Non-Traditional Spaces
In addition to our primary galleries and studios, BFF Omaha helps coordinate and curate exhibitions and artist opportunities in a variety of non-traditional spaces throughout Benson. These locations offer artists flexible, accessible ways to share work during First Fridays and beyond, often embedded in everyday neighborhood spaces. Each opportunity has its own context, expectations, and limitations, with details and submission forms linked below.
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Star Deli offers a casual, high-visibility exhibition space where artists can present a full body of work during First Fridays. Exhibitions are artist-managed, with sales handled directly by the artist, and installations spread throughout the space. This opportunity works best for artists with a strong, cohesive body of work who are comfortable exhibiting in an active, public setting.
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Exhibitions are installed on the large interior wall beneath the iconic neon ice cream sign and are visible to the public during regular business hours. This opportunity is open to Omaha-area artists from K–19 and is designed to highlight young artists in a welcoming, high-traffic neighborhood space. Full details and submission guidelines are available through the interest form.
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Window display opportunities place artwork directly into street-facing storefronts during First Fridays. These installs are best suited for larger pieces or small installations and are visible to the public even outside event hours. Each location has specific size, timing, and de-install requirements, outlined in the submission form.
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Jake’s Cigars hosts monthly First Friday exhibitions on designated wall panels in the back of the space. Artists have flexibility in how much work they install and manage both installation and removal themselves. This is a relaxed, optional-attendance opening suited for artists interested in informal exhibitions and direct interaction with patrons.
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In partnership with the Benson Community Center, BFF Omaha coordinates First Friday exhibitions for community groups such as schools, nonprofits, clubs, and resident-led initiatives. These exhibitions prioritize accessibility and all-ages audiences. Artwork is displayed using provided equipment, with no sales permitted, and participating groups manage their exhibition from setup through cleanup.
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The Quickie Machine is a small, vending-machine-style opportunity for artists and makers to sell compact, affordable products. Accepted proposals begin with a small trial purchase, with the option to expand based on sales. This is a good fit for zines, small objects, prints, and multiples that work within tight size constraints.
Additional Exhibition Spaces
Additional exhibition opportunities are available at neighborhood businesses These opportunities are coordinated directly with each business, with BFF helping make the connection when appropriate. Find contact information below!
Key Staff
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For Star Deli Gallery information and other inquiries, please contact morajuanamaral@gmail.com
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For Youth Exhibition at Ted & Wally’s information, please contact melyn@bffomaha.org
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For inquiries related to Artist Exhibition opportunities at Jakes, Benson Brewery, and Burke’s Pub, please contact cam@bffomaha.org
Want MORE Updates and Direct Outreach
About opportunities that fit your artistic disciplines? Fill out our artist information form!