Known for his woodwork and furniture craftsmanship, Todd McCollister has had to pivot more than once in his career. With aspirations high, he spent six years seeking fame in New York City. Struggling to be seen, McCollister set out to make a living based on commissions as an independent artist. For years, people told him that his furniture craft was artwork. Over time, he finally believed them.
His work has gone from woodworking to sculpture design, segueing into a series of narrative and nonobjective art installations. In 2014, McCollister moved back to Omaha and continued to make furniture. He settled on the historic Army Quartermaster Depot off of 21st Street and Woolworth Avenue as his woodworking shop and art gallery, opening its doors in 2018. After evaluating his priorities post-pandemic, McCollister rediscovered his true vocation.
“From there, it was an easy step to start making art again. I had some time to make sculpture and I said, ‘Oh my gosh, this is awesome—let’s just focus on this,’” he said…