Art PHX

The multicolored building that houses .anti_space may look like a LifeSavers roll on crack, but that's only because it provides a sweet selection of artistic efforts scattered among its seven different galleries and boutiques. Whether it's the surreal metalwork of Waldoism or the punchy photography of Apathamy, you'll never be bored here. 718 N. 4th St., www.myspace.com/antispace

You won't find any kooky confectioners or creepy pygmies inside The Chocolate Factory, just the messy workshop and ample art space of edgy Latino artist Hector Ruiz, who specializes in singular sculptures that are emotionally charged and genre-defying. Ruiz also provides space for others, including painters Glen Allen, Steve Yazzie, and Fausto Fernandez. 1105 Grand Ave., 602-920-7560

The Firehouse serves as an art gallery for more than a dozen artists-in-residence, as well as a coffee bar, retail store, and workshop space. There's also a funky wooden stage in the back that hosts comedy shows, theater troupes, and other performance shenanigans. 1015 N. 1st St., 602-300-7575, www.strivedreams.com

Five15 Arts is our favorite downtown gallery. That's because the 12-artist collective continuously offers up some of the most magnificent, stunning, and thought-provoking works around. Peep the alluring ugliness of Laura Spalding's found object paintings, or Alison Wear's quirky photographic curiosities, and see if you agree. 515 E. Roosevelt St., 602-256-0150, www.515arts.com

Head north to Garfield Galleria. The eccentric and eclectic works of more than a dozen different studios and galleries — including the powerful photography of Statement Driven and exotic drawings of Carole Hanks — await you.316 W. McDowell Rd., 602-349-3049, www.garfieldgalleria.com

Since opening its doors nearly a decade ago, Modified Arts has allowed creative types the necessary space to show off their stuff to the world. Be it exhibitions of paintings, photography, sculptures, or even performance art, Kimber Lanning's joint has housed it all, as well as helping pave the way for similar galleries/performance venues to spread all over downtown. 407 E. Roosevelt St., 602-462-5516, www.modified.org

Although many downtown galleries have come and gone, Perihelion Arts has stood the test of time, and has become a popular mainstay of First Fridays. The triangular-shaped gallery and bookstore specializes in edgy and provocative contemporary works from such nationally known artists as Scott Saw, Billy Childish, and Mark Mothersbaugh. 1500 Grand Ave., 602-462-9120, www.perihelionarts.com

Pravus is on a mission to provide a platform for classy-yet-edgy artwork typically not seen on Roosevelt Row, from folks like graf artist The Mac and surrealist painter Daniel Martin Diaz. 501 E. Roosevelt St., 602-363-2552, myspace.com/pravusgallery

Art both bohemian and bizarre takes center stage at the Trunk Space, as the multifaceted Grand Avenue gallery/boutique/performance venue/coffee bar frequently showcases artistic endeavors that are equally peculiar and pulchritudinous, ranging from the unusual dolls of Camilla Taylor to the darkly stunning photography of Dayvid LeMmon. 1506 Grand Ave. 602-256-6006 www.thetrunkspace.com

From its inception way back in 1929 (long before anyone thought to number Fridays), the Heard Museum has offered an impressive array of traditional Native American art and cultural works. In recent years, the museum has also showcased more modern and thought-provoking pieces from contemporary Native American artists like Steve Yazzie, Hector Ruiz, and Dustinn Craig. 2301 N. Central Ave., 602-252-8848, www.heard.org

Witness the collision of the past and the present at Museo Chicano, a community-based museum focusing on exhibitions of Chicano history and culture from throughout the Southwest, as well as more modern works by such emerging and established Latino artists as painters Marcus Zilliox and Tlisza Jaurique. 147 E. Adams St., 602-257-5536, www.museochicano.com

Like an art history textbook come to life, the Phoenix Art Museum's collection boasts names like Pablo Picasso, Georgia O'Keeffe, Diego Rivera, Frida Kahlo, and Augustine Rodin, stretching from the beauteous masterpieces of 14th-century Europe to the postmodernism of present-day painters. 1625 N. Central Ave. 602-257-1222 www.phxart.org

Art Awakenings
1014 N. 2nd St.
602-340-1675
www.artawakenings.org

ASU Downtown Galleria
502 E. Monroe St. (inside Mercado Building C)
602-496-1500
www.asu.edu/xed/galleria

Burton Barr Central Library/@Central Gallery
1221 N. Central Ave.
602-256-3521
www.phoenixpubliclibrary.org

Cathedral Center for the Arts
100 W. Roosevelt St.
602-254-7126 x303
www.trinitycathedral.com

Costello-Childs Contemporary Fine Art
1001 N. 3rd Ave., No. 2
602-252-3610
www.costellochildsart.com

Daughters of the Frozen North
511 E. Roosevelt St.
602-252-4762

Exposed Studio & Gallery
4225 N. 7th Ave.
602-248-8030
www.exposedgallery.com

eye lounge
419 E. Roosevelt St.
602-430-1490
www.eyelounge.com

First Studio
631 N. 1st Ave.
602-957-7760
www.firststudio.net

Fleure•ish
501 E. Roosevelt St.
602-256-9300

Gallery Celtica & IL Hayden Studios
509 E. Roosevelt St.
602-252-2160

Holgas
821 N. 3rd St.
www.myspace.com/holgas

HoodRide
918 N. 5th St.
www.myspace.com/hoodride

The Icehouse
429 W. Jackson St.
602-257-8929
www.theicehouseaz.com

Icon Studio
1205 W. Pierce St.
602-253-8884

IN Gallery
909 N. 5th St.
602-423-8396

Jordre Studio
1007 Grand Ave.
602-254-6303
www.jordre.com

Karmic Calamity Studio & Gallery
610 E. Roosevelt St.No. 144
602-448-3194
www.karmiccalamity.com

The Kitchenette
918 N. 6th St., Unit C

The Longhouse
915 N. 5th St.
602-423-8396