Discover the First Echo: Sustainable Art Installations in Asheville NC
- Echoes of the Forest
- Jun 18
- 3 min read
On June 12, Asheville’s vibrant arts scene burst to life with the unveiling of its first Echo art installation. Hosted at Foundation Woodworks in the revitalizing River Arts District, the event enchanted attendees, blending creativity, nature, and community spirit.
Chester Shuey and daughter
Foundation Woodworks Sets the Stage
The launch event drew art enthusiasts, nature lovers, and curious visitors alike, all eager to witness the unveiling of the first Echo, masterfully crafted by Chester Shuey of Appalachian Joinery. Known for his artistry in woodworking, this beautifully crafted bench is made from 800 lbs of Hurricane-salvaged white oak. It welcomed attendees to sit on it, climb on it, and touch it.
What's Next?
This bench is the first of many Echoes that will stand as a poignant tribute to the memories and stories of our fallen trees. The piece itself was a fusion of intricate, natural design and raw energy –an embodiment of Echoes of the Forest’s mission to honor the earth while inspiring those who encounter it.
“It brought me so much joy to watch all the people touching the lines of the piece created, and the kids climbing all over and enjoying it,” Shuey said. “I’m looking forward to helping, even though in a very small way, however I can to give other people that same feeling.”
The bench sits outside a temporary tent for Foundation Woodworks – a tent that was erected by Operation Blessing, a disaster relief organization. After the unveiling, guests wandered through the workshop, admiring the woodwork, making purchases and mingling with other residents and local woodworkers.
Celebration and Community at The Radical Hotel
The celebration continued beyond the unveiling! Attendees headed to The Radical Hotel for an after-party that echoed the event’s joyful spirit. Set against the stunning French Broad River, one of Asheville’s beloved bears joined the fun, delighting the crowd with playful antics by the water’s edge. The atmosphere buzzed with excitement as people mingled, bonding over their love for nature and art.
Heightening the thrill was a special raffle drawing, spotlighting the unique “Mountain Man” sculpture, crafted by master woodworker Mike Ayers of Mountain Mike's Whetstone Woodworks. This one-of-a-kind piece, made from locally sourced felled walnut wood, allowed the lucky winner to take home a treasure of Appalachian artistry while embodying the Echoes initiative’s spirit.
Looking Ahead – What’s Next for Echoes of the Forest?
The first Echo unveiling marks the beginning of an exciting journey. The movement will grow in September with new installations at the breathtaking North Carolina Arboretum. These artworks do more than beautify—they educate, heal, and spark meaningful action.
Echoes of the Forest transcends an art initiative—it’s a rallying cry. Each Echo embodies reverence for nature, a commitment to environmental stewardship, and a passion for uniting communities through shared moments. These ambitions need your support. By backing our project, you help create more Echo installations and establish an “Echo Trail” across the region—a lasting homage to fallen trees and a hub for inspiration and learning. Crucially, you’re also uplifting local artists, bolstering their livelihoods and our region’s resilience. Join us in sparking a movement that resonates far beyond the forest!
Go visit the first Echo at 289 Lyman St, Asheville, NC. The River Arts District.
Donate to drive the mission forward.
Echoes of the Forest is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit based in Asheville, NC, dedicated to transforming trees lost to Hurricane Helene into meaningful art installations. Founded by Liisa Andreassen, the organization promotes community revitalization, environmental restoration, and economic support for local woodworkers and artists. Through the "Echo" project, it creates educational memorials and plans an "Echo Trail" to inspire hope and resilience in Western North Carolina. Learn more at echoesoftheforest.org or contact info@echoesoftheforest.org.
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