LOST TOWNS |
LOST COMMUNITIES
an interactive art exhibit disbursed throughout the Tygart Hotel in Elkins, West Virginia
ABOUT THE LOST TOWNS ART EXHIBIT
Explore the rich history of the Monongahela National Forest through our Lost Towns | Lost Communities Art Exhibit. This collection of original art, maps, historic photos, and descriptive interpretations is on display throughout the hotel’s lobby and guest floors. The art explores the diverse stories of the lost towns of Spruce, Burner, Braucher, Osceola, Wildell, and Evenwood, which thrived during the lumber and mining booms around the turn of the 20th century.
Visit the guest floors (2-6) to learn more about each of the towns. The lobby art explores the interconnections between the towns, highlighting their reliance on rail lines, family ties, and shared challenges and opportunities. This exhibit, including the art in your guest room, highlights and supports nine amazing West Virginia artists. Ask one of our Front Desk Agents for a Lost Towns booklet to begin your self-guided tour.
The Lost Towns | Lost Communities art exhibit is a tribute to the Monongahela National Forest and all it contains. We encourage you to explore the forest during your visit and immerse yourself in the natural beauty and historical significance it offers.
Special thanks to the Appalachian Forest National Heritage Area and Woodlands Development & Lending for making this project possible.
EXPLORING THE MONONGAHELA NATIONAL FOREST
Local Artists
The Tygart Hotel proudly features the captivating works of local West Virginia artists through the Lost Town | Lost Communities exhibit. Featured artists include Nevada Tribble, Sara Cottingham, Kylie Proudfoot-Payne, Kelson Thorne, Wilhelmina McWhorter, and acclaimed painter Bill McWhorter. Guest rooms are adorned with works by Kevin “Woody” Woodcock, Michael Doig, and Jesse Thornton, while Scottie Roberts Wiest’s pottery enhances the lobby and Oxley House Cocktail Bar. Additionally, Jane Hinchman Hoxmeier’s railroad mural greets visitors at the front desk, creating an immersive artistic journey throughout the hotel.
NEVADA TRIBBLE
TOWN SPOTLIGHT – WILDELL
Nevada is an Elkins native and intricately explores the connection between landscape and community through her handmade papers and mixed-media artwork. Inspired by local history she brings a unique sense of ecological and geographic exploration to her pieces. You can find her evocative works in the lobby and on the 2nd floor, with other collections displayed in galleries and shops throughout Elkins and beyond.
SARA COTTINGHAM
TOWN SPOTLIGHT – SPRUCE
Sara, a talented printmaker from Morgantown, West Virginia, draws inspiration from nature, folklore, and rural life. Her artwork, which adorns both the lobby and the 3rd floor, beautifully captures historical scenes and post-industrial landscapes. Notably, Sara played a pivotal role in reviving the story of Spruce, a historic town, by helping secure funding to build trails that now provide access to its fascinating site.
KYLIE PROUDFOOT-PAYNE
TOWN SPOTLIGHT – EVENWOOD
Meet Kylie, a 5th generation West Virginian whose art transcends traditional boundaries. Residing in nearby Barbour County, Kylie’s work graces our lobby and the 4th floor, offering a unique blend of storytelling and innovation. Scan her pieces with your phone to uncover videos showcasing the town site during different seasons.
KELSON THORNE
TOWN SPOTLIGHT – BURNER & BRAUCHER
Kelson is a skilled artist and muralist from Petersburg, renowned for his Appalachian-inspired works. His art pays tribute to the heritage of local towns, bringing the stories of their inhabitants vividly to life. Discover hidden scenes of the lost town life within his lobby piece, and don’t miss the chance to run your hands over his 4th floor tactile masterpiece allowing you to feel the essence of wood, work, and town in a truly unique way.
WILHELMINA MCWHORTER
TOWN SPOTLIGHT – OSCEOLA
Meet Willa , an 8th generation West Virginian and Elkins native. Adventuring near the hauntingly beautiful Sinks of Gandy, Willa developed a deep fascination with the ghostly images and stories of the lost towns she explored as a child. Channeling the artistic energy of her father, acclaimed painter Bill McWhorter, Willa’s artwork tells compelling stories from the frame to the hidden layers beneath. Be sure to explore her captivating pieces in the lobby and on the 6th floor, alongside her father’s inspiring works in the lobby.
SCOTTIE ROBERTS WIEST
Born, raised, and still living in Elkins, Scottie has spent over 60 years creating pottery inspired by the surrounding forest. In the mid-1970s, Scottie and her husband lived in the historic Tygart Hotel, directing arts and heritage programming for the Augusta Heritage Center. Her pottery, displayed throughout the hotel lobby, reflects the deep connection to the forest that has shaped the region’s culture and economy for generations.
JANE HINCHMAN HOXMEIER
Jane, a native and current resident of Elkins, has left an indelible mark on our community with her stunning wall mural at the Front Desk area of our hotel. Originally painted in 1971, Jane’s mural beautifully captures the spirit of the railroad industry, a vital part of Elkins’ rich history. Despite the original mural being destroyed, a photo of the mural has been enlarged and displayed prominently, allowing guests to appreciate Jane’s contribution to our town and hotel’s extensive heritage and history.
MICHAEL DOIG
Michael Doig, a celebrated artist and Elkins resident, is a master of the fine arts and specializes in oil painting. His captivating works, often depicting people and scenes from Appalachia and West Virginia, are crafted from old photographs and displayed in various venues throughout West Virginia. Guests can enjoy his stunning pieces adorning our hotel rooms, adding a touch of local charm and history to their stay.
KEVIN "WOODY" WOODCOCK
Kevin “Woody” Woodcock has been an integral part of the Elkins art scene since he moved here in 1980. A revered educator at Davis and Elkins College and Augusta Heritage Center, Woody brings a sense of mystery, wonder, and adventure to his printmaking and painting. His art captures the wild essence of our surroundings, and you can spot familiar local landscapes in his works displayed in the Tygart Hotel guest rooms. Explore his creations to uncover the hidden beauty of our wild places.
JESSE THORTON
Jesse, a native of Huntington, is the creative force behind ‘Reflection in a Pool,’ where he captures the fine art of landscapes with his camera. Known for highlighting the natural beauty of West Virginia, Jesse’s stunning photographs can be admired in our guest rooms during your stay. His work invites viewers to experience the serene and captivating vistas of the beloved state of West Virginia.
Plan Your Visit
Don’t miss the opportunity to explore the rich history and vibrant art of the lost towns. Book your stay at the Tygart Hotel today and immerse yourself in the stories of the past while enjoying the comforts of the present.
Explore the exhibit at your own pace with our self-guided tours. Ask our front desk agents for a Lost Towns | Lost Communities booklet to help guide you through the various sections of the hotel, providing detailed information about each artwork and the history it represents.