in one of the thought-provoking exhibitions such as the all-nude "Disrobed." Add into the mix killer music shows by national acts such as Perfect Pussy or Handsome Furs and pop-up shops such as the Well Worn Market and monthly burlesque shows, and it's practically a one-stop shop for all things artsy. Quirk Gallery manages to combine monthly art exhibits with the best place east of Mongrel to find nontraditional cards and gifts, while Crossroads offers an up-close look at the artistic process spread out over 200 artists' studios and exhibition spaces.