Browse local art, discover murals, meet working artists and get hands-on at creative spaces throughout Manchester.
Arts in Manchester: Galleries, Murals and Studios in Richmond, VA
Explore the best art galleries, working studios, and hands-on creative experiences in Manchester, Richmond, VA — one of the city's most exciting neighborhoods for art lovers, collectors, and makers.
Richmond is known for its thriving arts scene, and Manchester has become one of the city's creative hubs. Tucked along the south bank of the James River, this historic neighborhood is home to contemporary galleries, working artist studios, murals, tattoo artists and hands-on creative spaces. Whether you're planning a Richmond arts weekend, hunting for a one-of-a-kind gift or just looking for something fun to do in RVA, Manchester's art scene offers plenty to explore at your own pace.
This page was originally published on 10/01/2025 and has been updated on 8/27/2026.
Southside Contemporary Art Gallery
1309 Hull Street Thursday–Saturday: 12–6 p.m.
Start your Manchester gallery tour at Southside Contemporary Art Gallery (SCAG). Open to the public Thursday through Saturday from 12–6 p.m., this contemporary fine art gallery has been adding new energy to Manchester's creative scene since opening in February 2023.
Owner and lead curator Rosetta has built SCAG around work that sparks conversation, bringing established names together with emerging Richmond artists and creating space for perspectives that have historically been underrepresented in traditional gallery settings.
With rotating exhibitions and an emphasis on making contemporary art more accessible, SCAG gives both longtime collectors and curious first-time gallery visitors a place to discover what's happening in Richmond's evolving art scene.
Tattoo Shops and Studios in Manchester, Richmond
Richmond is well known for its tattoo culture, and Manchester is home to several studios carrying that creative tradition forward. Tattooing is one of the oldest and most personal art forms around — a way to commemorate a loved one, mark a milestone or simply wear a piece of art you'll never take off.
Heartfelt Tattoo on Hull Street is a queer- and trans-femme-owned studio designed around an inclusive, sensory-friendly tattoo experience. Its artists work across a range of styles while prioritizing accessibility, comfort and a welcoming environment for queer, trans and nonbinary clients.
Piece of Mind Art Studio adds another group of working tattoo artists to Manchester's creative community, giving clients the opportunity to explore different artists and styles for their next piece.
Mecca Art Studio is another destination for tattoo art in Manchester, further expanding the range of local artists and styles available throughout the neighborhood.
Studio Two Three: Art Classes and Workshops
109 W. 15th Street
Looking to do more than window-shop? Studio Two Three, a nonprofit community art space on 15th Street, is a hub for Manchester's maker community. Its 16,000-square-foot studio gives Richmond artists and aspiring makers space to create, learn and connect through printmaking, workshops, classes and community events.
Visitors don't need to be professional artists to get involved. Studio Two Three offers hands-on opportunities to learn creative skills, including printmaking and other maker-focused workshops, making it an easy addition to a Manchester art day for anyone who would rather make something than simply admire it.
Murals and Street Art in Manchester, Richmond
Manchester's creativity isn't limited to galleries and studios. Murals and public art can be found throughout the neighborhood, particularly along Hull Street and surrounding blocks. One work to look for is the Eddy on the James mural, part of the colorful public art visitors can discover while exploring Manchester on foot.
Art Works Richmond: Galleries and Artist Studios
320 Hull Street
Tuesday–Sunday, 11 a.m.–5 p.m.
One of the largest art destinations in Manchester, Richmond, Art Works brings together six galleries and 82 working artist studios on Hull Street. Visitors can browse and buy art, meet local artists and explore work spanning painting, jewelry, woodworking, fiber art and more. Art Works is open to the public Tuesday through Sunday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
A few artists and makers to look for at Art Works include:
Tula Woodworking: Handcrafted furniture by Blake Davis using traditional woodworking techniques.
Natural Recycled Yarn: Sustainable yarn created from vintage sweaters sourced from Richmond thrift stores.
Precision Jewelry Service: Jewelry resizing, repair and restoration by Christian Keener.
Linda Allard Jewelry: Custom gemstone jewelry with select proceeds supporting charitable organizations.
Time your visit for the fourth Friday of the month to catch Art Works' free opening reception, when new exhibitions debut and visitors can explore the galleries, meet artists and discover new work.
Manchester's galleries, studios and creative spaces make it easy to build your own Richmond art crawl. For the most options, plan your visit for a Thursday, Friday or Saturday afternoon. Start with the latest exhibition at Southside Contemporary Art Gallery, explore the murals, public art and tattoo studios along Hull Street, browse the galleries and working artist studios at Art Works, or check Studio Two Three's calendar for a hands-on class or workshop.
