National Willa Cather Center News
Visit this page often for the latest Cather-related news as well as information about the Willa Cather Foundation's programs, collections, and events.
Register by May 25 to attend the 61st annual Spring Conference
Join us in Red Cloud, for our 61st annual Spring Conference, June 2–4, 2016! As the world remembers the sacrifices made during the Great War, we gather to discuss the war’s impact not only on Cather’s life and war-era writings but on those of her literary contemporaries, as well as the legacy of the war on American culture.
Apply for an Educator Scholarship to Attend the Spring Conference
To further our educational mission, the Willa Cather Foundation has created the High School Educators Scholarship in 2016. Through this program, five high school educators will receive a Spring Conference registration scholarship, so that they may experience the historic sites, the cultural opportunities, and the Cather scholarship that Spring Conference offers. It is our sincere hope that these partnerships will facilitate a dynamic exchange of ideas between Cather scholars and high school educators, upon whom we rely for our next generation of Cather readers.
Association of Nebraska Art Clubs Exhibition
The Red Cloud Area Artists as a part of the Association of Nebraska Art Clubs and the Willa Cather Foundation are pleased to display the “Best of Nebraska,” a statewide traveling art exhibition, on display at the Red Cloud Opera House from February 23 – March 14. Every year the ANAC state competition selects 25 pieces out of 228 entries to be honored by traveling through Nebraska’s galleries. This year was the 51st annual show.
Inaugural Read Across Red Cloud to be held March 2
If you've ever shared a beloved book with another person, you know the joy and excitement this small but meaningful act can bring. To highlight the value of books and reading, the National Education Association holds an annual Read Across America day every year on March 2, Dr. Seuss’ birthday. This year, the Willa Cather Foundation, Red Cloud Community Schools, Auld Public Library, Cherry Corners Estates, and Heritage Care Center are partnering to celebrate our inaugural Read Across Red Cloud event – a day for all ages to celebrate the joy and importance of reading.
"Frivolities of Summers" currently on display
A new exhibit on display at the Red Cloud Opera House takes onlookers on a road trip across the United States to view the land between rest stops across America. The subjects range from sites on both coasts to the beautiful patches of land that fall between. This plein air art exhibit by R Gregory Summers depicts a full range of emotions as you gaze upon the artistic interpretations of the sites. The public is invited attend an artist’s reception on March 4, from 5:00 -6:30 p.m. prior to the Nebraska Theatre Caravan’s performance of The Lady With All The Answers at 7:00 p.m.
Ann Landers comes to the Red Cloud Stage
Nebraska Theatre Caravan is coming to Red Cloud on March 4, at 7:00 p.m. They are bringing Ann Landers to the stage with a rendition of The Lady With All The Answers. This performance is a look into the life of the popular advice columnist. Tickets are $15 in advance or $20 day of show.
Volunteer Appreciation & Recruitment Event
Join us on Thursday, February 11, at 6:30 pm
Willa Cather wrote, “Where there is great love there are always miracles.” If you’ve been to an event in which our volunteers are involved, you know that they reliably perform miracles. In appreciation of their steadfast support and to welcome prospective volunteers, we're hosting a Volunteer Appreciation and Recruitment Event at the Red Cloud Opera House. You're cordially invited to join us for dinner and a movie, in appreciation of those who give their hearts to volunteer service.
McGuigan & Band return to Opera House with ROCK Legends
(RED CLOUD, NEB.)— Billy McGuigan and his band are returning to the Red Cloud Opera House. The group that last brought us Yesterday & Today: The Interactive Beatles Experience at a sold out 2015 show will return on Saturday, January 30, at 7:00 pm, with ROCK Legends. Part rock concert…part rock tribute…all rock n’ roll, ROCK Legends combines all of these elements to create a show that is the only one of its kind.
Final Phase of Cather Center Construction Underway
With the final phase of construction successfully launched in September, a vibrant new life is in store for a once forgotten and dilapidated historic building adjacent to our Red Cloud Opera House. Known as The Moon Block locally and The Duke Block in Cather’s The Song of the Lark, the fully restored building will become permanent home to the National Willa Cather Center next year.
Welcome, New Board Members!
We at the Willa Cather Foundation are proud to work with a board that supports the organization’s mission as effectively as ours does. It’s in this spirit of gratitude that we welcome three new members to our board of governors.