National Willa Cather Center News

Currently on view in the Red Cloud Opera House Gallery is an exhibition by Lincoln artist, Gary Pummel.

Mr. Pummel utilizes a painting technique where both the oil paints and the canvas are kept warm, creating vibrant colors that have a remarkable level of transparency to them. Pummel's artwork has been featured in several galleries throughout the country, and we are thrilled to have him displaying his work in Red Cloud.

Willa Cather's 140th birthday is Saturday, December 7th. As a way of celebrating her place in American culture and raising some financial support for her Foundation, would you consider hosting a party in Willa's honor?

You choose the date--preferably within a month of her birthday--and you choose the kind of party, the number of guests and the amount of donation. For example, a morning coffee with some Cather-related readings and food might be $10-$20, while a plated dinner might be $100. Our office has created a party invitation for you to complete and send to your guests.

The Willa Cather Book Club has begun meeting again! Beginning with O Pioneers! (2013's One Book One Nebraska selection), the group plans to read a variety of Cather material, including letters, nonfiction, and an historical fiction murder mystery by author Sue Hallgarth, based on Cather's time in Grand Manan.

The Willa Cather State Historic Site/Red Cloud Opera House is one of 80 attractions included in the 2013 Nebraska Passport. The program, created by the Nebraska Tourism Commission, encourages travelers to explore Nebraska. Participants collect stamps from participating attractions and then redeem them for prizes.

Who speaks for the experiences of a generation and their impact on the world around them? What experiences help to create a sense of shared identity?

Join the Willa Cather Foundation as we celebrate the birthday of one of the world's foremost authors, Willa Cather! In honor of Cather's 139th birthday on December 7th, the Foundation staff will host afternoon tea at the recently-restored Cather Second Home on December 8th and December 9th, from 3:00 - 4:30 pm. Enjoy elegant pastries, finger sandwiches, and desserts, as well as Cather-inspired entertainment and door prizes.

"There are only two or three human stories, and they go on repeating themselves as fiercely as if they had never happened before." ~ Willa Cather

As we celebrate the 100th publication anniversary of Willa Cather's O Pioneers!, the Willa Cather Foundation is proud to announce the winners of the O Pioneers! Essay Contest. We received a number of excellent submissions and would like to recognize our 11th and 12th grade winners and runners-up: