Nevada Tribble is a sculptor, papermaker, and multi-media artist from Elkins, WV. While learning about Nevada and her work, we stumbled across something she wrote that really resonated with us. She said, “Much of my work is inspired by the enchanting landscape and well-woven community I have experienced living in Elkins, and I am committed to giving creative energy back to this community, as well as to West Virginia as a whole.”

We appreciate and share Nevada’s desire, so we commissioned her to create a piece for our 2020 West Virginia Art Fund purchase and invited her to Lafayette Flats to install it.

About Nevada Tribble

Nevada just completed her Bachelor of Fine Arts at Shepherd University. Her college career was full of creative work, successful shows, and prestigious awards. Right before graduation, Nevada was awarded a 2020 Emerging Artist Fellowship from the Tamarack Foundation.

Emerging Artist Fellowships are awarded to thriving, early-career artists from across West Virginia. The artists chosen are well on their way to mastering their craft and they exhibit the aptitude to become professional artists. Nevada certainly meets these criteria.

Why We Love Nevada’s Work

One of the first things that caught our eye about Nevada was her bicycle-powered sewing machine. She designed and assembled her machine so that she could get outside and work in the community.

Since fiber art is Nevada’s primary medium, she often has occasion to use the sewing machine to “draw” thread on the paper she makes by hand. She said the thread represents pathways in her exploration of landscape, place, and community.

Lafayette Flats Installation

Lately, we’ve been exploring the idea of combining art and nature. When we reached out to Nevada to discuss the installation, a theme emerged: we wanted it to look like Mother Nature was working her way into Lafayette Flats.

After making the paper and carefully constructing the vine, Nevada installed her work entitled “A Theory of Cohabitation” in the 3rd-floor stairwell of Lafayette Flats on July 15, 2020.

Shawn and I consider our work – showcasing West Virginia art and unique design – to be a compliment to the natural beauty of the New River Gorge. We know our guests feel inspired during their daily adventures in this lush forest. Our goal is to bring cultural inspiration into their overnight lodging.

We thank Nevada for adding “A Theory of Cohabitation” to Lafayette Flats Art Collection and can’t wait for our guests to enjoy it.

Learn more about past West Virginia Art Fund purchases.

2019 – Rosalie Haizlett

2018 – Eddie “Spaghetti” Maier

2017 – Meredith Gregg

2016 – Paula Clendenin

2015 – Stephanie Danz

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