May 2nd First Friday

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The FIRST of FIVE MONTHS OF SUMMER ARTIST MARKET FUN is HERE — and the Benson Creative District is blooming with creativity, connection, and live energy! 
From art markets and gallery shows to open studios and street music, there’s something for everyone this First Friday.

 Support free, public arts programming all year long — become a Friend of BFF at bffomaha.org/friend!

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 Poster sponsored by @blick_art — stock up on supplies and thank them for supporting local art!

  BFF SUMMER ARTIST MARKET 
It’s the official kickoff to summer in Benson — and this year’s Artist Market is our biggest yet! 
Join us for an open-air celebration featuring more than 75 vendors and community partners across two full blocks, filled with handmade goods, zines, prints, jewelry, live music, and community-powered joy.

 NORTH MARKET – Military Ave (between Maple & Binney)
 Featuring: Live Art by Joy Cotton
 Music by DJ B

 SOUTH MARKET – 62nd St (between Maple & Miami)
 Petshop: UNLEASHED Summer Concert Series Vol. 1 | 6–10 PM
Behind Petshop — featuring Mad Darling, Dos Mundos and Maddy and Sarah
The first in a four-part summer concert series spotlighting local musicians and neighborhood energy!

 MORE ON-STREET HAPPENINGS! 

 Tilt23 Showcase @ Ted & Wally’s (6023 Maple St.)
Live performances from Ogi Kidd, Aqu, and Zaiyon
A genre-blending, high-energy showcase from emerging local artists curated by Tilt23.

 Crooner’s Corner: Soul Flow
 Outdoor Stage near Dundee Bank (61st & Maple) | 6–9 PM
Presented by CCVisions & Jus.Bmusic — featuring smooth soul and R&B from Corbin, Jordan, and Denzell, hosted by Lyriq Lashay.

 OPENING RECEPTIONS 

 Bittersweet — BFF Crew Group Exhibition
 Petshop Gallery | 6–10 PM
Exploring erotic art and identity through intimacy, resistance, and vulnerability. On view through June 21.

 Garbage Gardens | Shya Thayer
 MaMO Gallery | 6–9 PM
An interactive installation made from found objects — reflecting on sustainability, food, and creative reuse.

 Unfolding Voices
 BFF Gallery | 6–10 PM
Created by seniors through the Nebraska Arts Council’s Creative Aging Arts Program, led by Kim Darling. A celebration of storytelling and imagination at every stage of life.

 Ming Toy Gallery (6066 Maple St.)
Alternate Plains | Nolan Tredway | 6–9 PM
Opening reception for Alternate Plains, an interdisciplinary exhibition exploring speculative futures, cryptid lore, and magical landscapes of the Great Plains.

 Annual Art Expo & Benefit + Omaha Post-it Show
 Radial Arts Center | 6–9 PM
Celebrate local creativity at Radial’s Annual Art Expo & Benefit, featuring the beloved Omaha Post-it Show — a massive display of original 3×3” artworks priced at just $25 each. Proceeds support artists and Radial’s community-focused arts programming.

 Central Skate Shop (6107 Maple St.)
Midnight Imagery by Daniel Catania | 5–8 PM
A vibrant, dreamlike collection of bold cityscapes, surreal characters, and celestial scenes — all rendered in Daniel Catania’s signature style.

 TRUDY’S — STUDIOS + EDUCATION SPACE
 6108 Maple St.
Explore the intersection of art, healing, and creative practice in one of Benson’s newest creative hubs.

 Patient: Anonymous
An exhibit honoring Mental Health Awareness Month — featuring artwork created by patients in inpatient care.

 Free Printmaking Workshop w/ Jesse Fisher | 6–8 PM
Drop-in printmaking for all ages and experience levels — all materials provided!

 Open Artist Studios
— Mood Studios
— No Hand Outs Clothing
— 2neuro Grotto
— Authento Creative

 MORE FIRST FRIDAY FUN! 
 Jake’s Cigars (6206 Maple St.)
Featured Artist: Diane Fago
 Star Deli (6114 Military Ave.)
Featured Artist: Laine
 The Sydney (5918 Maple St.)
Friend of BFF Happy Hour ft. Ria Gold | 6–7 PM

 Full lineup, artist map + updates at bffomaha.org/events
 Follow @bffomaha for sneak peeks, artist spotlights, and day-of fun!