National Willa Cather Center News

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Visit this page often for the latest Cather-related news as well as information about the Willa Cather Foundation's programs, collections, and events.

2011 Season Pass

December 5, 2011

The Red Cloud Opera House Announces its 2011 Season of Events!

“Popular Culture” is the theme of the 2011 season of events at the Red Cloud Opera House. Many iconic personas from the 20th century will be highlighted in programs of various genres such as music, photography, theatre, movies, and humanities programs.


Give a Gift of Inspiration this Christmas

December 4, 2011

Willa Cather loved the Holiday season and all that came along with it: delicious food, quality time spent with family and friends, and the giving and receiving of gifts. She treasured it so much that a Christmas scene was an element in many of her stories. Share the joy of this special time of year with your loved ones or friends by gifting unique Cather Christmas gift items.


View "Portraits of the Prairie" Exhibit

November 4, 2011

It is often called "Catherland"-Webster County, Nebraska, where the quintessential American novelist Willa Cather spent her childhood and found inspiration for her stories of European immigrants on the prairie. Richard Schilling, with his watercolor paintings and ink sketches, conducts us to that land, to scenes that might have influenced Cather, but as they appear today.


Preserving Our Past, Pioneering Our Future Challenge a Success

November 1, 2011

The recent Preserving our Past, Pioneering our Future challenge campaign, mounted to provide additional educational and archival programs of the Willa Cather Foundation, has successfully concluded, significantly surpassing its original goal.

The challenge was offered by two anonymous donors who hoped to generate an additional $60,000 in annual support from new and additional gifts in the last five months of 2010. The initiative raised $76,316 and encouraged 201 new donors and 187 previous contributors to join the Foundation.


Writer's Workshop: May 17-20, 2012

October 26, 2011

When Willa Cather received the advice to write about the part of the world she knew best, she turned for inspiration to the Nebraska prairie that affected her youth. Each year, the Willa Cather Foundation is pleased to host a Prairie Writers' Workshop for beginning, aspiring, or experienced writers. The four-day event is held in Red Cloud, Nebraska, where Willa Cather spent her formative years.


Poetry with Matt Mason

September 12, 2011

Poetry Out Loud with Matt Mason

Saturday, September 24 at 7:00 p.m. Free

Poetry Out Loud performer Matt Mason will appear at the Red Cloud Opera House on Saturday, September 24th at 7:00 p.m. The free event is sponsored by the Nebraska Arts Council.


Remembering Our Fallen

September 12, 2011

Remembering Our Fallen . In the gallery September 19-25

A very emotional exhibit, Remembering Our Fallen is on loan from the Strategic Air & Space Museum near Ashland will be on display at the Red Cloud Opera House September 19-25. The exhibit includes photos of the 111 Nebraskans and western Iowans killed during The War on Terror.

“We can never forget those who sacrificed everything for our freedom. We must remember these American Heroes and speak their names when we see their family members,” said Bill Williams, exhibit co-creator.


Leslie Levy appointed Executive Director of Willa Cather Foundation

August 15, 2011

Leslie Campbell Levy appointed Executive Director of the Willa Cather Foundation

Leslie Campbell Levy, Lincoln, Nebraska, was appointed Executive Director of the Willa Cather Foundation effective August 1. “I am exceedingly hopeful that someone as bright, sophisticated and organized as Leslie will serve us well in so many ways, building on our successes arm-in-arm with the strong staff we have in place in Red Cloud,” said Jay Yost, President Emeritus.


Pied Piper

July 11, 2011

The Pied Piper Auditions

Auditions will be held for the Missoula Children's Theatre (MCT) production of THE PIED PIPER will be Monday, August 1st at the Red Cloud Opera House. All those auditioning should arrive at 10:00 a.m. and plan to stay for two hours. Some of the cast members will be asked to stay for a rehearsal immediately following the auditions.