Name: 4th Friday Art Shows and Opening Reception
Start: 2026-10-23
End: 2026-10-23

Art Works is a gallery and art center. Open Tuesday - Sunday 11 am - 5 pm - come can see and buy art by Virginia artists. The art center is located in historic Manchester -a once forgotten area of Richmond, just ½ mile from downtown across the 14th Street Bridge. Now Manchester is thriving with condos, apartments, cafes, retail stores, a newly expanded and renovated courthouse and green space. We represent over 100 Virginia artists and present national and international artists in monthly shows. There are 80 studios and 6 galleries at Art Works. Many artists work in their studios; some use their studios as mini-galleries. The public is welcome to spend an afternoon viewing art, visiting with artists as well as dining at the café – adjoining the art center. The public is invited to our monthly all-media, juried art shows, the 4th Friday of each month and are encouraged to participate in our programs, shows and events. Art Works engages in many community events and festivals. We lease the galleries to individuals and groups to hold their special events, meetings and seminars. We also offer Fun Days and creative activity for businesses, government and organizations. Murals designed by Art Works’ Glenda Kotchish, painted by Fun Day participants hang in the Richmond Federal Reserve, VCU MCV and the Virginia State Capitol. Art Works is involved in community programs and partners with local schools, FURS (Friends United with Richmond Shelters) and with the festivals in Manchester and many other non-profit organizations. We hold fundraisers where the proceeds go to a local community organization such as Blackwell Elementary School arts program. Our mission is to provide artists with a full service art center where art can be created, displayed and promoted. It is also our goal to bring art, music, events, and programs that enrich the city and the people who live in and visit our community. Handicap accessible, free admission, family friendly, LGBTQ+ friendly, pet friendly.

Art Works

*We create intimate, curated dining experiences interpreting history through food.*

The Underground Kitchen brings people together through a shared experience of dining, community, and a sense of occasion. We are experiential storytellers, dedicated to promoting chefs of color, women, and LGBTQ+ individuals in the culinary industry. We believe in the transformative power of food to evoke emotions, memories, and a sense of connection. Our team of skilled chefs and hospitality professionals are committed to weaving together diverse cultural influences with unique locations, sights, and sounds to craft a multi-sensory culinary journey that educates and inspires our guests.

The Underground Kitchen

Artspace

Rent Artspace for private parties, business meetings, or organizational fundraisers. Depending on the type of event you are planning and what will be showing in the gallery, Artspace can hold events for up to 250 people. The gallery has chairs and tables available among other amenities.

Artspace is a contemporary art gallery operated by artists that allows under-represented artists to show high quality artwork in a beautiful setting. Local, regional and national artists are selected by artist members of the gallery through open calls for exhibition. The public has free access to view exhibitions 7 days a week and during opening receptions. Closed for the holidays from mid-December through mid-January. Sales of work encourage artists' creativity and help expand the public's awareness of contemporary art.

Fast Casual Mediterranean Kitchen+ Bar Caterings and Special Events.

Otto Richmond

Full-service restaurant offering a wide variety of authentic Italian food from hearty pizzas to cannolis.

La Vera Pizza

Benchtop Brewing uses local ingredients to create a collaborative atmosphere for all to enjoy. We harness all the beauty and complexity of brewing science and blend that with the bold creativity of an artist.

Benchtop Brewing Co.

The Old Dominion Railway Museum offers a brisk one-and-a-half-hour walking tour of the floodwall. View the James River, the city skyline and historic sites including Belle Isle and The American Civil War Center at Historic Tredegar. Free tours take place at 2 p.m. on the second Sunday of every month, departing from the museum.

James River Floodwall Walking Tour

The Richmond Railway Museum is housed in a restored Railway Express Agency car, the museum features photos and artifacts.

Richmond Railway Museum

The main Floodwall parking area is at the south end of the 14th Street Bridge (Mayo Bridge) in Manchester. Find the eastern section of the Floodwall by walking under the bridge and the western portion from the parking lot. Both offer great views of the downtown Richmond skyline and the river.The wall is popular with hikers, runners, bird watchers and kayakers. There are plenty of spots to stop and watch the river at the beginning of the Falls of the James. Part of Floodwall is Diversity Park, a grassy, landscaped portion nestled in between the Manchester Canal and the Floodwall at the 14th Street Bridge. It was dedicated October 11, 2007. A marker at the site declares “this site is dedicated to diversity, mutual acceptance and inclusion among individuals and faith groups across international boundaries and political divides.” It has a sister site in Moster, Bosnia-Herzegovina.

Floodwall Park

The Continental, your neighborhood go-to, serving American fare re-imagined, with locations in Westhampton and Manchester, Richmond, VA

The Continental-Manchester

We’re a community of runners, hikers, bikers and ballplayers. We’re an outdoor playground, designed by Mother Nature, with class III and IV rapids running right through our downtown. A 52-mile bike trail runs along the James. The Richmond Marathon and Ukrop’s 10k are huge celebrations, and the whole region comes out to cheer on our local teams. In fact, we’re so sports-minded that the Washington Redskins have their training camp right in the center of the city. Add to that awesome hotels, beautiful venues, attractions, art, craft beer, more than 900 restaurants and a convenient location, and you’ve got a top choice for your next sports event. Welcome to RVA!

From indoor to outdoor facilities, the Richmond region has the fields, pitches, diamonds, venues and the dedicated staff to ensure your event is a huge success. 



Sports Richmond, VA

Join us on October 23rd, 2026, from 6–8 p.m. for the exciting opening reception of our new exhibits at Art Works. Meet the talented artists, enjoy live music, refreshments, and libations sponsored by RVA Thriving Artists, and celebrate another vibrant season of creativity and community. Embrace the Halloween spirit by dressing up in your favorite costume and join us for an unforgettable evening as we unveil our latest art exhibits. Immerse yourself works by Sky Dai, Johnye Bennett, Lew Lott, Carol Gruppé and *Unmask* curated by Susan Vaughan. The All Media Show features art by local artists. The Bridge Project will continue exhibiting Nathan Hosmer Nevarez until November 30th. Don’t miss out on this night of art and enchantment!

This event is free and open to the public, with convenient, free parking available. Exhibits will remain on view through November 14th, 2026 (unless otherwise noted). Carol Gruppé will remain up until October 31st. Also see 80+ working artist studios.

4th Friday Art Shows and Opening Reception

Want to learn more about the area and event? Ask our friendly tour guide.

About 4th Friday Art Shows and Opening Reception

Places to eat, shop & play near this event

Quick Links

Where this happens

Near Art Works