The Pocahontas County Bicentennial Commission hosted a community art project as part of the yearlong celebration in 2021.  This project showcased artists’ custom designs on fiberglass statues of trout that are permanently exhibited around Pocahontas County during the celebration.

“The Birthplace of Rivers”

Pocahontas County is home to the headwaters of 8 rivers;

  • Cherry River,
  • Cranberry River,
  • Elk River,
  • Gauley River,
  • Greenbrier River,
  • Tygart Valley River,
  • Williams River, and
  • Shavers Fork of the Cheat River

8 Rivers Bicentennial Trout Community Art Exhibit

8 Rivers Bicentennial Trout Community Art Exhibit

8 Rivers Bicentennial Trout Community Art Exhibit

8 Rivers - 8 local Artists - 8 communities - 8 local sponsors - 8 unique sculptures

Snowshoe - Shavers Fork of the Cheat River

Snowshoe - Shavers Fork of the Cheat River

Artist: Kelsey Beverage - Sponsors Snowshoe Foundation and Snowshoe Mountain Resort

Marlinton, WV - Cranberry River

Marlinton, WV - Cranberry River

Artist Kim Hafler - Sponsor Russell and Cinnamon Jessee

Marlinton, WV

Marlinton, WV

Artist Sage Tanguay

Green Bank, WV - Greenbrier River

Green Bank, WV - Greenbrier River

Artist Rebekah Anderson - Sponsor Green Bank Observatory

Durbin, WV - Tygart River

Durbin, WV - Tygart River

Artist Eric Werner - Sponsor The Tomato Fund

Cass, WV - Cherry River

Cass, WV - Cherry River

Artist Johnny Fitzgerald - Sponsor Southern States Marlinton Cooperative

Huntersville, WV - Williams River

Huntersville, WV - Williams River

Artist Cheryl Beverage - Sponsor Pendleton Community Bank

Hillsboro, WV - Gauley River

Hillsboro, WV - Gauley River

Artist Charles McNeel - Sponsor The McNeel Family

8 Rivers Bicentennial Trout Community Art Exhibit Snowshoe - Shavers Fork of the Cheat River Marlinton, WV - Cranberry River Marlinton, WV Green Bank, WV - Greenbrier River Durbin, WV - Tygart River Cass, WV - Cherry River Huntersville, WV - Williams River Hillsboro, WV - Gauley River

Eight trout icons, named for each river, will be installed in communities around the county. These permanent outdoor exhibits will entice visitors and residents of all ages to explore the county and become part of the 200th Birthday Celebration!