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CALIBRASKA ARTS INITIATIVE

Where west coast art meets Nebraska flair!

CHECK OUT OUR ANIMATION CLASSES ACROSS THE STATE !

LINCOLN | NORTH PLATTE | SCOTTSBLUFF

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 ABOUT

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.

About
Schedule

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2019 CLASS SCHEDULE

Summer 2019 brings the Calibraska Arts Initiative into a whole new "state"! We are so excited to announce the program will be expanding its offerings to Lincoln and North Platte!

Our new collaborators, Nebraska 4-H Big Red Camps and Mid-Plains Community College are adding 2 new workshops to our summer line up! Check out the details on the camps and how to register below!

Click below to jump to offerings at a certain location

LINCOLN | NORTH PLATTE | SCOTTSBLUFF

LINCOLN, NEBRASKA

WORKSHOP

SUN-FRI

JUNE 9th-14th

Grades

10th-12th

NEBRASKA 4-H BIG RED CAMP SESSION

Discover Animation

AGES: Grades 10th-12th including recent high school graduates

CLASS MAX: 15

COST:

Early Tuition: $600 [ by April 15 ]

Regular Tuition: $650 [ by May 1 ]

Late Tuition: $700 [ after May 1 ]

LOCATION: University of Nebraska East Campus

Home Economics Building

Room 220

1650 N 35th St, Lincoln, NE 68583

INSTRUCTOR: Erica Larsen-Dockray Assisted by Aaron Holmes

 

DESCRIPTION

A truly playful way to learn animation from LA-based animators! In this animation class, students will gain a deep understanding of how to control movement at the frame by frame level both under a camera and in a computer. We will walk through the principles of animation using a variety of animation techniques including optical toys, flipbooks, under camera techniques like clay, paper, as well as basic digital processes. We’ll also watch a variety of animated films both historical and contemporary and talk about how they were made. Taught in collaboration with the Calibraska Arts Initiative by LA Based animators and animation students from Los Angeles, CA. Work from the class will be screened on the “CUBE” in the Lincoln Haymarket. No animation or drawing experience necessary, but a spirit of exploration is required!

WORKSHOP

MON-WEDS

JUNE 17th-19th

12yrs & up

CUBE ANIMATION AND COMPOSITING WORKSHOP

AGES: 12yrs and up (Multi-generational! Adults welcome too)
COST: $150

CLASS MAX:  15 Students
LOCATION:  University of Nebraska East Campus

Home Economics Building

Room 220

1650 N 35th St, Lincoln, NE 68583


INSTRUCTOR(S):  Erica Larsen-Dockray Assisted by Aaron Holmes

DESCRIPTION

A great introduction class to downshooter animation and Adobe After Effects!

 

In the morning, we will play with a variety of ways to create abstract and themed animation under the camera using Dragonframe Software as well as other direct techniques including paper, clay, sand, and more.

Afternoons are dedicated to manipulating the morning's animation in Adobe After Effects as a way to better learn how to composite a variety of time based and still media together to create a plethora of wacky and experimental moving images. Including compositing the work to fit the "CUBE" screen  in the Lincoln Haymarket where it will be screened!!

SCOTTSBLUFF, NEBRASKA

We've designed our first week of classes to have the option to combine for students to have a full day of animation fun from 10a-4pm! Animation 1.0 students are welcome to take our special topics class in the afternoon and Animation 2.0 students can take our morning Special Topics class and stay with us for lunch in between.

Students staying for a whole day will need to bring a lunch. One of our staff will supervise students during the lunch break.

West Nebraska Arts Center Members receive a discount. If you are already a member you can pay your discounted price the day of classes or Visit: http://www.thewnac.com/about-membership to become a member today!

 WE WILL BE GIVING OUT FREE SWAG FROM CALIFORNIA SCHOOLS AND STUDIOS

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BONUS SKYPE SESSIONS THROUGHOUT THE CLASSES WITH LA INDUSTRY PROFESSIONALS

CHECK OUT OUR LINE UP OF VIRTUAL Q&A'S!

Grab a flyer for our Scottsbluff Offerings here:

 

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WORKSHOP

MON-FRI

JUNE 24th-28th

10a-12p

7yrs & up

ANIMATION 1.0 - THE ANIMATION PLAYGROUND

AGES: 7yrs* and up (Multi-generational! Adults welcome too)
COST: $80 -- $70 WNAC Members*

CLASS MAX:  15 Students
LOCATION: 

Dorothy Bronson Gallery

West Nebraska Arts Center

106 East 18th Street

Scottsbluff, NE 69361

INSTRUCTOR(S):  Erica Larsen-Dockray Assisted by Ezra Sky Peterson-Behnen

DESCRIPTION

Play rules in the Animation Playground!  We will cover basic to intermediate concepts of animation so students leave with the understanding of how to make something look “alive”. Principles of animation will be explored using various techniques including optical toys, flip books, draw/scratch on film, sand, stop motion, pixilation and more.
Students will gain a basic understanding of how to control movement at the frame by frame level and utilize the two different processes to plan and execute their animation. No animation or drawing experience necessary, but a spirit of exploration is required!

*Younger students allowed with a paying parent/guardian

Nothing to book at the moment
WORKSHOP

MON-FRI

JUNE 24th-28th

10a-12p

10yrs & up

SPECIAL TOPICS IN ANIMATION - COMICS AND VISUAL DEVELOPMENT

AGES: 10yrs and up (Multi-generational! Adults welcome too)
COST: $80 -- $70 WNAC Members*

CLASS MAX:  20 Students
LOCATION: 

Art Room

West Nebraska Arts Center

106 East 18th Street

Scottsbluff, NE 69361

INSTRUCTOR(S):  Sam Gurry

DESCRIPTION

Before cartoons moved, there were comics. How do they relate? We’ll explore the history of comics and how it developed into animation. Come join us for methods of visual and sequential storytelling, character design, and how to tell a perfect visual joke!

Nothing to book at the moment
WORKSHOP

MON-FRI

JUNE 24th-28th

1-4p

12yrs & up

ANIMATION 2.0 - Storytelling and the Animated Image

AGES: 12yrs* and up (Multi-generational!)
COST: $80 -- $70 WNAC Members*

CLASS MAX:  20 Students (Calibraska Animation 1.0 or 2.0 Prerequisite)
LOCATION: 

West Nebraska Arts Center

106 East 18th Street

Scottsbluff, NE 69361

INSTRUCTOR(S): Sam Gurry

DESCRIPTION

Animation comes at you 24 Frames a second. That's 24 chances every second to tell your story. A beginning, a middle, and an end. We all have a story to tell and here is your chance to do so! We will explore contemporary approaches to animation that embrace storytelling and simplicity. Topics covered will include stop motion animation, basic sound editing, and writing for animation. Emphasis will be placed on accesible materials and providing students with the tools they need to continue creating all throughout the summer.

 

*PRE-REQUISITE: At least 1 class of Animation 1.0 or 2.0

Nothing to book at the moment
WORKSHOP

MON-FRI

JUNE 24th-28th

1p-4p

SPECIAL TOPICS IN ANIMATION - Finding Your Style and Sketchbooks

AGES: 7yrs and up (Multi-generational!)
COST: $80 -- $70 WNAC Members*

CLASS MAX:  20 Students
LOCATION: 

West Nebraska Arts Center

106 East 18th Street

Scottsbluff, NE 69361

INSTRUCTOR(S): TBD

DESCRIPTION

Our special topics in animation classes take place in the art room and are no tech /low tech classes focusing on development, history, and or techniques in animation. They are also a great way to combine classes to "make a day of it" and allow students a full day of animation classes.

This class will focus on developing one's "style" including lots of fun exercises and building up a sketchbook of ideas and drawings!

Nothing to book at the moment
WORKSHOP

MON-WEDS

JULY 1st-3rd

10a-4p

CINEFLIX FILM MAKING CAMP

AGES: 14-18yrs
COST: $150 -- $135 WNAC Members*

CLASS MAX:  15 Students
LOCATION: 

Room 123

Scottsbluff High School

106 East 18th Street

Scottsbluff, NE 69361

INSTRUCTOR(S):  Kwesi Johnson with Mireya Martinez Assisting

DESCRIPTION

Want to be the next Nolan or Duvernay? Have a story inside you you're burning to get out? Love horror, scifi, or rom-coms? You'll learn it all in this course. Learn writing, preproduction, production, and post production as well as crew positions, film theory, camera work, and Adobe Premiere. Students will work in groups creating short films and screen them for the community.

Nothing to book at the moment
WORKSHOP

MON-WEDS

JULY 1st-3rd

10a-4p

ANIMATION CAMP - Character Design and Puppets

AGES: 12yrs* and up (Multi-generational!)
COST: $150 -- $135 WNAC Members*

CLASS MAX:  15 Students
LOCATION: 

Dorothy Bronson Gallery

West Nebraska Arts Center

106 East 18th Street

Scottsbluff, NE 69361

INSTRUCTOR(S):  Sam Gurry

DESCRIPTION

It’s a bird, it’s a plane, it’s alive ! Two dimensional paper puppets have been embraced as storytelling characters since Antiquity. They are thriving today ! Jump into a two dimensional world and create your own characters and scenes to make them come alive through animation. We will explore stop motion animation, basic compositing, and puppet construction. Let’s get animated!

Nothing to book at the moment
WORKSHOP

MON-FRI

JULY 8th-12th

10a-4p

ANIMATION 3.0 - Dialogue and Acting!

AGES: 12yrs* and up (Multi-generational!)
COST: $150 -- $135 WNAC Members*

CLASS MAX:  15 Students (Calibraska Animation 1.0 or 2.0 Prerequisite)
LOCATION: 

West Nebraska Arts Center

106 East 18th Street

Scottsbluff, NE 69361

INSTRUCTOR(S):  Erica Larsen-Dockray, Ezra Sky Peterson-Behnen, Sammy Lamb

DESCRIPTION

This advanced-level class is designed for returning students interested in going deeper in their learning of animation. In this course we will focus on animating dialogue and acting! We will also touch on animation history, theory, production processes and software. Special workshops with studio and independent animators will be taking place throughout our sessions. *PRE-REQUISITE: At least 1 class of Animation 1.0 and 2.0

Nothing to book at the moment

NORTH PLATTE, NEBRASKA

WORKSHOP

MON-FRI

JULY

15th-19th

9:30a-12p

ANIMATION 1.0 - THE ANIMATION PLAYGROUND

AGES: 12yrs and up (Multi-generational!)

COST: $80 -- $70 Prairie Art Center Members

CLASS MAX:  15 Students
LOCATION:

McDonald-Belton 133

Mid-Plains Community College

601 W State Farm Rd

North Platte, NE 69101

INSTRUCTOR(S):  Erica Larsen-Dockray Assisted by Ezra Sky Peterson-Behnen

DESCRIPTION

Play rules in the Animation Playground!  We will cover basic to intermediate concepts of animation so students leave with the understanding of how to make something look “alive”.  Mad Scientists are always welcome!

Lincoln
Scottsbluff
North Platte

2019

PAST CALIBRASKA TEACHING ARTISTS

2018

2017

TEACHING ARTISTS

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CALIBRASKA INSTRUCTORS

Video

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VIDEO

2017 Calibraska Arts Initiative Highlight Reel

2017 Calibraska Arts Initiative Highlight Reel

CONTACT

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CONTACT

ERICA LARSEN-DOCKRAY
Co-Founder & Director
Phone:  308.631.5704
erica@calibraska.org
MICHELE DENTON
WNAC Contact
Phone:  308.632.2226
michele@thewnac.com

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PARTNERS

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Sponsors

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MEDIA

MEDIA
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