Minneapolis is an art gallery town, but unless you have some natural connection to the scene, you might not know this.

Galleries can be intimidating for the uninitiated. And that might come down to clichés: Artists are overly academic, these types of spaces are for rich collectors, normal people don’t belong here, etc.

Sure, there may be some truths above. But guess what? Most galleries are nothing like that. There’s a reason I include so many exhibition openings in Freeloader Friday: A gallery party is the perfect way to kick off an evening. Simply find a show that you think looks interesting, wander the space for 30 minutes while enjoying a beer or glass of wine (bring money for the bartender’s tip jar!), and be on your way. It’s free and low-commitment, plus it’s something unique to do in those weird hours before heading out to a show or house party.

The following is my guide to some of my favorite galleries (and two small museums) in town. However, it is in no way a complete list. I am sure I’ve forgotten a few great organizations—there are so many out there! But this is a list for newbies, and I think this is a pretty dang good place to start.

Feel free to shout out any spots I missed in the comments, and happy gallery crawling.

All My Relations Arts

Located in the American Indian Cultural Corridor, All My Relations showcases Native artists grappling with things like identity, American history, and mass culture. But while artists here often explore Native traditions, the work always feels current. “It’s really a space to welcome a dialogue of awareness and celebration that Native artists and people are still here, thriving, and are a vibrant part of the local creative/art world,” says Juleana Enright, gallery and programs manager.

All My Relations isn’t just a gallery. Its sister projects include the Native Authors Program, which showcases emerging writers; the Four Sisters Farmers Market (opening June 5); and a film festival featuring shorts, food trucks, and music. Added bonus: It’s in the same building as Pow Wow Grounds coffee shop. “The sharing of this space allows for the community to sense that this is a community gallery, for and by Native people, where they can feel safe, seen, and acknowledged, in a way that maybe they don’t always feel at non-Native led art institutions,” Enright says.

Coming up: “Creation.Story,” a group show blending the oral histories of the Očhéthi Šakówiŋ (Sioux Nation’s Lakota, Nakota, and Dakota tribes) with the modern-day people and ideas, opens Thursday, May 8.

Location: 1414 E. Franklin Ave., Minneapolis; allmyrelationsarts.org.