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Notice:  There will be NO Laughter Session on Sunday, December 1.  Enjoy your Thanksgiving weekend, and we'll see you in the new year!

Laughter sessions are normally held the first Sunday of every month at Cali Commons (518 N 40th St, Omaha, NE) at 2:00 p.m.  For more details and to RSVP (optional), visit us on Facebook.

In Laughter Yoga, we choose to laugh - not because anything is particularly funny - but just because...
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Join us in celebration of all things that flutter!


We are excited to announce our call for artist for our January 2025 Pop-up show -  Flutter:  A Butterfly Tribute.

Show dates:  January 17-19 and January 24-26, 2025

Artists are encourage to submit up to three 2D or small 3D works for consideration. 

The show is being held with the 2025 Flower Festival at the St. Cecilia's Cathedral.

Artists selected for this show...

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Cali Commons is celebrating its 10th birthday at the same time the building that houses Cali Commons is celebrating 100 years, so we are hosting an open house event to mark this momentous occasion!

Saturday, November 4
11:00 am - 7:00 p.m.
518 N 40th St, Omaha, NE 
 
Featuring...
  • Live painting by Lita De La Guardia!
  • An art show featuring work from artists who have shown at Cali Commons over the past 10...
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Not sure what to expect from a laughter session?  Here's an FAQ...

Will there be bad jokes?
Absolutely not! The thing about jokes is... not everyone can agree on what's funny. That's why Laughter Wellness is about choosing to laugh - not because anything is particularly funny, but just because we can.

How will I feel afterward?
You'll feel great! Smiling and laughing obviously makes you feel better, and there will be a...
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Molly Nicklin is a certified Laughter Wellness teacher and Laughter Yoga leader.  In our laughter sessions, you'll loosen up, have a good laugh, and feel better for the rest of the day!

Interested in learning more? Sign up for updates below.
 
 
 
 
Email Address
 
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Hello!  Just a quick update - our next group art show will be the last weekend in February.  We are always looking for artists to participate in our group shows, so if you're interested, please let us know!

Did you know Cali Commons is available for private events, like birthday parties, meetings, and private gallery shows?  We typically charge $50 per hour with discounts available for multi-day events (though rates...
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Our winter art show features a wide variety of artists with giftable work at all price points!

The gallery will be open:

Friday, December 9, 6:00 - 9:00 p.m.
Saturday and Sunday, December 10 and 11, noon - 5:00 p.m.

Friday, December 16, 6:00 - 9:00 p.m.
Saturday and Sunday, December 17 and 18, noon - 5:00 p.m.
Join us to see a wide variety of artists at our Artober Art Show!

Hours are:
Friday, October 28, 6:00 - 9:00 p.m.
Saturday and Sunday, October 29 and 30, noon - 5:00 p.m.



September's 4th weekend art show is just around the corner!

The Opening Reception is Friday, September 23 - 6:00 - 9:00 p.m. 
The gallery is also open Saturday and Sunday, September 25-26 from noon to 5:00 p.m.

Come see a wide range of art from local established and emerging artists.


Mid Summer Art Show
Cali Commons
518 N 40th St, Omaha, NE
Opening: Friday, July 29, 6:00 - 9:00 p.m.
Additional open hours:  Saturday and Sunday, July 30 and 31, noon - 5:00 p.m.

This show will feature local artists from past shows and new emerging artists. We invite the community to come out and support these wonderful artists.
Express Yourself
Spring Art Show
Friday, March 25, 2022
6:00 - 9:00 p.m.

Cali Commons
518 N 40th St
Omaha, NE 68131

Check out the works of emerging artists. Come and see awesome art work.


Cali Commons Winter Art Show
Sunday, December 19, 2021
2:00 - 7:00 p.m.
518 N 40th St
Omaha, NE

Come and enjoy some wonderful art from local artists!
Don We Now Our Warm Apparel is a benefit for the Joslyn Castle Neighborhood Association's Little Free Hygiene Pantry, which is located outside Cali Commons.  The event will take place Sunday, November 28 from 1:00 - 4:00 p.m. at Cali Commons ( N 40th St in Omaha).

Drop in to drop off donations or sign up to be a sponsor of the Little Free Pantry.  Warm yourself up with hot cider and warm others with scarves, gloves and...
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Bring in the sunshine with us at the California Dreamin' show!

This pop up show, featuring emerging artists, will open Saturday, September 25 from 6:30 - 9:30 p.m. 

The gallery is located at 518 N 40th St. in Omaha, NE. 

Learn more on Facebook.


Cali Commons is holding a soft re-opening event Saturday, July 17 from 6:30 - 10:00 p.m.

We are excited for the opening and the wide variety of artists that have participated in displaying their work. The theme of the show is “Cali Vision.“ Luke Armstrong (former co-director) and George Garrett (our new director) will have artwork reflecting the theme. Please come out and support these artists.

The show will also be...
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Sunday, May 2nd is World Laughter Day!

Let's celebrate together with a special Laughter Session over Facebook Live.  In this Laughter Yoga session, we'll choose to laugh - not because anything is particularly funny - but just because we can. We'll accomplish this through a series of simple exercises (clapping, breathing, affirmations, and laughter) that will leave you feeling great, thanks to the D.O.S.E. of dopamine,...
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Sunday, December 29
1:00 - 3:00 p.m.
Cali Commons
518 N 40th St in Omaha

Calling all thrifters and end-of-year closet-purgers!

Do you have a complicated relationship with some of your clothes? Trade them in and let someone else love them!

How it works:
  • All adult women’s/unisex styles welcome.
  • Bring up to one 13-gallon garbage bag of clean clothing items that are usable and in good condition (acceptable items include...
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We're throwing an all night art party!  The party begins at 8:00 pm on Friday, September 6 and wraps up at 8:00 the next morning.

We just wanna put on some weird movies, some groovy music, break out some snacks, and art all night. We'll provide paint, glow paint, papers, pencils, collage materials, and noms! We'll even have a lil nap corner for breaks. Bring your blankets, a bottle, and whatever you're working on, and...
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Member Meeting and Idea Jam
Tuesday, June 11
6:30 - 8:00 p.m.
Cali Commons (518 N 40th St)


Cali Commons is transitioning to a member-led organization that serves as a playground for independent thinkers and creative doers. Membership is free for 2019 - all we ask is that you participate.

Interested in being a part of this awesome, collaborative, dynamic group? Join us to learn more about how you can be involved!

At this...
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Friday, June 7th, 7:00 - 10:00 p.m.
Cali Commons
518 N 40th St, Omaha


A collection from the estate of Portia Pemrod will be on display in the Uncommon Gallery. Maps, models, replicas, drawings and interactive contraptions - just a fraction of an immense and yet-uncataloged body of work by Ms. Pemrod - coalesce to suggest a long and complicated saga of interdimensional archeology.


While this display has value as a...
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Tuesday, May 14, 2019
6:00 - 7:30 p.m.
Cali Commons - 518 N 40th St, Omaha, NE  68131

Cali Commons is transitioning to a member-led organization that serves as a playground for independent thinkers and creative doers. Membership is free for 2019 - all we ask is that you participate.

Interested in being a part of this awesome, collaborative, dynamic group? Learn more at our first official member meeting, followed by an...
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Friday, May 10
7:00 - 10:00 p.m.
Cali Commons - 518 N 40th St, Omaha, NE  68131

At this event, the Common Collaboration Club will complete(?) the installation of the Portia Pemrod exhibit! This will be half work session, half party - feel free to bring beverages of your choice and a snack to share.

Even if you haven't yet been part of the group that's working on this installation, you're free to attend! Learn about...
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Laughter Wellness Session in celebration of World Laughter Day
Sunday, May 5, 2019
2:00 - 3:00 p.m.
Cali Commons, 518 N 40th St, Omaha, NE  68131

World Laughter Day is an annual event celebrated worldwide to raise awareness about laughter and the practice of simple intentional laughter techniques that promote wellness and overall well-being.

Join us at Cali Commons to celebrate World Laughter Day with a Laughter Wellness...
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In February of 2019, we started working on a podcast along to go along with the relaunch of Cali Commons.  With guidance, creative and technical support from Corbin Hirshhorn of the Sound Explorers Club, the podcast will follow us on our journey to open Cali Commons.  We hope you'll enjoy joining us for this adventure to involve a larger group of members who will drive our space forward in service of our community of...

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Exciting news… Cali Commons has been selected as one of the recipients of the Meow Wolf DIY fund! This fund was created to assist and help ensure the safety and sustainability of DIY arts and music spaces. We’re so honored to have been selected! Thanks Meow Wolf!!

If you’d like to learn more about Meow Wolf, come to our free screening of the documentary Meow Wolf: Origin Story on April 6 at 4pm. Afterward, we’ll have a...
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Join us for a FREE screening of the Meow Wolf: Origin Story - a documentary about the rise of Meow Wolf from Santa Fe to Denver and beyond. PLUS, stick around after the movie for little party / planning session for a maximalist installation in the Uncommon Gallery.

When: Saturday, April 6th 4-6pm (movie screening) and 6-9pm (planning party)
Where: Cali Commons - 518 N. 40th St, Omaha

Meow Wolf: Origin Story
2018. 88 mins....
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When: Sunday March 10th 6:30 -AND- Thursday March 14th 6:30
Where: Cali Commons - 518 N 40th St, Omaha, Nebraska 68131

Join us to discuss the future of Cali Commons. Our team has been running a series of experiments for the last 5 years, now it’s time to get serious about building a strong, active community.

We are looking for artists, activists, designers, musicians, technologists, entrepreneurs, change agents and...
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Pocket Vinyl, the unique piano/painting duo from CT, are in the midst of their most ambitious tour to date: breaking the world record for "Fastest to Play a Concert in Each of the 50 States" - a feat they will accomplish in 45 days!  Cali Commons is honored to be the Nebraska stop on the tour, Tuesday, March 19 at 8:00 p.m.

Pocket Vinyl's live show consists of a one man piano band performing songs about death, sex,...
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Update:  This event is still on! We will also be scheduling at least one more showing, so if the weather keeps you away today, you’ll still have a chance to see the film.  Please be aware that parking may be an issue - we don’t have a parking lot, and the streets are very full of snow. If you decide to venture out, please be careful. See you soon (or later)!

Join us for our second FREE screening of the Meow Wolf:...
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Laura Simpson
OPENING NIGHT 2/9 - 5-9pm | On Exhibit 2/9 3/6

is an installation made up of photographs, notes, collected objects, and stacked air-mattresses. The idea for the project came to me in the wee-hours of the morning in the midst of a somewhat sleepless night as I laid awake worrying where I’d be living the following week. I’d failed to plan living arrangements under the stress of my approaching thesis...
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UNCOMMON Gallery presents: IS IT MEME YOU'RE LOOKING FOR? a group exhibition
OPENING NIGHT 1/19 - 5-9pm | On Exhibit 1/19 thru 2/2

ABOUT THE EXHIBIT:
Are memes art? Come debate, laugh, & enjoy some memes created by creatives whom use the format to express & connect themselves w/ their audiences via the internet.
DISCLAIMER: This exhibit contains content that may not be suitable for people under 18, but so is most of the...
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Our next exhibit opening in Janurary is a group show of memes, IS IT MEME YOU'RE LOOKING FOR?
We are still excepting submissions (thru JAN 5th) if you'd like to be considered.
Any artists or memesters are welcome to submit from all over the world!

Click to submit up to 5 original memes!!
The second UNCOMMON Gallery installation
OPENING NIGHT 12/15 - 5-9pm | On Exhibit 12/15 thru 1/5

ABOUT THE EXHIBIT:

This piece is a deeply personal project for me and part of a larger body of work I will be building and showing throughout the next year. (featuring photography by Marc Emanuel)
"When I was a child, my father took a position at an elder care facility. For a period of time, maybe it was off and on, he worked...
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Last week I interviewed Zach Willard (ZWAIN) about his exhibit, THE THINGS YOU ARE SEEING AREN'T REAL, that opened on 11/10/18 (this week is the last week to stop by to check it out; e-mail cousestudio@gmail.com if you'd like to setup a viewing appointment).

















 
The first UNCOMMON Gallery installation
OPENING NIGHT 11/10 - 5-9pm | On Exhibit 11/10 thru 11/30

ABOUT THE EXHIBIT:
Hundreds of 4x6 heat-print labels are used to make large pieces by ZWIAN for this installation. In addition there will be a unique projection and television art that you won't want to miss!

ABOUT ZWIAN:
Zach Willard is a nerd and Omahan artist who makes digital, glitch, and video art.
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LIVE music at Cali Commons!
Saturday, October 20
8:00 p.m.

Pocket Vinyl is a duo from New London, CT consisting of a one man piano slammer and an on stage painter, who creates a beautiful and unique work of art at every show. The painting is then auctioned off to the highest bidder at the end of the night. Every painting and show is one of a kind.

Opening the show will be Neil Anders, a vocalist/songwriter/guitar genius...
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Coming up at Cali Commons this month... not one, but TWO events highlighting Pocket Vinyl, a musician-painter duo hailing from New London, Connecticut.

Drive. Play. Sleep.
Thursday, October 11 at 7:00 p.m.
Cali Commons is hosting a free showing of the documentary Drive. Play. Sleep.   This film, created by Pocket Vinyl, gives you an inside look at the lives of full-time touring musicians.  It's the true story of every...
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July’s UNCOMMON event will start with a competitive (4ft. x 2ft.) painting session feat. Kelsea Brunner (@kberlu) & Special Guest.
We will end the evening with a collaborative (4ft. x 6ft.) painting feat. both of the participating artists.
DJ Dancin' Hansen will be providing the tunes.
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Most artists usually practice their craft in their own spaces, where an audience is...
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June’s UNCOMMON event will start with a competitive (4ft. x 2ft.) painting featuring 2 local artists yet to be determined. 
We will end the evening with a collaborative (4ft. x 6ft.) painting featuring the two artists
DJ Dancin' Hansen will be providing the tunes.
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Most artists usually practice their craft in their own spaces, where an audience is uninvolved. By inviting the...
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Ever wondered what it would be like to work on one painting with a group of people? Here is your chance to create something unique by combining your vision with that of others! This is an open painting meaning that anyone can show up, hang out and paint at will!

Tuesday June 12th from 5-7 PM at Cali commons.

See you there!
Welcome to the Sound Explorers' Club, a workshop and discussion group for all audible content. This is a forum for sharing any audio ideas or samples, including music, sound design, found sound, podcasts, recorded fiction, poetry, or radio drama, etc.

Guests have a chance to devlelop their work, learn from others in the field, or seek new collaborative opportunities. Bring some clips for this initial meeting if you...
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May’s UNCOMMON event will start with a competitive (4ft. x 2ft.) painting session feat. Gerard Pefung & TBA

We will end the evening with a collaborative (4ft. x 6ft.) painting between the two artists.

DJ Dancin' Hansen will be providing the tunes.
 
Saturday May 15th from 5-9pm at Cali Commons.

Most artists usually practice their craft in their own spaces, where an audience is uninvolved. By inviting the community to...
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Finally a chance to learn Italian and it won't even cost you a dime!

Sara will be holding a 2 hour learning session where she will teach you the sentences you need to know to get around Italy looking like a pro!

Tuesday, May 15th from 5-7pm at Cali Commons.

Don't miss out on this opportunity to learn a new language!


Come celebrate World Laughter Day with an extra special Laughter Wellness session in honor of the holiday!

Sunday, May 6, 2018, 2:00 - 3:00 p.m.
Cali Commons, 518 N 40th St., Omaha, NE  68131
Facebook Event Page

Not sure what to expect?  Check out our FAQ!
You're invited. (See event on Facebook.)

Please join Nyok Kuoiloi on March 10th at the Loves Jazz and Arts Center, 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm. 

(See Below List of Sponsors)


Special thanks to Nyok's supporters and event sponsors.
Preston Love Jr
Ben Gray
Maurice Jones
Sharif Liwaru
Tut Keat
James Ladu
Hassan Omar
Chidi I Aloziem
Brenda Council
Roger Garcia
Korey Taylor
Marjorie & Scott Shriver
Matt Allen
Francis Jor
Laura...
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The Explorers Loop is a process framework for taking any project or idea forward.  
 
Rules

1.) Choose any make or reflect action spot to begin.
  I'd pick whatever feels most natural in a given situation.
 
2.) Then follow the loop around, stopping at each point along the way (even if it’s just for a few moments). 
If you don’t know where to begin -- ‘Use’ and ‘Imagine’ can usually get you un-stuck. 

3.) Come back...
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At Cali Commons we are launching a new member program, called the Uncommon Core.  You may have seen something about it online, or in this article in the recent issue of B2B magazine

We'd like to take this opportunity to invite you to come learn more, all February at Cali Commons.

Who is this community for? Creative collaborators / producers - designers - makers - artists - entreprenuers - performers - musicians -...

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WE ARE SEEKING LOCAL ARTISTS, MUSICIANS, DESIGNERS, MAKERS, PERFORMERS AND POLYMATHS. WE NEED YOU TO HELP START A LOCAL RENAISSANCE!

Discover a community project unlike any before.
Cali Commons is built for the uncommonly creative, it’s a creativity incubator and an idea marketplace.

Join early! Help us design our shared space, get excited about your new future. Download the sharable/printable flyer!

Want to feel...
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HELP YOUR LOCAL ARTISTS, MUSICIANS, DESIGNERS, MAKERS, PERFORMERS AND POLYMATHS. WE NEED YOU TO HELP START A LOCAL RENAISSANCE!
 
Support a community project unlike any before. Cali Commons is built for the uncommonly creative, it’s a creativity incubator and an idea marketplace.
 
We need you now! Help us make our shared space a reality, get excited about a brighter future lled with community supported...
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Click below to make a tax-deductible donation in support of Cali Commons!  Your gift will be used to support everything we do to help artists in our community.



One of our earliest community members Nyok is promoting his first official event at Cali Commons next Saturday.  Stop by to learn about his candidacy or help him out!

Nyok is forming his message to the community; that is to students, their families, and tax-payers. Please come meet and speak with Nyok Kuoiloi, your candidate for Metropolitan Community College Board of Governors. One of Nyok's top priorities will be to...
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Nyok Kuoiloi is an experienced advocate, activist, and youth mentor, has work as an AmeriCorps Vista fighting to free low income families from the chain of poverty through education and healthcare services for underserved and marginalized communities.

ABOUT NYOK

Nyok Kuoiloi is a curious millennial, emerging leader and a believer in multiculturalism. He is a former refugee from Sudan. Nyok was raised by a...

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Hypothesis: Many of our life's rough edges (emotional inefficiencies, pain, frustration, anger) begin with the interruption of our intention, focus or experience of life. 

Most of a persons experience is made of segments of the past, rolled up into a story of one's self.  If we think of the experience of a single day as the time between sleep cycles (instead of an actual 24 hour day), then we can never effect the...
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One of the challenges of exploring so many different spaces is that it can get confusing about just who you are, and what you are selling.  In 2018 I'm trying to separate out my personal projects from my professional ones and just re-organize my life.  At least from a communication stand point.

LucLuke is an attempt at that.  A few years back I took a trip to Peru, during that adventure I was given a new name Luc...
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If you didn't get a chance to read about our new membership program in the latest issue of Omaha B2B Magazine make sure you take a few minutes to check it out.  The article is titled, "Providing Uncommon Creatives a Common Community."  

Read the full article
Luke provides a quick update about where Cali Commons is headed in 2018.
Luke Armstrong (aka Luc Amstrong)
Omaha, NE

Downloads: Professional resumeCurriculum Vitae

Recent Work Experience

Designer / Strategic Director / Founder
RenMind (Aug 2010 – Present)
 
RenMind started as a solo project, but has expanded to include a collective of polymaths.  Most often we design and develop custom web solutions for organizations. In 2014, we started combining several of our R&D projects into a...
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For the uncommonly creative -- artists, performers, designers, innovators, multipotentialites, and entreprenuers in the community, we offer:

Uncommon Core Membership - $90/mo.
• Community Channel at CaliCommons.net/name
 Access to our event and production spaces (performance / interview space / workshop)
Internet / Utilities Included
Keycode Access
Kitchenette
Bathroom
Coffee / Tea / Refreshments

Uncommon...
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Cali Commons is built for the uncommonly creative, it’s a creativity incubator and an idea marketplace.  We struggle with what to call ourselves, how to define the WHO we are looking for.   Well last week we stumbled on a TED talk that really speaks to our Uncommon Core.  The idea is multipotentiality and it's a term brought to life by Emilie Wapnick in this Ted Talk.

In 1972, R.H. Frederickson et al. defined a...
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Join us for two sessions on our upcoming membership model.

Wednesday, December 6th and 13th
6-9PM
Cali Commons - 518 N 40th St. - Omaha, NE 68131

We will be sharing our progress at Cali Commons pre-launch, and want to know how we can help you. We've been working hard to format a model to help streamline business involvement with artists' work. Learn how you can get involved and bring some ideas. Light snacks and drinks...
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Hey everyone!
 
Don't miss out on our next event, there will be collaborative and competitive painting in addition to music provided by DJ Dancin Hansen!
 
Join us Saturday the 18th from 3pm-9pm at 518 N 40th st.
 
See you at Cali Commons!
Due to last month's great turnout, we're back with Idea Jam for November! Same time, same place, new ideas!

Join us each Wednesday in November from 6-9PM to share ideas, hear stories, and collaborate with some awesome people! Light snacks and beverages will be provided!

See you at Cali Commons!
Happy Monday!

This week, we continue our weekly Idea Jam on Wednesday, Oct. 11th, from 6-9PM. If you have an idea for something you want to work on, explore, or share, come get some feedback on it. Meet up with new people and hear other ideas too!

Light snacks and beverages are provided. 

Don't forget about Molly's Free Laughter Sessions on Sunday at 2PM! Find more info here.

We'll see you...
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Hey Omaha!

Join us each week of October to explore your ideas, share your stories, & collaborate with other creative people.

The Idea Jam will be happening every Wednesday from 6-9pm this month at 518 N 40th St. in Omaha.

Light snacks & beverages will be provided, as well as tons of fun!


Join us if you can, we'd love to see you!

Link to Facebook Event Page: Idea Jam


Unlike the endeavors of theatre artists and musicians, visual artists are rarely known for working collaboratively. Luke Armstrong and Molly Nicklin break the mold with their “cooperative art” in which both artists play an important part in creation. For them, painting becomes an “unspoken connection”, a silent conversation on canvas between two artists – partners in vision and partners in life.
 
“Sometimes we take...
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Join us this Wednesday (09/27) for our last Happy Hour! We'll be gathering from 5-8PM at Cali Commons.

There will be snacks, there will be drinks, and there will be fun! Art and Knockerballs is always included.

See you then!
We can define spaces for exploration. The echoes of the past are continuously recontextualized for the future. We build on our stories, on our understandings of what is and was. We learn from our experiences. We sometimes borrow from our interactions, from those traits we find endearing in others and the opposite too. Perhaps a mirror is transparent and we pass through every night into another layer of the same...
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Come celebrate Cali Commons's 4th birthday with an afternoon/evening of live paintings, music, food/beverages, and cat caricatures!

Saturday, 9/23/17 from 3-9pm!

This FREE event will start with a competitive (4ft. x 2ft.) painting session between Cali Common's own Luke Armstrong & Molly Nicklin. We will end the evening with a collaborative (4ft. x 6ft.) painting between anyone interested in participating; (painting...
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Luke Luc presents: EMERGENT COMPLEXITIES IN INFINITE SPACES
[Mini-exhibit & Artist talk (@ 6:30)]


Artist Statement

"We can define spaces for exploration. The echoes of the past are continuously recontextualized for the future. We build on our stories, on our understandings of what is and was. We learn from our experiences. We sometimes borrow from our interactions, from those traits we find endearing in others and the...
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When was the last time you took your eyes off the computer screen? Probably longer than recommended. Cali Commons is hosting a Happy Hour Wednesday, 08/30, from 5-8PM!

Meet the community, unwind for the night, and see what we are up to! We'll have our Knockerballs set up along with snacks and beverages! See you here!

*Parking available along 40th street!
Join Cali Commons for Networking Night! Wednesday, August 9th from 6-9PM!

Be sure to unwind after work and socialize before summer ends! We'll have snacks and drinks, and we'll set up our Knockerballs game-set to shoot around. See you Wednesday!
I’m going to talk with you about a problem that doesn’t seem like a problem. I’m going to talk with you about your relationship with time. Here’s a question you probably don’t ask yourself.  
 
Does time work for you?
 
We generally think of time as a fixed, established system.  We look at our very accurate phones and the time is given to us.  But it wasn’t always this way.
 
Brief History of time.  Sundials, clocks...
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Cali Commons is opening the space for the public! Come learn about who we are and what we do! We can tell you about our services and how we can help you. 

Meet other business owners and artists, take a look at the gallery, and play a couple rounds of Knockerballs while you are here! 

We bring the pizza. You bring the beer. See you this Friday! 

RSVP on Facebook!
*Parking available along 40th street

*Coffee and tea also...
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Our modular framing system allows you to mix it up, by changing how your art is displayed as often as you'd like!  Put a new piece on display each day of the week.  You can even bring it back and trade it in when you get tired of a piece and you can get a discount on a whole new concept!

Purchase one directly

Each original piece of art (made by a local artist) is $150, and includes the frame and hardware to hang...

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Stop by Cali Commons during our new office hours! We are relaunching with new products and services for art lovers, artists, and local businesses.

Monday-Saturday
3:00-7:00p.m.
Cali Commons - 518 N 40th Street

Look out for our events 7:00-9:00p.m. during the week too! Stay updated!

What's new?

Cali Commons will help you launch your local business. Our diverse team will provide:

  • An all-in-one website and an email...
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We are working on building the artist community. Our mission is to help artists by making the collection process easier.

Learn more about the Collectors Club!

Please fill out the following form to recieve notifications about upcoming shows and opportunities to sell your art at Cali Commons.
 
 
 
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We are looking for early-stage businesses. We want to help get you started and see if we can't help you get traction!

Get more info!

Please fill out the following form to receive notifications about upcoming shows and opportunities to sell your art at Cali Commons.

 
 
 
Howdy

We are working on building a community for artists.  This community will help artists market themselves, while working together on motivation and inspiration.

You are invited!

The following posts were part of an interactive exhibit at the Witter Gallery in Storm Lake, Iowa.

Viewers in the gallery started at the painting pictured above, then moved through the gallery and scrolled through this website to see time lapse videos of the paintings in the gallery being made.

pictured:
Cali Commons Collection A [CC.A]
Luke Armstrong and Molly Nicklin
Mixed Media on Masonite
$250
We did this painting in June 2016.  It was the first painting done on our wall mounted easels at Cali Commons.  As you can see in the video, we painted it one way, and ended up hanging it on the wall "upside down."  


Conversation One [RC.01 06.05.16]
Luke Armstrong and Molly Nicklin
Mixed Media on Masonite
$1,000
Conversation Two [RC.02 02.04.17]
Luke Armstrong and Molly Nicklin
Mixed Media on Masonite
$1,000
Conversation Three [RC.03 02.08.17]
Luke Armstrong and Molly Nicklin
Mixed Media on Masonite
$1,000
Conversation Four [RC.04 02.09.17]
Luke Armstrong and Molly Nicklin
Mixed Media on Masonite
$1,000
We will post a video to accompany this painting soon.

Conversation Five [RC.05 02.11.17]
Luke Armstrong and Molly Nicklin
Mixed Media on Masonite
$1,000
Conversation Six [RC.06 02.12.17]
Luke Armstrong and Molly Nicklin
Mixed Media on Masonite
$1,000
On February 19, 2017, we created these paintings during the cocktail hour of the Omaha Entertainment and Arts Awards.

OEA Awards One and Two [OEAA.1-2 02.20.17]
Luke Armstrong and Molly Nicklin
Mixed Media on Masonite
$350 each, or $600 for the pair
Conversation Seven [RC.07 02.14.17]
Luke Armstrong and Molly Nicklin
Mixed Media on Masonite
$1,000
Conversation Eight [RC.08 02.16.17]
Luke Armstrong and Molly Nicklin
Mixed Media on Masonite
$1,000
Conversation Nine [RC.09 02.18.17]
Luke Armstrong and Molly Nicklin
Mixed Media on Masonite
$1,000
More info and an image to come...

Cali Commons Collection B [CC.B]
Luke Armstrong and Molly Nicklin
Mixed Media on Masonite
$400
Conversation Ten [RC.10 02.22.17]
Luke Armstrong and Molly Nicklin
Mixed Media on Masonite
$1,000
These paintings were created in front of a live audience outside the Benson Theatre for Omaha Gives!

Benson Theatre Project One and Two [BTP.1-2 05-20-16]
Luke Armstrong and Molly Nicklin
Mixed Media on Masonite
$350 each, or $600 for the pair
The Cali Commons art gallery is open each Saturday from 3pm-7pm, with a special activity each week at 4pm.
 
Featured Artist
A featured artist will be in the gallery, working on their next project and talking to you about their work.  The specifics will vary for each artist, so keep an eye out for details each month.

Still Life Drawing
Come out and sketch a still life in the gallery. Work on techniques like shape,...
Here are details from a few of our past events.

June 2016 - Jolslyn Castle Neighborhood Association Performance
We are painting live at Clarkson Park (basically 42nd St just a half block North of Dodge). Stop by and say hi if you are in the neighborhood, two lucky JCNA members will win a painting. We will start around 5pm and go until 6 or 6:30.

March 2014 - Benson First Friday w/ The Love Technicians
Benson...
Buying art as a gift can be difficult - will they like what you pick?

That's why we've created the Cali Commons holiday special!

From November 26 through December 17, 2016, all artwork in our Swap Frames is just $100, plus you get a free trade coupon. That means if they don't love what you picked, they can bring it in and trade it for a different piece.

Stop in during our open hours - Saturdays from 11:00 a.m. - 3:00...
What if time was more personal?  What if we had a new digital calendar that let us abstract our own time but easily convert it to other peoples time scales.
 
Each day you get wake up call at correct time

Day #265
Moon cycle #8
 
Standard calendar equivalent 
Wednesday August 24

You could also augment time so that you could operate around things like light cycles.
 
Waking time (sunrise) 7:23am (wake-up becomes...
I'm hard at work, working on the first offering for these perspective filters.  Stay tuned for the official news!

And while you wait, here's the note I'm planning to send with each purchased pair:

Greetings Explorer!
 
Thanks for purchasing a prototype pair of Luc Amstrong's Perspective Filters.  These "Perspective Filters" are designed to temporarily alter how the wearer perceives reality.  When you put them on,...
ONE NIGHT ONLY!
Friday, May 20, 2016
6:00 - 10:00 p.m.
Cali Commons - 518 N 40th St, Omaha

Random Arts Omaha presents PAPER: a group show featuring 30 local artists.  Each artist has created works on 11 x 11" paper, which will be displayed in the new Cali Commons Swap frames.

All works will be sold for $100, and include the frame and hanging hardware.

Learn more at the Facebook Event Page.

We’ve been a bit quiet here at Cali Commons…  But we’ve been busy behind the scenes, making some exciting plans for 2016!  I don’t want to ruin the surprise, but I will tell you it involves demolition, construction, and a brand new model for the art gallery.

Stay tuned to this site, or our Facebook and Twitter pages for more!

Happy New Year!
Luke and Molly

Friday, November 13, join us for Brad Abboud’s Lucky 13 Art Show, 7:00 – 10:00 p.m.  More details on Facebook…

See a sneak preview video here!

Molly Nicklin presents a three part series titled Chalk and Charcoal.  The show will be up at the Cali Commons gallery throughout the month of September.  An artist reception will take place Saturday, September 12 from 6:00 – 9:00 p.m.

Art influences the world, encouraging us at each impression to wait, slow down, and stop for a moment.  These interruptions allow a viewer the opportunity to appreciate, examine,...

Sunday, August 9th
4:00 – 6:00 p.m.
Cali Commons

Join us outside Cali Commons for the unveiling of the Joslyn Castle Neighborhood Association’s Little Free Library.

Immediately following, head inside for the opening reception of Kelsey Magnuson’s photography show, Body Memory.

Kelsey describes her thought process behind the project: “In this series, Body Memory, I first began with the idea of place...

Sunday, August 2nd, 2:00 – 4:00 p.m.
Cali Commons – 518 N 40th St, Omaha

Join us for a FREE class taught by Laura Phares Black.  We’ll go over the basic strokes of Swedish massage, their applications and benefits.  You’ll learn proper body mechanics for giving a massage at home.

Class size is limited – RSVP required at info@calicommons.com.  Bring a yoga mat, a towel, and a massage partner.

Laura...

In June, Cali Commons presents the work of three local artists: Sarah McWilliams, Rick Merwin, and Jason H. Smith.

An Artist Reception will take place Saturday, June 13 from 6:00 – 9:00 p.m.

The gallery is also open by appointment – just send an email to info@calicommons.com to make arrangements.

Sarah McWilliams creates texturized acrylics on canvas with the valued kinesthetic tool of a palette knife. Her...

Brian Joseph Tait’s work is all by-products of the prevalent punk attitude and the observations he’s made of the world around him.  He collected fast food bags from trash cans and random people’s cars, and waste wood from the streets to create the assailants. Tait is interested in the guilt/fear dynamic associated with fast food, what we eat, and the waste from it. In this show he’s created different versions of...

Sunday, April 19
Noon to 4:00 p.m. – Come to Cali Commons to create your masterpiece!
1:00 and 3:00 – Guided training sessions

Saturday, April 25
4:00 – 8:00 p.m. – Artist Reception

Cost
$20 for adults, and $10 for children 12 and under

Stop by anytime from Noon until 4:00 p.m. on Sunday, April 19 to create a piece of artwork.  The cost is $20 for adults and $10 for children 12 and...

Luke Armstrong’s latest show is a continuation of his 2014 show, titled Art is for Everyone.  The work in this new show builds on the concepts started last year, but is informed and influenced by Luke’s mind-opening trip to Peru.  This trip marked the end of Luke’s first phase of life – the learning phase (which is followed by the doing phase, and finally the sharing phase).  Luke wanted one final exploration to...

Hosted at your local Cali Commons Located 518 N 40th st (Near Midtown). This event gives people the chance to come out and speak their word on any topic of their choice – Poetic & Real Spill Performance. You will be surrounded by a non judgmental environment and you will submit how long you speak. Beverages and food will also be available.

It all happens Wednesday, February 11.  Doors open at 7:00, and speaking...

Join us for a special holiday group sale, featuring affordable works of art and handmade crafts by local artists. Paintings, note cards, magnets, drawings, photography, jewelry, mixed media pieces and more. From stocking stuffers to artwork that will be treasured for years to come, there is something for everyone on your list!

Bonus! We’ll be raffling off a special painting. Get one ticket free when you...

“My paintings carry the spirit of childhood fear, fantasy and story-telling. I like thinking about the things lurking in the corner of our minds, the things that scare us or drive our behavior but that we push to the side,” said artist Victoria Hoyt.

She said her work is fantastical in the sense that it’s all made up. Hoyt doesn’t work from pictures or pop cultural references. She observes a lot, writes things...

“I’ve always had an eye for art and colors. I love looking at how things collaborate and match with each other,” said Willie Miller.

Miller said he takes inspiration from his family and his surroundings. Both things affect his art. He said his work really speaks to what is going on in his life specifically.

He likes to draw cartoons and does caricatures and airbrush art. His airbrush art will be the main...

George Garrett III has always been interested in creating art. He said his first foray into drawing came at the age of four years old.

“I was scribbling on a piece of paper in the living room and I noticed the picture I drew looked like Fred Flintsone,” remembers Garrett.

He said his dad looked at the picture and agreed it did look like Fred Flintstone. After that, Garrett drew another picture and then another...

We are currently planning the next big event! Stay tuned!

When he was a kid, artist James Bundy really wanted to be a paleontologist. He wanted to create a time machine and travel back to see the saber tooth tigers, mastodons and cavemen.

Is it any wonder then that as he grew older and left that dream behind he found himself drawn to book cover illustrations of pulp versions of Conan the Barbarian and Tarzan? Artist Frank Frezetta was a huge inspiration for...

Brad Abboud is rocking a house party at the drop of a hat with his Paul’s Boutique show

Roughly 2 years ago artist Brad Abboud was listening to music while he was painting. This wasn’t out of the ordinary by any means, but for some reason the creative muse struck and he determined that he must do a series of paintings based on an album.

Lucky for all of us, he chose the Beastie Boys classic “Paul’s...

Growing up in Iowa, surrounded by a family who concentrated on pursuing careers in medicine, it is surprising Maria Wolpert grew up to become interested in traditional and digital art. Influenced by her mom’s love for the Peanuts characters from a young age, the first things Maria loved to draw were Charlie Brown and his beloved dog, Snoopy.

Soon after starting high school, Maria started focusing more on...

In a society that’s more apt to have its collective face buried in their phone, tablet, or laptop, you’ll find Steve Hill intensely bent over a sheet of 3-ply Bristol board with a quill-tip pen and bottle of India ink. Content to be one of the final holdouts in today’s digital world, Steve keeps the art of hand-drawing alive.

His life as a cartoonist began at age 12, and he’s quick to mention that he didn’t...

Fourteen years ago, Brian Gennardo – who bears an uncanny resemblance to a young Tom Waits – had car trouble and got stuck in Omaha on his way to Vancouver. When people asked, he told them he was just passing through. This went on for about a year. He took a job at the Med Center working with developmentally disabled kids. His goal was to work until his first paycheck, and then continue his journey to...

Art that makes an impact doesn’t typically come from easy, comfortable parts of life. Every artist strives to create meaningful pieces that touch the viewer, causing a lasting impression. Usually that means connecting through mutual strife. Everyone has experienced anxiety in their life, whether situational or as a daily trial. Neil Orians shares his personal battle with anxiety in his upcoming show, aptly titled...

We’re all on a journey, but most of us would be apprehensive to show the world what it’s taken to get where we are today. This is not the case for Ronal Boone.

Ronal’s upcoming art show, “The Journey” promises to be an emotionally-driven, intimate look into what’s made him the man he is today.

His journey so far has spanned geography (from Virginia, to Texas, to Nebraska) as well as emotions in the forms of...

Josh Schmidt says his passion for art began in high school, and we’re so glad he kept it going. His flair for the unique makes him one of the most exciting and innovative artists around.

Currently working on a degree in art and marketing, he still finds time to do the things that don’t require schooling, getting an emphasis in life from what he likes. From watercolor to photography to charcoal, his style is...

Change Paces is an experimental, arty game that blends tech and real life.

When you press play, the game provides you with prompts... different paces for you operate during your life.

It's meant to be an experimental exercise, a self directed ritual. A kind of meditation or awareness you are building. If you can understand how your pace effects your experience, then you've got another lever in a self directed,...

Handmade art for you, your home & garden

When:
Saturday, May 3rd from 9am-3pm
Where: Here at Cali Commons (518 N. 40th St.)

Perfect Mother’s Day gifts!  Unique jewelry, photography, fiber art, birdhouses, garden art, “peace love & justice” flags, baskets & bowls, cards, wall art, barnwood trays, stained glass, fairy garden pots, miniature plants, hostas, perennial...

Come join us on  Thursday April 17th anytime between 5-10pm.  Year of the Startup will share their organizational mission all while throwing a good party with live music, a keg or two, networking, and a food truck.

Who is Year of the Startup? Year of the Startup is a breakthrough model for economic and community development. We are providing free and shared housing for aspiring/early stage entrepreneurs. The...

When you hear about a female artist presenting a show based on her journey into personal acceptance, your first thought probably runs toward that of angst-y, heartbreak-riddled puzzles the likes of which Fiona Apple would be proud. That is until you meet the disarmingly bright and charming Sarah Fettin. Turning the concept of self-exploration on its ear, her show “Imprinted Truth: One Girl’s Journey Into Finding...

The idea of artistic exploration deals with challenging societal norms and expressing yourself through your own creative process. Unfortunately, many people believe art is out of reach, too distant, exclusionary. Local artist Luke Armstrong wants to dispel these notions with his upcoming show “ART IS FOR EVERYONE”. It’s not just an opportunity to show his works but also a way to engage a variety of people no matter...

When: Saturday, February 8th from 7:00 – 10:00 p.m.
Where: Cali Commons, 518 N 40th St (on the southwest corner of 40th and California)

What:  Come see a new (but temporary) mural by Luke and Molly (and friends), plus a sampling of our other work. You’ll also have the chance to participate in our crowdfunding project by buying art and other things at great prices, while helping us raise the capital needed to...

Here at Cali Commons, we are excited to show [forty ten], an exhibit collected from eight student artists from the University of Nebraska-Omaha art program.  Ronal Boone, Cameron Conlon, Kelli McDanal, Nathan Merill, Zachary Nutt, Heather Peebles, Lillian VandenBussche, and Maureen Wilde are all presenting works, which show their unique view on what art is.

Each student is in the process of a Professional...

Megan Thomas doesn’t see the everyday as mundane. What may go overlooked has its own value and a role in our daily lives. Every painting of a family member, friend or even a typically overlooked object tells a story, and what may seem uninteresting is anything but.

Her show at Cali Commons Saturday night contains pieces spanning her career and displays an artist interpreting the everyday into still life...

“I am interested in magnifying the ordinary and the overlooked,” is the general idea of all of my work.

Progress by Megan Thomas 

When: Saturday November 2, 2013
Time: 7-10pm
Where: Cali Commons @ 40th & California St
Address: 518 North 40th St., Omaha, NE 68131

Progress is to move forward or onward in space and time. This show is a mixture of the paintings I’ve done since 2004. Static images, still...