Willa Cather Foundation Events

University of Nebraska-Kearney professor of art foundations, photography, and design Derrick Burbul closes out our summer gallery roster with selections from his Myths of the West series. Join us on Friday, September 5, at 5:00 p.m. for a free artist reception!

We look forward to welcoming Kansas artist Laura Mead and her dream-like botanical prints to the Red Cloud Opera House Gallery this autumn. The works on display, whether printed on paper, polymer clay, or silk, are more than just a representation of the prairie; instead, they are created by and with native prairie plants that are grown and hand-selected for use by the artist, on her own acreage.

Help us welcome three writers from our first Willa Cather Residency for Writers cohort as they share recent publications! Joanna Biggs, Richard Scott Larson, and Kirsten Sundberg Lunstrum will all read excerpts from their books as they reflect on their unique writers in residence experiences. 

Kansas artist Laura Mead will teach the secrets of botanical printing on textiles during a 1-day workshop. Participants will partake in plant selection at the Willa Cather Memorial Prairie and learn the techniques that Mead uses to create her beautiful artwork.

Our second writers cohort will share from their work-in-progress. This free event will also feature reflections and conversation from our panel of five writers!

Have you ever wondered what inspired some of the most morbid and disturbing moments in Cather's fiction? Are you curious about 19th century funeral practices and medical treatments? Do you want to know more about the true crime experiences of past Red Cloud residents? Join us for a night of exploring Cather's dark side! Due to its subject matter, this tour is for guests age 21 and older.

Have you ever wondered what inspired some of the most morbid and disturbing moments in Cather's fiction? Are you curious about 19th century funeral practices and medical treatments? Do you want to know more about the true crime experiences of past Red Cloud residents? Join us for a night of exploring Cather's dark side! Due to its subject matter, this tour is for guests age 21 and older.

Have you ever wondered what inspired some of the most morbid and disturbing moments in Cather's fiction? Are you curious about 19th century funeral practices and medical treatments? Do you want to know more about the true crime experiences of past Red Cloud residents? Join us for a night of exploring Cather's dark side! Due to its subject matter, this tour is for guests age 21 and older.

Lauren Anderson returns to Nebraska to bring her soulful performance to the Red Cloud Opera House stage! Her earthy yet sharp vocals are a perfect match for the bluesy rock music featured in her shows. Reserve your tickets for this 2025 audience choice show today!

We hope you'll join us in Santa Fe, New Mexico, for a 3-day, 3-night excursion, November 9–12, 2025! We’ll explore the vibrant city center and the best of its historic and arts offerings, while learning about Cather’s time in New Mexico.