Meet the Executive Board!

George Garrett III is a local artist based in Omaha, Nebraska, dedicated to fostering creativity and community in the arts. He serves as the Executive Director of Cali Commons, a nonprofit art organization, and is the President of the Omaha chapter of ANAC (Association of Nebraska Art Clubs). He also sits on the planning committee for Creative Mornings Omaha, helping to cultivate a vibrant creative network. As the sole proprietor of ArtbyKreation, George showcases his work at the Old Market Artist Cooperative Gallery and is a District Partner of the Castle & Cathedral Art District. He is also a resident artist at the Hot Shops Art Center, further embedding himself in Omaha’s dynamic arts scene. Through his artistic practice and community engagement, George continues to champion opportunities for local and emerging artists.

“Absurdity will sustain us and bad art will save us all.”

Zach Willard is a multimedia artist from Omaha, Nebraska, USA. They have created thousands of animated gif based artworks and are active in exhibiting art locally including installation work. Zach is also active in the noise music community performing under their artist name ZWIAN (Zach W. is a Nerd) and in the local burlesque scene under their alter ego Darius Pucker. Zach’s first solo exhibition was at Cali Commons in 2018, they also assisted with the group show “Is It Meme You’re Looking For?” in 2019. They are enthusiastic to contribute to other artists’ experiences with sharing art through Cali Common’s space and its mission.

Kelli Sweet is a local artist, creative collaborator, and retreat facilitator behind the brands Degrees by Kelli and Hibernate & Create. In addition to her full-time sales role in corporate America, she serves as Secretary of the Board for Cali Commons, a community-focused creative space. You can often find her creating art at the Hot Shops Art Center in Omaha, Nebraska, or off on her next travel adventure.

Gretchen is a lifelong maker with a passion for painting, design, and the occasional carpentry project. She works as a Senior Business Analyst in the corporate world and serves as Treasurer on the Executive Board at Cali Commons, where she helps support a thriving creative community.

Historically her artistic focus is acrylic on canvas, and many of her current projects are functional pieces designed for her home. She also serves on the Equality Fund of the Omaha Community Foundation and is a proud, active member of the Omaha community. When she’s not creating, she enjoys time with her wonderful family and finding new ways to stay involved.

As a member of the Executive Board and the Website Administrator for Cali Commons, Chris Foss combines technical skill with a passion for the arts and community connection. A program manager and engineer by trade, he entered the local arts scene as the light and sound director for a community variety show and as a volunteer coordinator for high school marching band competitions. A writer and arts enthusiast, he is drawn to exhibitions and performances that explore how people experience and express the world around them. His involvement with the gallery enabled a deeper participation in the arts community, including support for events like the Tiny Art Show.