Long live the arts
We're building up a Greeley community known for the vitality of its arts and culture, where every artist has a path to a lasting creative career.
MEL CALDERONOur mission
The Greeley Creative District advances arts and culture within the district by equipping local artists for a sustainable creative life—through advocacy, funding, programming, and long-term stewardship—and strengthening the district’s identity as a center for arts and culture.
Who we are
The Greeley Creative District is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit established in 2012.
We've been a state-certified Creative District since 2014, one of many across Colorado, with boundaries spanning Downtown Greeley and the University of Northern Colorado district.
What we do
We advocate for artists and creative businesses in the district, fund and support creative programming here, and steward the GCAC where much of that work comes to life. Our work is amplified through our investment in longterm partnerships with the City of Greeley, Colorado Creative Industries, and other civic partners.
Our commitment
We hold to the belief that creative expression thrives best in an environment in which it is free to be its full and authentic self. As such, we value differences and are committed to amplifying diverse voices and perspectives in all that we do. We believe that doing so helps us ensure inclusion across race, gender, age, religion, ability, ethnicity, identity, and experience.
Creating an environment and culture where everyone, from any background, can do their best work is both the right thing to do and the smart thing to do, and will position our community to be its best.
Read the 2025–2030 Strategic Plan
Read the 2025 Annual Report
Board Members
Becky Safarik, Chair
Creative, Retired City of Greeley
Dan England, Board Member
Freelance Writer, Editor, Ultrarunning Coach
Shelly Gaza, Co-Vice Chair
UNC School of Performing and Visual Arts
Karen Baumgartner, Secretary
Greeley Downtown Development Authority
Andy Nagel, Treasurer
Owner Mirage Productions
Kacie Atchison, Board Member
Freelance Designer, Visual Artist & Craft Beertender
Cree Carrico, Board Member
Opera Singer, Actress, Small Business Owner
Alonzo Harrison, Board Member
Visual Artist, Craft Beertender
Jessica Marshall, Board Member
Co-Owner Makers Mercantile & Studio, Greeley Native Creative
Megan McBride-Kennedy, Board Member
Henna Artist, Yoga Instructor, Artist, Student
Sandy Shakti Myers, Board Member
Artist, Creator, Maker, Dancer, Teacher
Harmony Newman, Board Member
UNC Department of Sociology, Moxi Subscriber, World Traveler
Dale Pratt, Board Member
UNC Chief Financial Officer
This could be you!
We strive to build a Board of Directors that reflects both the skills needed to support a thriving nonprofit, as well as the diverse identities and perspectives of Greeley’s community. We conduct board recruitment cycles twice a year, in the spring and fall, and each cycle is shaped by the specific needs and gaps in representation at that time.
If you would like to learn more about joining the Greeley Creative District Board of Directors, the first step is to fill out our interest form.
Staff
Becca Vaclavik, Executive Director
Arts Advocate, Leader, PR Pro & Performer
Dana Buckingham, Marketing Manager
Artist, Designer, Former Art Teacher
Beyna Taylor, Events & Engagement Manager
Francesca Lujan, Programs & Education Manager
Annual support provided by
