Blue River Arts Council

03/31/2026

Love the arts? Want to make a real impact in your community?

The Blue River Arts Council (BRAC) is seeking volunteers at the Isis Theatre in Crete, and looking for a few new faces to join the board. Our board is strong and dedicated, and these openings are an opportunity for the right people to step up and help shape the future of the theatre and the arts in our community. Selected individuals will play a key role in guiding events, supporting volunteers, and ensuring we continue to provide vibrant, artistic experiences for all.

This is your opportunity to make a difference, share your skills and help keep the arts alive in Crete.

Submit your name for consideration by April 19:

The Blue River Arts Council (BRAC) is dedicated to bridging cultures, building community, and boosting the local economy by resurrecting the historic Isis Theatre in Crete, Nebraska and providing fun, artistic experiences for our diverse community. We are a volunteer-driven organization passionate a...

03/27/2026

Big congratulations to Alyssa Capek, Crete High School sophomore, who is headed to the Nebraska State Speech Meet in Kearney this weekend. She’s the first Crete Public Schools student to qualify for state speech since 2019.

Alyssa is the daughter of Blue River Arts Council president Kristi Capek, and we’re especially proud to call her one of our Isis Theatre - Crete volunteers.

Break a leg—and good luck at state, Alyssa!

03/21/2026

We love supporting our performing arts students! Break a leg CHS "Footloose" cast. Tickets available at the door Saturday 7 or Sunday at 2!

01/09/2026

The U.S. House of Representatives passed an FY26 minibus appropriations package by a vote of 397 to 28, which included the Interior, Energy & Water Development, and Commerce, Justice & Science Appropriations. In an overwhelming sign of bipartisan support for the arts and culture in Congress, the Interior bill approved $207 million each, with no cuts, for the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) and the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH).

After a year of turmoil, this is good news.

The minibus appropriations bill moves to the U.S. Senate, which is expected to take up the legislation next week, followed by securing the President's signature for the bill to be enacted into law. We anticipate no roadblocks to get this as a WIN FOR THE ARTS and HUMANITIES.

10/11/2025

More beauty in neighboring communities

Ribbon cutting held for downtown mural

10/03/2025

Come check out the awesome window art at Pumpkinfest Sunday Oct 5th 12 to 5.

09/09/2025

An iconic presence supporting arts education for the next year! Congrats Cassie Donegan. YouTube her vocal performance!

Cassie Donegan became the 98th woman to hold the iconic Miss America title in the brand’s 104-year history, and the 8th Miss New York to earn the crown.

Cassie has earned more than $70,000 in scholarships through the Miss America program, funding her undergraduate education and supporting her pursuit of a master’s degree.

Raised in a non-traditional household, Cassie found refuge in the arts—a space where she felt safe, seen, and empowered. That connection now drives her service, “Promoting Arts Education in Our School Systems.” For nearly two decades, she has championed every child’s right to creative expression, directing and designing youth theatre curricula, curating a K-12 S.T.E.A.M. masterclass, and founding three scholarship funds to bridge accessibility gaps in arts education.

Beyond her advocacy, Cassie serves as Chief Operations Officer of Southern Sitter LLC, a women-led childcare company she helped expand into a multi-faceted, multi-state business. Under her leadership, the company has created flexible career opportunities and financial stability for hundreds of women—empowering them to balance their work, families, and passions.

For the talent phase of competition, Cassie delivered a powerful performance of “A Darker Shade of Blue” that brought the house down and secured the $3,000 Preliminary Talent Award scholarship.

Cassie is also a proud member of Actor’s Equity Association, having built a professional performance career on stages across the nation, sharing the spotlight with some of the industry’s most celebrated talents.

“Miss America has always been a powerful springboard for ambitious women to turn their dreams into reality,” Cassie shared. “I am honored to represent an organization that provides scholarships, resources, and a platform for women to lead—and I’m deeply grateful for the chance to bring that mission to life.”

09/03/2025

Join our friend, Shaylene Smith JD, CNP, Executive Director, Blue River Arts Council to learn what your nonprofit can safely do in the political realm and why is one of the strongest tools to advance your mission.

➡️ Wednesday, September 17th, 12PM CST
➡️ bit.ly/NLA-Advocacy

07/19/2025

We love encouraging the performing arts in Southeast Nebraska. Congrats to the winners and a special thank you to the Crete Lion's Club for their efforts each year.

07/15/2025

Our ED is doing a little research for the Isis Theatre - Crete at the hotel where they filmed The Shining. is going to be an international film festival site in the future!

07/04/2025

From Curator to Featured Artist! This summer, the Crete Public Library is turning the spotlight on one of its own—Julie Fahrlander, the creative force behind past exhibits and one of the founding members of the Blue River Arts Council.

Known for selecting the work of other artists, Julie now shares her own vibrant collection—featuring award-winning pieces in pastel, acrylic, photography, and digital media. Her art tells stories through bold color, rich texture, and heartfelt emotion.

Come cool off this summer and be inspired. Visit the Crete Library Gallery and experience the work of

On display through July and August | Free & open to the public!

06/03/2025

One of the best subjects in school for the developing mind? MUSIC!

Discover a subject that enhances children's cognitive skills, boosting creativity and neural connections despite being sidelined by school priorities.