When you walk into Flatfile, you feel like you should tiptoe and whisper, making sure to behave even more carefully than you would in a museum. The gallery is immaculate, with stark white walls setting off contemporary sculptures and brightly colored paintings at every turn.

Though founded in 2000 as a photo gallery, Flatfile has since expanded immensely based on its many relationships with local, national and international artists. One of the city's largest gallery spaces, it now displays artwork that ranges from mixed media to shimmery paintings in each of its two rooms. Should Flatfile's seven annual shows leave you wanting more, just ask to view the 1,000+ photographs and works on paper stored in flat file drawers at all times.

Flatfile provides artwork to an assortment of corporate clients, but that doesn't mean its wares are out of your league. Artwork at a more affordable price (starting at $150) can make any art appreciator a first-time buyer. Better still, extremely unique and hand-selected pieces mean your reasonably-priced purchase is a sound investment.

Pots and pans join the prints and paintings via the 6,000-square-foot gallery's full kitchen, which allows the space to double as a venue for private parties, wedding receptions, etc.; gallery staff will happily work with event planners. Taking things further, Flatfile also has a gift registry, making it a one-stop-shop: get married, hold a reception and receive a wonderful centerpiece for your living room.

Centerstage Reviewer: Sarah Dahnke