Upcoming Gallery Exhibit: Inspired by Willa Cather

The Trax Creative District is proud to present its next exhibition to the Columbus Art Gallery. The exhibit entitled A Tapestry of Life, is inspired by the writings of Willa Cather and  features original works by members of the Impact Nebraska Artists organization. This unique show invites visitors to experience the words of one of Nebraska's most celebrated authors through the eyes of some of the state's most accomplished visual artists. 

A Literary Journey in Art

American writer Willa Cather is best known for her novels that captured the challenges and triumphs of life on the Great Plains. Born in Virginia, she moved with her family to Red Cloud, Nebraska, at the age of nine. The migration to the Midwest became central to both her own experience and much of her writing.

Cather's novels such as O Pioneers! and My Antonia vividly portray immigrant families, settlement and the resilience required to build lives on the Nebraska frontier. In 1923, she was awarded the Pulitzer Prize for One of Ours, further establishing her legacy as one of America's great literary voices.

Cather's works are brought to life in painting, sculpture, and mixed media. Each artist interprets Cather's stories in their own style, creating a conversation between literature and visual art that feels both timeless and timely.

Featured Artists

The following Impact Nebraska Artists are part of this exhibition: Roberta Barnes of Halsey; Marcia Bauerle of Imperial; Wava Best, Sue Perez, Tim O'Neill and Ken Hosmer of North Platte; Jo Brown, Karen Kienstbier,  Donna Schimonitz, and Julia Noyes of Lincoln; Patricia Coslor of Sargent; Ben Darling of Sidney; David Dorsey and Patricia Schemmer of Valentine; Debra Joy Groesser of Ralston; Janna Harsch of Greenwood; Susan Hart of Cozad; Beth Jasnoch and Lois Smith of Kearney; Jerene Kruse of Albion; Kathleen Lohr and Amy Tomasevicz of Columbus; Sammy Lynn of Glenvil; Deborah Monfelt of Wymore; Patsy Smith of Brady; and Joan Swim of Springview.

About Impact Nebraska Artists

Behind this exhibition is Impact Nebraska Artists, a nonprofit organization founded in 1985. Membership is limited to 25 professional Nebraska artists who are nationally recognized in their disciplines, selected through an independent jury. Impact develops four to five major exhibitions each year, each centered on a theme rooted in Nebraska but with national relevance. For nearly four decades, the organization has been recognized for its high level of professionalism and creative expression, with many founding members still actively contributing today.

Experience the Exhibit

We invite you to visit the Columbus Art Gallery from September 18 - October 15 and explore how Nebraska's leading artists bring Willa Cather's stories and themes to life. This exhibition offers a rare opportunity to see literature transformed into visual art and to reflect on the enduing impact of migration, resilience and community on the Great Plains. The gallery is open Monday through Thursday from 1 - 5 p.m. and on Saturdays from 1 - 4 p.m.