The Big Reveal! Unveiling the First Echo
- Echoes of the Forest
- May 12
- 2 min read
The forest tells stories – of growth, of resilience, and of recovery. Today, we are honored and excited to announce that the first Echo is ready to be revealed.
About the Event
We’re thrilled to invite you to the unveiling of our first public art piece from the Echoes series—an inspiring collection crafted by local artists from salvaged wood in the wake of Hurricane Helene. Join us on June 12 at 5:00 p.m. in front of the Foundation Woodworks tent.
You'll find us at 289 Lyman Street, in the heart of Asheville’s River Arts District (RAD) Foundation. In support of our local artists, come celebrate community, resilience, and the powerful stories embedded in these remarkable works of art.
About the First Echo
This first Echo reveal for Echoes of the Forest will be a powerful testament to the strength and spirit of our community. Created by master craftsman Chester Shuey of Appalachian Joinery, this Echo is much more than a piece of art—it is a reflection of nature’s voice, a memorial to the past, and a symbol of healing for the future.
Handcrafted from an 800-pound piece of white oak salvaged from the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, this Echo carries the weight of a storm’s legacy. The white oak, having weathered the turmoil, now stands transformed—its beauty reclaimed to honor the resilience of the western North Carolina region. Chester’s careful touch and deep respect for the material have brought this piece to life, allowing it to speak to the storm’s impact while also encouraging collective recovery.
This Echo is designed to invite reflection. Its presence serves as a gentle reminder to memorialize the struggles of the past, while inspiring a vision of healing and vibrancy for the future. Together, through the Echoes of the Forest, we can come together to rebuild and recover – with strength rooted as deeply as the wood itself. Stay tuned as we continue to share this story in deeper ways, one Echo at a time.
How You Can Make a Difference
There will also be an opportunity to win a one-of-a-kind Echoes of the Forest masterpiece crafted by Mike Ayers, an internationally acclaimed chainsaw artist. The piece is carved from a salvaged walnut tree that was the victim of Helene and depicts a mountain man with leaves swirling about his head with a tear coming down his cheek.
Raffle tickets are available until June 12th, 3 PM and the drawing will take place at an after-party and “Meet the Woodworkers” mingle at the nearby Radical Hotel’s Roof Top Cocktail Bar at 95 Roberts Street.
If you’d like to help support our mission moving forward and contribute to the creation of future Echoes, please donate to make a difference. Every bit counts.
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