Arts, Culture & Community

McCook, Neb. - Warden Steve Fannon and Unit Manager Carolyn Sommer from the Nebraska Work Ethic Camp (WEC) visited with McCook Rotary for an informative presentation on the facility’s mission, operations, and community impact. The Work Ethic Camp, located just outside McCook, has evolved over the years into a unique correctional facility focused on rehabilitation, skill-building, and community service. Rehabilitation and Reentry Focus Warden Fannon emphasized that the Work Et

McCook, Neb. - The area’s live music scene is getting a fresh boost with Break the Bank, a new all-ages event coming to The Artbank this Saturday, July 12th at 6 PM. The evening promises a mix of live performances, skateboarding competitions, and community connection—plus free hot dogs while the last, courtesy of Renegade Removal. Organized by Brigham and Devon, with creative support from Brigham’s wife Elise, who designed the event poster, Break the Bank reflects a grassroo

McCook, Neb. - Norris Park came alive Thursday evening as the North Platte band Platinum Pearls headlined Hot Summer Nights, an annual community event hosted by McCook National Bank. Community members gathered for the evening of live music and family fun, including long-time attendees John and Debra Walters. The event featured face painting, root beer floats provided by the McCook Community Foundation, and a community meal served by the Community Chest. “We make it a traditio

McCook, Neb. - This past week, I had the privilege of working alongside SWATS and the ArtBank on the pilot phase of a new art program designed to provide creative opportunities for individuals with developmental disabilities in our community. The idea for this program grew out of conversations with Tom DiMaria, Director Emeritus of Creative Growth in Oakland, California, and founder of Arts Access for All. Tom has spent his career supporting artists with disabilities, helping

McCook, Neb. — Miss Nebraska 2025, Makinzie Gregory, kicked off her year of service with a visit to the McCook YMCA summer camp on Monday, July 1. Speaking to an energetic group of students, Gregory shared her personal journey and encouraged the campers to prioritize their health and well-being. “You are able to do what you love better when you take care of your health,” she told the students. “Whether it’s school, friendships, or your favorite activities, healthy habits help

The Elizabeth Project: A Community’s Answer to Stray Cat Overpopulation McCook Neb. - Courtney Hampton is leading a compassionate grassroots initiative called The Elizabeth Project, created to address the growing problem of stray cat overpopulation. Named in honor of the late Elizabeth Schaffert—a young woman remembered for her deep love of animals and her tireless efforts to rescue kittens—the project seeks to carry forward her legacy through humane, community-driven solutio

Submitted Community Feature: The following article was submitted by a local community member and has been lightly edited for clarity. Photo and article from Brigham Larington. Third Thursday’s Fashion Show Invites Spectacle from Beyond McCook Neb. - On June 19, at ArtBank in downtown McCook, local artists and designers Asher Long, Isabelle Claus, Vania, Maria, and Fatima Rodriguez curated a fashion exhibit featuring mannequins dressed in garments designed by Creative Growth a

McCOOK, Neb. - The Red Willow Western Rural Fire Department has issued a strong advisory against open burning, citing current and forecasted weather conditions that significantly elevate the risk of wildfires. Despite requests for burn permits, the department will not be issuing them at this time, prioritizing public safety. In a recent Facebook post, the department emphasized the critical factors they consider before granting a burn permit: "Did you look at the 7-10 day for

McCook, Neb.- ArtBank in McCook is buzzing with anticipation for tomorrow's opening of "Beyond Trend," a distinctive fashion exhibit. This unique display showcases handmade garments from 10 years of Creative Growth Art Center's renowned fashion shows. Curated by ArtBank Interns Asher Long, Fatima Rodriguez, and Isabelle Clause, the exhibit promises a vibrant celebration of artistic expression and inclusivity in the contemporary art world. Creative Growth Art Center, located i

McCook Neb. - The McCook Art Guild recently concluded a highly anticipated three-day painting workshop led by nationally recognized Nebraska artist, Todd A. Williams. Held on June 16, 17, and 18, 2025, at the McCook Art Guild on Norris Avenue, the immersive experience provided local artists and enthusiasts with a unique opportunity to learn from a master of his craft. Todd Williams, known for his stunning works displayed in museums and sought by prominent collectors, guided p

McCook Neb. – This Friday, June 13th, the Buffalo Commons Storytelling and Music Festival offers a unique opportunity to delve into significant moments of American history, combining a visit to a historic battlefield with an encounter with the powerful art of the late John Thein. The "Last Battle on the Plains" tour, running from 8:45 a.m. to 3:45 p.m., promises a journey through the events leading up to the final major intertribal battle between the Sioux and the Pawnee. Pa

Trenton Neb. - Step into Ginny Anderson’s studio in Trenton, Nebraska, and you’re not just entering a tattoo parlor; you’re stepping into a vibrant extension of her soul, a testament to her diverse artistic spirit. The air thrums with creativity, surrounded by a vibrant mural on one wall, a curated collection of works by artists she admires on another, and, of course, her own captivating creations in various mediums—acrylic, watercolor, and even printmaking—adorning a third.

MCCook, NE – The unique sounds of Pondstock Music Festival at Lake Hedke will be echoing across the water for the final day today, Saturday, June 7th. This self-supported, independent gathering of musicians, friends, and family is celebrating its 20th year, bringing diverse acts to Southwest Nebraska. The spirit of Pondstock remains strong, largely thanks to organizer Vic Giron, known by his stage name El Jefe. Giron emphasizes the festival is a group effort, cultivating an e

McCOOK Neb. - Prepare to encounter a unique artistic vision later this week at McCook's ArtBank with the opening of Brigham Larington's "33rd Street Angels" exhibit. This show promises a compelling exploration of nature, perception, and the surprising beauty woven into the fabric of the everyday. Larington's inspiration draws from unexpected sources, including a burl—a distinctive growth on trees he describes as “like a scab, but a little bit like cancer too...they form when

McCOOK Neb.- The ArtBank will soon feature "To Be Afraid of Trees," an exhibition of stunning black-and-white photographs and thoughtful poems by Nebraska artist Quentin Fortney. The show opens next week, April 26th. Fortney, who lives in Lincoln, shared insights about his upcoming show. This marks the first time he has created a complete black-and-white collection of work. The photographs in this series were taken during Fortney's three-month stint in Yakutat, Alaska, where

McCOOK Neb.:  Carrie Clay's life is a powerful transformation narrative, a journey of extraordinary resilience. From a dedicated paramedic to a mother forging a new path, her story illuminates the strength of the human spirit in the face of insurmountable challenges. A Seismic Shift on Sept. 4, 2021, marked a profound turning point. During the birth of her daughter in Huntington, West Virginia, a complication from an epidural resulted in paralysis. "Sept. 4, 2021, I was paral

McCOOK Neb.– Art enthusiasts rejoice! ArtBank is set to reopen its doors for its second full season tonight, April 3rd, at 5:00 PM. After an off-season filled with artistic exploration across the globe, including visits to major art hubs like New York, Paris, and Berlin, Chad Graff and his wife, JoAnn Faulkenburg, are ready to unveil a dynamic lineup of exhibits and programs. Graff emphasized the focus on accessibility and community engagement, stating, “We'll reopen on Thurs

Indianola, Neb. – The Indianola Historical Society celebrated a significant milestone today with the successful relocation of a historic schoolhouse, a tribute to Red Willow County's rich educational past. This project honors a time when the county supported 71 schoolhouses, including District 27, before their decline in the early 1960s. The schoolhouse, formerly located on Griff Malleck’s property five miles southwest of Indianola, holds a special place in the community. Gri

Photo credit: Alexis Popp

McCOOK, Neb.- The Nebraska Art Teachers Association (NATA) conference held at the ArtBank in October featured an impactful presentation by Tom Di Maria, Executive Director of the Creative Growth Art Center. His heartfelt message focused on the crucial connections between art and disability, capturing the attention of attendees.During his address, Di Maria urged educators and advocates to acknowledge the transformative power of creative expression for individuals with developm