SOUTH BEND, Ind. -- South Bend Museum of Art (SBMA) is celebrating First Fridays this Friday from 5 to 8 p.m., with remarks at 6 p.m. The event is free and open to all.

At the event, Mayor James Mueller will announce this year's Festival of Banners winners. SBMA will also recognize their donors, sponsors, artists, homeowners, and volunteers.

First Fridays will also celebrate the openings of three exhibitions: the 2025 High School and College Residency Exhibitions, Alain Helfrich and Timothy Tinker’s In Here Life Is Beautiful, and ev Leto’s Memory and Endurance, with chances to meet the artists.

The 2025 High School and College Residency Exhibitions, taking place from July 26 to Sept. 7 in the Wiekamp and Crowley Community Galleries, features the work of artists in SBMA's Residency program, which offers emerging artists access to studios, mentorship, and exhibition opportunities.

Alain Helfrich and Timothy Tinker’s In Here Life Is Beautiful takes place from July 19 to Oct. 5 in the Art League Gallery, showcasing portraits and a site-specific mural. The artists will be taking portrait photographs during the reception.

Ev Leto's Memory and Endurance, taking place from July 19 to Oct. 5 in the Project Room, features videos and an artist book documenting performances of unusual physical tasks that queer forms of labor and juxtapose futility with humor.