Building Community Through Arts Engagement
We believe that everyone has the right to create, experience, and cultivate the arts in our communities.
About BFF
Founded and operated by Alex Jochim & JD Hardy as "Benson First Friday" in June 2012, BFF Omaha gained nonprofit status in July 2015 after managing 3 years of monthly First Friday art walks. 11 years later, Benson is an official Creative District, and BFF continues to grow and gain regional attention as a major influencer for the area arts and creative culture, continuing to Build Community Through Arts Engagement.
First Friday Map
Download the latest First Friday event map directly to your phone! View it digitally, or print it off yourself :) Printed maps are also available during First Fridays at participating locations.
Programs and Projects
Whether you're a community member, art enthusiast, environmental advocate, or simply enjoy live performances, there's something for everyone at BFF. Explore our current programs below!
First Friday
Every first friday BFF organizes art shows and programming in the neighborhood! These events include art shows, youth engagement, hands-on education, digital projections, on-street Artist Markets, street closures, and special annual events like PRIDE (June) and the New American Arts Festival (August) which showcases local refugee and immigrant arts and cultures.
Green Team
BFF’s Green Team aims to promote environmentally sustainable practices through providing resources and opportunities for the community. Centered in Benson, the program consists of neighborhood cleanups, landscaping, community events, public art projects, education, and other beautification initiatives.
Petshop
Taking over what was a defunct exotic pet store, Petshop was founded as a studio & gallery space in June 2012. This space is now a shared creative space in Benson with galleries, studios, offices, and event space.
BFF Gallery
BFF Gallery is a collaborative office, studio space, and gallery, representing BFF Omaha’s headquarters and official “First Stop” during monthly First Friday art walks. The gallery is curated by Ang Bennett and seeks collaborations via selected community partnerships.
MaMo
MaMO Gallery (pronounced “May-MOH”) is a semi-trailer-turned-gallery that travels throughout the region March-November, partnering with various communities and organizations, and hosts interdisciplinary programming, artist residencies, and immersive installations.
PETFEST
PETFEST is BFF Omaha’s annual music & art festival on August 19th at Petshop Gallery (2725-2729 N. 62nd St). Featuring 20+ musicians, bands, and performers, PETFEST is Omaha’s most original music festival experience!
Education
Education programming encompasses a variety of activities, from art classes held at Trudy’s to exhibitions, public art installations, and zine publishing centered around emerging artists and teenagers.
Public Art
In an effort towards beautification and to create a visual stimulating community, BFF implements annual public art projects within Omaha and Lincoln, working regularly with community members, building owners, city officials, and both local & national artists.
Help us to improve!
Please take this survey! Two minutes tops!
Support BFF
BFFOmaha is a 501(c)(3) non-profit and we rely on sponsorships, volunteers, members, and donations to support the arts! Check out the button below to learn more about how you can get involved!
Sponsor BFF
Taking over what was a defunct exotic pet store, Petshop was founded as a studio & gallery space in June 2012. This space is now a shared creative space in Benson with galleries, studios, offices, and event space.
Become a Member
Members enjoy swag, monthly perks & discounts at First Friday events, special invites to the Members-ONLY Ball, and the satisfaction of building community through arts engagement.
Donate
93% of the makeup of our organization identify as artists. We are present, persistent, motivated, and resourceful! A small donation to BFF has a BIG impact on the community.