Willa Cather Foundation Events

Regional artists Rick Houchin and David Lovekin offer bright and evocative imagery in a new exhibit on view at Hotel Garber.

Scott Kirby's drawings and watercolor paintings are inspired by the American Great Plains. Referred to as an “accidental artist” by Sandpoint Magazine, Kirby began making art at the age of forty. Although the attempts to capture these mostly imagined visions are quite intentional, the origins of Kirby's transition from music to art was, in a way, “accidental,” or unexpected, and his scenes are rooted in a long relationship with the towns and landscapes of the American grasslands.

We are excited to announce Whispers of Home, a solo show featuring the abstract collage and mixed media works of Nebraska artist Susan Hart. 

The National Willa Cather Center invites you to an exclusive preview of our newest exhibition at the historic Burlington Depot, All Aboard: West-Bound Trains in American Culture. Be among the first to experience this immersive reinterpretation of the railway that first opened in 1878.

The National Willa Cather Center invites you to an exclusive preview of our newest exhibition at the historic Burlington Depot, All Aboard: West-Bound Trains in American Culture. Be among the first to experience this immersive reinterpretation of the railway that first opened in 1878.

Mark your calendars for the 71st Annual Willa Cather Spring Conference! Cather's work in dialogue with America 250 present opportunities to consider how we remember people—and nations.

Join us for a production of The Little Mermaid featuring local youth! Deep in the salty water of the Sassafras Sea, there lived a Little Mermaid. In a new version of the age-old tale, lots of music, plot surprises, and humor await the audience.

Join us for a production of The Little Mermaid featuring local youth! Deep in the salty water of the Sassafras Sea, there lived a Little Mermaid. In a new version of the age-old tale, lots of music, plot surprises, and humor await the audience.

Oglala Lakota and Navajo performer Garan Coons returns to the Red Cloud Opera House, this time with his Many Moccasins Dance Troupe! Join us for an unforgettable evening of dance and storytelling accompanied by beautiful music.

You voted, and we listened! 2026 Audience Choice winners Josh Hoyer and Soul Colossal are performing their very first opera house show in what promises to be a foot-stomping Saturday night! Hoyer and his band leave it all on the stage, performing authentic funk, soul, and blues music across the country and the world.