photo by Nicholas O'Bradovich
The question that kept running through my head as I visited gallery after temporary gallery — including bars, boutiques, tattoo shops and restaurants — on Benson's inaugural First Friday was, "Why hasn't this happened sooner?" After all, Maple Street was buzzing from 59th to 63rd streets June 1, starting at 6 p.m., with art and culture lovers popping into and out of businesses to chew on local art and to sip on wine and beer — customary components of first Fridays elsewhere.
The answer: No one had done the grassroots organizing and community building needed to make it happen. So hats off to Alex Jochim and Jamie Hardy, local artists who took on the challenge to add a dynamic daytime element to Benson, which is already becoming Omaha's new "downtown" to many. The event included an impressive 18 openings, three window displays, eight different street performances, three after-dark street projections and three late-night performances.
I personally stopped into a half-dozen businesses I've never before patronized (and I work in downtown Benson). I saw great art, and met some cool people.
I wasn't alone. I teamed up with Hear Nebraska contributors Steven Ashford and Nicholas O'Bradovich to photograph, tweet and conduct interviews with participants at Benson's first, First Friday. See what we saw below.
photos and text by Andrew Norman
photo by Nicholas O'Bradovich
Many participants found artistic solace in every crack and orifice that Benson had to offer during its First Friday. Those who decided to express their creativity on the streets, like this multi-instrumental curbside performer, attracted the interests of many passerbys and gave patrons an unique twist in their viewing journey to discover local talent.
photo, text and video by Steven Ashford
photo by Andrew Norman
photo by Nicholas O'Bradovich
The impromptu fashion show provided by Paperdoll Boutique hit the main artery of Benson's Maple Street at 7:30 p.m. sharp. Stationed in the center of the road between the flow of oncoming traffic, volunteer models were draped in the colorful, vintage styles that showcase the trademark look and feel to this community clothing store.
photo and text by Steven Ashford
Post-@paperdoll, @lionsmane guerrilla fashion show on Maple. #bensonff@ Beercade instagr.am/p/LWjGu-ySrh/
— Hear Nebraska (@hearnebraska) June 2, 2012
photo by Andrew Norman
Buried beneath the surface level of the Benson Theatre lie the historical roots that tell tales of past decades. The 1930' vaudeville stage of the theater is currently out of commission, but the restoration process will hopefully revitalize and awaken its dormant originality.
photo and text by Steven Ashford
Artists showcased their original pieces of work at the front of the Benson Theatre before the hauntingly dark engulfment that consumed the back half of the theater. Guests caroused and weaved in and out of the A-framed wooden painting easels as local DJ Kobrakyle set the mood with tunes.
photo and text by Steven Ashford
@kobrakyle spins at The Benson Theatre. #bensonff@ The Benson Theatre instagr.am/p/LWhNmYSSqJ/
— Hear Nebraska (@hearnebraska) June 2, 2012
photo by Andrew Norman
Andrew Norman is Hear Nebraska's editor-in-chief; Steven Ashford and Nicholas O'Bradovich are Hear Nebraska contributors. Send your thoughts to andrewn@hearnebraska.org or comment below.