The Nath Sculpture Garden is named for its donors, professors Joginder (1932–2016) and Charlotte Nath. The
garden, “emphasizes nature and art in a space people will find appealing
and attractive—a place they will want to spend time,” as Joginder expressed
it. “It extends the museum setting to the outdoors for art to be appreciated
and enjoyed by many and for students and faculty to learn and grow.”
Joginder was a professor of genetics and department chair in the Davis College
of Agriculture, Natural Resources, and Design. Charlotte was a retired professor
of family medicine who worked with students in art, design, and landscape architecture
to plan the garden in a series of senior projects. This took place over several
years. Studying elevation, native plants, and the museum’s collection, Joginder
and his students envisioned and then achieved the Nath Sculpture Garden.
The garden currently features four stone Shona sculptures from the McGee collection. Included is a piece by the late American sculptor and stained glass artist Odell Prather; Bridge by the contemporary Chinese artist. Also included is a stainless
steel piece by renowned sculptor and artist Wayne Trapp called
The Spirit of Growth (2015), purchased with funds donated by George and Viera Trapp.
The Spirit of Growth stands on a slight rise just outside the museum’s
west entrance, described by Viera Trapp as “much like a sentinel keeping watch
over the garden.” Throughout the Nath Sculpture Garden, visitors will also
notice an array of boulders that complement the solidity of the sculptures.
These boulders were donated by WVU alumni John and Joyce Allen, who
own limestone rock quarries in West Virginia.
The Nath Sculpture Garden—from its origins to its boulders, from the museum’s
sculpture to the garden’s native plants—is truly a locally rooted site that
beautifully demonstrates the organic nature and enduring quality of creative
expression.
