Food, Family and Storytelling Highlight Final “Food for Thought” Session
March 19, 2026
The Prairie Museum of Art and History wrapped up its “Food for Thought” season on March 19 with a vibrant and deeply personal presentation from Colby resident Violet Cornett, who invited attendees to explore the connection between culture, cuisine, and storytelling.
Held in the Garvey Room with just under 50 people in attendance, the final session of the season carried both an educational and celebratory tone. Museum staff opened the event by thanking volunteers, sponsors, and attendees for supporting the program throughout the year, noting the importance of community-driven programming in Colby.
Cornett, owner of Brewing Up Words bookstore, ESL instructor at Pioneer Memorial Library, and adjunct Spanish agriculture instructor at Colby Community College, delivered a presentation titled The Writer’s Table: How Heritage and Hope Feed Artistic Expression. Her talk blended personal experiences with broader cultural insights, using food as a central metaphor for identity and creative growth.
From the outset, Cornett brought an energetic and engaging presence to the room, drawing from her Mexican-American heritage to illustrate how traditions are passed down through generations. She described the “writer’s table” not just as a place for writing, but as a symbolic space where ideas, memories, and culture are shared and nurtured.
A significant portion of her presentation focused on the role of food in shaping cultural identity. Cornett explained that traditional Mexican cuisine is deeply rooted in plant-based ingredients, highlighting dishes such as chile relleno and nopales, a cactus-based food that remains a staple in many households. She also introduced attendees to a variety of traditional drinks and remedies, including horchata and herbal teas used for healing.
Beyond the ingredients themselves, Cornett emphasized the experiences tied to food preparation—family gatherings, shared responsibilities in the kitchen, and the memories created through those moments. She recalled childhood experiences of helping her mother learn English, becoming bilingual at a young age, and later using those skills to serve others in her community.
Her storytelling extended into adulthood, where she has used writing as a way to preserve and share her heritage. Cornett discussed how her passion for writing evolved, influenced in part by her grandfather, who regularly wrote letters and left behind a legacy of storytelling.
Throughout the presentation, Cornett returned to the idea that culture is cultivated through everyday experiences. Whether through recipes, language, or shared traditions, she encouraged attendees to recognize the lasting impact of what is passed down within families.
“Everything that we do… from the food that we eat to the stories that we tell at the table… is nurturing the next generation,” Cornett said during her talk.
One of the most memorable moments came near the conclusion, when she challenged attendees to reflect on their own lives. She encouraged them to look at their dinner plate not simply as a meal, but as a story—one that carries meaning, history, and influence for future generations.
The session concluded with a question-and-answer period, where attendees engaged with Cornett on topics ranging from traditional foods to cultural practices. Guests also had the opportunity to sample a dish tied to her presentation, further reinforcing the connection between food and storytelling.
As the final installment of the season, the March 19 event served as a fitting conclusion to the Prairie Museum’s “Food for Thought” series—bringing together education, culture, and community in a way that resonated well beyond the evening’s discussion.
While the series has concluded for the season, museum staff encouraged residents to stay engaged with upcoming programs and exhibits, continuing the mission of fostering learning and connection within the community.