Welcome to the first New Deal planned community of Arthurdale, West Virginia! Started in 1933 under the direct personal guidance of First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt, Arthurdale was the first of 99 such towns that the federal government constructed throughout the Great Depression for economically distressed areas nationwide. Arthurdale was constructed specifically to provide economic relief to destitute coal miners and their families from Scotts Run, WV, a place that became the poster-child of poverty in the Great Depression due to its prominence in the national press. In total, 165 families were situated in houses in Arthurdale with 2-5 acres of farmland each, barns, tools, education, healthcare, and employment opportunities for all. This was a massive and expensive project, but ultimately left these families with more resources and opportunities than they had before. Arthurdale Heritage currently operates a five-building museum on the site. Come step back in time and get a sense of the New Deal, the Great Depression, subsistence farming, and family life in 1930s rural West Virginia.Please note that many places included on this tour are private residences. We ask that visitors be respectful of the homes as you drive by them.
The Old Hemlock Foundation maintains 232 acres of real estate situation on the Brandonville Pike in Preston County, West Virginia, which is known as “Old Hemlock.” Old Hemlock was the home of George Bird and Kathryn Harris Evans. George was a noted artist, author, outdoors-man, and dog breeder and Kay co-authored and edited books. The property contains virgin hemlock trees and is to be maintained in its natural state as a nature and wildlife preserve. The house located on Old Hemlock was built in about 1812 and is the oldest resident in its state of preservation in Preston County.
A unique "eco-sculpture" created by WVU art student Ben Gazsi is on display at Coopers Rock State Forest. Created using twigs, grass, mud, moss, and other natural materials, the "Sleeping Giant" sculpture was unveiled on Earth Day, April 22, 2012, near the Coopers Rock picnic area.
Done with BOPARC "Arts in the Park" campers, the mural created by Debora Palmer depicts a giant sun with rays that emit into an American flag to honor Veterans.
This wall mural created by Debora Palmer with BOPARC "Arts in the Park" campers and Monongalia County Public School art teachers, depicts various animals and objects in flight.
The Morgantown Glass Museum showcases Kurt Ly's passion which is home to over 5,000 pieces of glass art. The collection consists of art works that were made by three local companies, the Gentile Glass Company, which operated from 1892 to 1980, Morgantown Glass Company (1899-1971), and Seneca Glass Company (1891-1983). Admission is free and the museum is open by appointment only.
The Friends of Deckers Creek mural showcases the beauty of Deckers Creek, a tributary of the Monongahela River, and the efforts of local conservationists to protect this natural resource. The mural was designed by artist and former biologist Michael McDevitt and about 70 volunteers helped it become a reality. The mural is 12 feet by 89 feet and located on the Deckers Creek Rail Trail at mile 0 under the Don Knotts Boulevard bridge and near Hazel Ruby McQuain Park.
The Morgantown Art Association (MAA) was founded in 1958 by students of Wilbur Bauer. MAA provides classes and workshops with renowned instructors at the gallery and opportunities to display art in all media.
Founding Arts in the Park Director and Artist Debora Palmer designed this mural on the back of the Kroger in Sabraton. It is located next to the Friends of Deckers Creek Outdoor Learning Park and along the Deckers Creek Rail Trail. The mural is accessible by walking on the Rail Trail; or, one can park in the back left hand corner of the Kroger parking lot and follow the trail behind the building.
Once the 82-acre site of the Tibbs Run Reservoir, West Virginia Botanic Garden, Inc has managed the now 85-acre site since 2000 and has since expanded it to 85 acres. Today the West Virginia Botanica Garden site, in addition to the old water works, features hiking trails, gardens displaying Appalachian flora, wetlands, a pond and a visitor center in an otherwise mostly undisturbed forest area. The site also hosts numerous educational activities such as nature walks, STEAM and nature camps for children, and school programs. The West Virginia Botanical Garden also holds various recreational activities and workshops in areas such as yoga, painting, and gardening.
This Tour is a Thematic Tour or Heritage Trail.
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From outdoor sculptures and murals to indoor galleries and venues, Morgantown offers many opportunities for experiencing art for free! This Clio tour explores works of art in the Greater Morgantown area, including Bruceton Mills and Arthurdale. This tour was created to complement the West Virginia University Libraries Public Art Guide
