200 W. Marshall St.
644-0005
gallery5arts.org
Second Place: Quirk Gallery
Third Place: 1708 Gallery
Independent is putting it mildly. In the past year alone, Richmonders could attend the Mozart Festival, play bingo, laugh to Wham City Comedy, dine at a pop-up kitchen and stretch it out at a yoga class — all at Gallery5. And that’s in addition to its primary mission to present cutting-edge, progressive visual and performing artists at all stages of their careers. How big a deal is it? When it had a new sign commissioned for its 10th anniversary, the old one went straight to the Valentine to commemorate its place in Richmond history. Quirk Gallery, now located in Richmond’s hippest hotel, continues to showcase local and national talent with monthly art shows, trunk shows and the occasional visiting poet. Where else would be cool enough for Amber Tamblyn to read while her husband, David Cross, performed at the Dominion Arts Center? In addition to its exhibits under a roof, 1708 Gallery brings InLight to life every year.