Since its kickoff in 2013, the main objective of the Calibraska Arts Initiative has been to form a bridge between California and Nebraska, to inspire and familiarize these two commonly disconnected populations.  

Using creative connections, we are able to bring individuals together who may otherwise never interact.  We are primarily focused on creating two major opportunities: to allow Los Angeles-creative-industry-based artists and students exposure to small-town Nebraska culture and hospitality and, second, to provide access to high-end educational opportunities, mentorship, training, and exposure from Los Angeles creative industries to midwest residents of all ages in western Nebraska.   

Calibraska is the brainchild of CalArts adjunct faculty member and Nebraska native Erica Larsen-Dockray and Vistabeam Wireless Chief Marketing Officer, Monique Larsen.  

In spring 2013, Monique asked Erica, who at the time was in her seventh year of teaching animation in Los Angeles, if she would consider teaching an animation workshop during her summer visit with family back in Scottsbluff, Nebraska.  A few weeks later, Calibraska was born.  

Since that summer, over one hundred students ranging from 5 to 65 years have participated in the animation classes and five students and alumni from the California Institute of the Arts animation programs have visited Scottsbluff for the first time to teach and assist the classes.