The Mantel That Rose from the Storm: The Biltmore Forest Mantel Story

Updated January 25, 2026

When Hurricane Helene swept through Western North Carolina, it left behind more than devastation—it left opportunity. Among the 821,906 acres of damaged forestland and countless fallen trees lay the seeds of transformation.

This is the story of one tree's remarkable journey from Biltmore Forest to Town Hall hearth.

A Vision Takes Root

In the aftermath of Helene, while communities grappled with the storm's $59.6 billion impact, Liisa Andreassen of Echoes of the Forest walked among the fallen giants. These weren't just casualties of nature's fury—they were centuries of history lying prone, their rings holding stories of droughts endured and springs celebrated. Her vision was simple yet profound: honor these trees by giving them purpose beyond the storm.

Unveiling Nature's Resilience: A Special Event in Biltmore Forest

Biltmore Forest Community Connections

The Commissioner of Biltmore Forest immediately recognized the power in Liisa's proposal. "The Friends of the Forest need to hear this," he said, connecting her with the town's stewardship committee. As discussions unfolded in the very Town Hall that had hosted decades of community gatherings, inspiration struck. The building's fireplace—a focal point of civic life—had always felt incomplete. Here was the perfect opportunity to crown it with meaning: a mantel carved from Helene's fallen timber, transforming loss into legacy. Partners involved include the Town of Biltmore Forest and Friends of Biltmore Forest (FOBF), whose mission is to beautify properties and public spaces, aligning with the town's historic vision through citizen outreach, education on native landscapes, and architectural design.

The Artisan's Touch

Master woodworker Kwadwo Som-Pimpong answered the call. His quest for the perfect piece led him to Sundried Lumber in Woodfin, where a majestic walnut tree awaited rebirth. This particular giant had weathered countless mountain storms before Helene claimed it—now it would weather time itself in a new form. Six weeks of patient solar kilning followed. The mountain sun worked its quiet magic, slowly preparing the wood for transformation. In woodworking, as in recovery, nature sets the pace.

Crafted by the extraordinary woodworker Kwadwo Som-Pimpong of Crafted Glory, the piece transforms salvaged black walnut into a functional work of art. Based near Asheville since 2017, Som-Pimpong draws from West African artistry and Scandinavian design to create sustainable, heirloom-quality furniture that's sold across all 50 states. When the seasoned planks finally arrived at Kwadwo's workshop, urgency met artistry. His tools revealed the walnut's hidden beauty—grain patterns that mapped decades of growth, textures that spoke of resilience. Each pass of his plane uncovered another layer of the tree's autobiography. This wasn't just woodworking; it was storytelling through craft.

This exquisite mantel, commissioned by the Friends of Biltmore Forest (FOBF), enhances the community center for gatherings and events. It's a perfect symbol of renewal after Hurricane Helene's devastation in the Asheville area.

Unveiling Nature's Resilience: A Special Event in Biltmore Forest

Mark your calendars for an inspiring evening that celebrates community, craftsmanship, and conservation! On February 17, 2026, Echoes of the Forest joins forces with the Town of Biltmore Forest to unveil this stunning black walnut mantel piece, handcrafted from a tree felled by Hurricane Helene. This free event is open to everyone and takes place at the Biltmore Forest Town Hall, 355 Vanderbilt Road, Biltmore Forest, NC 28803.

The festivities kick off at 5:30 PM with the Biltmore Forest Speaker Series, featuring Dr. Dave Ellum, Professor of Ecological Forestry and Dean of Land Resources at Warren Wilson College. With a Ph.D. from Yale and over 15 years at Warren Wilson, Dr. Ellum will discuss "The Importance of Reforestation," highlighting the benefits of native species in restoring our forests. His talk wraps up around 6:30 PM, followed by the grand unveiling of the mantel at 7:00 PM.

Crafting Heritage

When the seasoned planks finally arrived at Kwadwo's workshop, urgency met artistry. His tools revealed the walnut's hidden beauty—grain patterns that mapped decades of growth, textures that spoke of resilience. Each pass of his plane uncovered another layer of the tree's autobiography.

This wasn't just woodworking; it was storytelling through craft.

Kwadwo Som-Pimpong, Owner of Crafted Glory, An Asheville Fine Furniture Studio

Echoes Forward

From its roots in mountain soil to its final placement above the Town Hall hearth, this walnut tree completes a journey that mirrors our region's own path through Helene. It stands—transformed but unbroken—as proof that even 1000-year storms cannot silence the echoes of our forests. Every time the fire crackles beneath this mantel, every time community members gather in its glow, they'll remember: we are a region that finds beauty in the broken, purpose in the fallen, and hope in the craft of renewal. This is what Echoes of the Forest is all about—transforming Hurricane Helene's fallen trees into lasting legacies that support our artists, rebuild our communities, and honor our forests.

We're grateful for this collaboration and excited to share this story of resilience and creativity. Join us to hear Dr. Ellum's insights, witness the unveiling, and connect with our fellow community & friends.

See you there, Asheville neighbors!

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This is what Echoes of the Forest is all about—transforming Hurricane Helene's fallen trees into lasting legacies that support our artists, rebuild our communities, and honor our forests.