The folks behind First Fridays aren't trying to pull a fast one. It's just that since July 4 falls on Friday this year, it was decided from an abundance of kindness to help people get a running start on a long weekend. A few galleries are closed for a much needed summer holiday, but there is still plenty to see and do on Broad Street. Below is the skinny on this month's attractions.

1708 Gallery
Last months reception for the Squirrelly Girls Collaboration Show was the most crowded ever for the gallery. The Squirrelly Girls show continues featuring works by James Busby, Melanie Christian, Sandra Luckett, and Katie Shaw Sweeney. Opening reception at 7 p.m. 319 W. Broad St., (804) 643-1708. 

312 Gallery
Jackson Wards plucky little gallery that could presents New Drawings by Denna Watson. Opening reception 7 p.m. 312 Brook Road, (804) 339 -2535.

Art6
This month features new work by Art6 members, who finally get a chance to show their stuff. Members showing work include: Julie Adler-Noyes, Susanne Arnold, Lew Bailes, Phillip Bowles, David Bromley, Lloyd C. Chaser, Wesley Childress, Thomas Daniel, Ann Drewing, Sorcha Duncan, Alan Entin, Cynthia Erdahl, Jim Hall, Silas Haslam, Laura Heyward, Marian Hollowell, Mitzi Humphrey, Connie Maass, Henrietta Near, Brigette Newberry, Shann Palmer, Sung Kyung Park, Tricia Pearsall, Margaret Porter-Daniel, Ronni Saunders, Jude Schlotzhauer, Jim Sellman, David Turner, Janine Turner, John Walters, Marsden Williams, and Jennifer Yane. John Walters will be showing work in the Skylight Gallery. Reception party starts at 6 p.m. 6 E. Broad St., (804) 343-1406.

The gallery will be closed during this month's event.

Forinstance Gallery

The gallery will be closed during this month's event.

Gallery 5

The Turned for Use Woodturners Show closes with a bang and a closing reception party at 6 p.m. 200 W. Marshall St., (804) 644-0005.

Ghostprint Gallery

Internationally known tattoo artists were invited to present work on mediums other than skin, in a show called Skin Deep. See why tattooists are artists first and appliers of painful needles second. Reception at 7 p.m. 220 W. Broad St., (804) 344-1557.

Jennifer Young Studio and Gallery

The gallery will be closed during this month's event.

Metro Space Gallery

The gallery will be closed during this month's event.

Oneness Gallery

Abstract art can sometimes seem cold and soulless. Chiquita Burroughs has the remedy with her Spiritual Abstract paintings. Also showing will be photographs by Tammy Hargrove. Reception at 7 p.m. 202 E Cary St. 2nd floor, (804) 344-4333.

Quirk Gallery

Fabien Ramirez grew up in the "City of Sculptures" in Argentina so you can guess what medium he works in. But you will be pleasantly surprised what he does with wood and metal. Elie Pina mixes oil paint with tobacco paste, which enlivens things considerably when the brush starts flying. Tim Lazure presents Vault Project using industrial objects to highlight human frailties. Vicki Bruner shows her whimsical new paintings in the Shop Show. Opening reception at 6 p.m. 311 W. Broad St., (804) 644-5450.

Studio/Gallery 6

The gallery will be closed during this month's event.

Transmission

Painter Erik Gonzalez has been busy and how he wants to show you what he's been doing. Opening reception at 7 p.m. 321 Brook Road, (804) 200-9985. 

Visual Art Studio
The Woodturners Exhibition continues. New this month is art you can wear, New Jewelry by Richmond artists Katherine Benner and Missy Olds. As if that wasn't enough, Dan Rhett presents Shellion: New Oil Paintings. There will also be live klezmer music by My Son the Doctor. All of this begins at 7 p.m. 208 W. Broad St., (804) 644-1368. 

Lift Coffee Shop
Choose your stimulant as Lift hosts sports photography by Aaron Boudreu. Opening reception starts at 7 p.m. 218 W. Broad St., (804) 344-5438.

Curated Culture's First Fridays Artwalk takes place on the first Friday of each month from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. For more information, including other participating cultural venues, shops and restaurants, call (804) 344-1508 or visit them online at firstfridaysrichmond.com.