Tomorrow night, Gallery5 will present its second all-nude art exhibition, "Disrobed2: The Connection."

The show, starting at 7 p.m., is part of the First Fridays Artwalk. The opening-night reception also will be a benefit for Gallery5 and include a cash bar, fire-breathing performers and live music. A $5 donation is suggested.

Last year, opening night for "Disrobed" attracted throngs of Richmond-area residents. More than 5,000 viewed the show after waiting in lines two to three blocks long; 3,000 more were turned away, according to Gallery5's executive director, Amanda Robinson.

While images of Greek mythology populated last year's show, this year's exhibition examines the concept of technology vs. nature.

"We're exploring both the dark side and the light side, the oppression of man by technology and the idea of 'What if we all held together and rose above it?'" Robinson says.

The show examines the nude human form through various media, including sculpture, painting and photography.

The opening-night highlight promises to be "Tree of Life," a 13-foot-tall "tree" composed of 25 nude models. "It's the most immaculate piece," Robinson says. "I'm very excited about it."

Robinson describes "Tree of Life" as a divided tree.

One side of the tree is populated with models painted to represent gargoyles, factories and smokestacks. The other side depicts harmony and a connection with nature represented by models painted as goddesses and plant life.

"Technology is man-made, so it can be destroyed and overcome by man," Robinson says. "The 'Tree of Life' represents other choices we can make."

Why did Robinson choose to mount a show based on nudity?

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"Nudity is the true form of natural beings," she says, adding that the show uses bodies as canvases to represent this idea.

Robinson says the first "Disrobed" was controversial -- in fact, she calls it "one of the most controversial art events in Richmond history" -- and expects that this one will be, too.

Even so, she says last year's show proved to be a tasteful event.

The all-volunteer, nonprofit gallery relies on donations, according to Robinson. Because the gallery encompasses two floors, it needs to install an elevator lift to comply with regulations of the Americans With Disabilities Act of 1990.

Robinson also hopes to raise funds for programs designed to give inner-city kids a safe haven as well as education through the visual and performing arts.

"Disrobed2"

When: Opens 7 p.m. tomorrow; runs through June 25

Where: Gallery5, 200 W. Marshall St.

Donation: $5

Details: (804) 644-0005 or www.gallery5arts.com

Restrictions: Visitors must be 18 or accompanied by an adult. Cameras are prohibited in the gallery.