‘The Garden of Dooley’ – Remembering a WV Trailblazer

By Paula Kaufman

Black WV Arts Map Project

Location: Charleston YWCA, 1426 Kanawha Blvd East

Artist: Tat Plug (Tyrone Scott)

Respected activist and Charleston attorney, Katherine Louise “Kitty” Dooley passed away on October 10th, 2025. Five days later, the public awakened to “Garden of Dooley.”   

Some murals unfold over months. They involve extensive community planning. Others appear fast. “Garden of Dooley” is one. And it’s fitting for its subject matter: Dooley lived her life swiftly. Purposefully. Made each second count. 

This striking mural was painted by Tyrone Scott. He goes by his artist name: Tat Plug. He painted the mural onto the YWCA Kitty Dooley Center for Community Enrichment.

Kitty Dooley – A life well lived

Dooley was a community pillar. Broke ground everywhere she went. She was an esteemed Charleston attorney for 30 years and social justice advocate. She was unapologetically Black. Proud. Never shied away from speaking her mind. This mural honors her memory.

She was a coal miner’s daughter. Raised in Fairmont, WV.  This deep connection to WV anchored her. It was her North Star. Dooley was also a patriot. She served in the U.S. Army. As a Military Intelligence Officer she attained the rank of captain. She was awarded the overseas service medal and the Army Commendation Medal. And also, the Army Airborne Parachute Badge. Incredibly impressive. 

She received numerous accolades: Woman of Achievement Award; Governor’s Civil Rights Award and Living the Dream Award. Director Emeritus and a past Chair of the Board of the Children’s Home Society of WV and board member of the Kanawha Institute for Social Research and Action (KISRA), Charleston YWCA. And more. 

Dooley used law as a way to achieve justice. She wielded this tool adroitly. With intellect. Power. Conviction. 

Tat Plug’s vision

Tat Plug is a Charleston-based artist. He stated, “I always go off emotion when making art. To me, art is never truly finished because it could always have improvements.” 

Tat Plug sees in techni-color. “My creativity is my strongest weapon,” he says.

He can paint anywhere and on anything: Shoulder. Clothing. Proves art can be in unexpected places. He is known for creating tattoos featuring angels and demons, roses,  monarchs and possums, a sea turtle, portraits. Whatever someone wants. You can follow his art on Instagram: @tatplug

He painted Kitty Dooley’s mural fast. You would never know he produced it so quickly–fueled by a burst of creative inspiration. The level of detail he achieved with spraypaint is incredible. 

Here’s the thing: art, like any message, can be urgent. And the community wished to remember Kitty Dooley as soon as she died. Showing that the community valued her memory. That she would not be forgotten.

Mural Symbology: When images speak

Each mural image represents something vital to Kitty’s legacy. 

Portrait: 

Kitty Dooley wears her famous glasses. They were often artistic and noteworthy. She holds her chin in contemplation. An intellectual. 

Jump wings: 

While at Marshal University, Kitty made history becoming the first female cadet to be awarded the Army Airborne Parachute Badge(“Jump Wings.”) The test is arduous. Men and women are expected to perform the same challenges. The course is divided into Ground, Tower and Jump phases. Push-ups. Pull-ups. Day and night operations with combat equipment. And more.

Dove and roses: 

The gentleness of the dove. Globally it represents peace. Roses and a blue sky are for beauty. 

Scales:

Her vigilance in pursuing justice. Striving for an equitable world for all people in West Virginia. She endeavored to make this place worthy of its people.  

Monarchs: 

The butterflies represent a metamorphosis. Kitty transformed this town and lives into something special. 

Hello Kitty:

Represented the fun side of Kitty that contrasted with her serious legal profession. 

For BBG Travel & Tourism, murals like “Garden of Dooley”  one are destinations–places where visitors can connect with Black Appalachian history beyond guidebooks and postcards. If you’re building a West Virginia itinerary that includes culture, context, and community, this stop belongs on your list. 

Want more places like this? Subscribe to the Black By God: The West Virginian Travel & Tourism newsletter for murals, landmarks, and stories worth stopping for across the state.