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Ashland, Nebraska

Visit the Gallery and Museum that people are talking about. Mentioned in five national magazine articles and nominated for two outstanding awards in Nebraska.

Nationally known,Gene Roncka, artist and owner of Willow Point Gallery in Ashland, Nebraska has described his works as "capturing a moment in time that all of us have experienced, either in fact or fiction." Soft muted color and the ethereal quality of his works seem to epitomize what is best in his richly painted canvasses. He paints more than most see, including the very "feelings" which bring emotion to his paintings.

View Roncka's originals depicting the history of Nebraska and the important role the Ashland area played in the development of the West. The large oil painting, "The Crossing" depicting the pioneer's migration of Salt Creek is exquisitely portrayed by Gene Roncka and can be seen on exhibit in the gallery. Also, part of this historic collection is the 4x5 foot painting of "Ietan, Oto Chief" who ruled over the majestic Platte Valley some two hundred years ago.

See the exquisite display designed and executed by Gene Roncka featuring Archie Hightshoe's outstanding group of wildlife animals, including one of the largest polar bears ever taken from the Arctic Circle.

In 1985 Gene and his brother Richard formed their own art publishing company, Willow Point Limited, which has established a network of art galleries nationwide. Gene has brought a gallery to Ashland near his home at Willow Point Lake and is at home with the Bear collection, having artfully designed its natural setting. He was elected for the first State Nebraska Habitat Stamp Competition. He was commissioned for animal paintings for the documentary "Wild Kingdom," was a finalist for National Ducks Unlimited Artist of the Year, Best of Show Kansas and Oklahoma Ducks Unlimited.

Landscapes, wildlife and nostalgia are his favorites, as is evident upon entering the new and distinctive Willow Point Gallery.

Stop by and enjoy a cup of coffee as you stroll through a wonderland of excitement.

Attractions and Upcoming Events


Israel Beetison House - NHR

The Israel Beetison House is one of the finest examples of the Italianate style in Nebraska, and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The residence was constructed in 1874-75 of locally quarried limestone by the Dalton Brothers,

Ashland, NE National Register

Archie Hightshoe Animal Collection

Nestled among the storefronts of Ashland, Nebraska is Willow Point Gallery, the home of The Archie Hightshoe Big Game Collection, or as local people call it, "Home of the Bear." There, for the delight of all ages, over 30

Ashland, NE Museums

First Christian Church (DOC)

L.C. Barrow and D. R. Dungan, prominent evangelists of the early 1880's, were instrumental in establishing the First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Ashland, Nebraska. This little band of Christians met in different homes or other availbale places until 1884

Ashland, NE Churches

Vernon Dean House

Many of the homes in Ashland carry a legacy of their own with some residences dating back over 100 years, and a majority of these are still lived in. One of these historic homes is over 135 years old and is still lived in without much visible change in its exterior appearance. In 1864

Ashland, NE Historic Homes

Things to do near Ashland, NE