Beyond the mighty Baltimore Museum of Art and Walters Art Museum, beyond such long-established, up-market spaces as C. Grimaldis Gallery and Thomas Segal Gallery, a world of artistic enterprise thrives -- some of it off the radar or almost literally underground.

Baltimore has its share of artist-run, DIY spaces where the emphasis is more on encouraging and showing new work than selling it, as well as others that are very much in the commercial trade. Some venues are a little hard to find, located in low-foot-traffic areas and in buildings that, at first glance, might be mistaken as abandoned; others occupy inviting, street level spots. Some keep regular or quasi-regular hours; others are best visited by appointment or on reception nights.

All of them are worth a look. And if there's one thing all of these places could use, it's more people looking. A common observation heard in this grassroots community is that Baltimore has plenty of creators but not a lot of collectors.