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.

Explore 150 years of music through Kirby's live piano performances of some of America's greats - including Stephen Foster, John Philip Sousa, and the ragtime of Scott Joplin! The music and narratives are accompanied by a video featuring nostalgic archival images from America's past, as well as a special artistic features about Red Cloud!

Join us for an evening of art, poetry, and community! Part of her grassroots Homegrown arts series, 2025-2029 Nebraska State Poet Jewel Rodgers makes her first appearance in Red Cloud to read poems and meet folks in south central Nebraska. Area artists, musicians, and writers are also invited to come and share their own work with others who love fine art and the written word.

Commemorate National Poetry Month and meet two emerging poets of the Great Plains! Join Tyler Jacobs and Samuel Burt for readings of their latest work, including poems from Jacobs’ new book The Weight of Drought, and engage in a discussion with the authors about place-based poetry, their creative processes, and building careers as writers in the 21st century. 

You won’t want to miss a night of beautiful and thought-provoking poetry! This event is free with registration.  

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

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.