Wood, Wonder, and Renewal: A Fall Celebration at the Arboretum

A Powerful Collaboration Blooms This Fall

Echoes of the Forest is thrilled to announce a collaboration with the North Carolina Arboretum this fall, set to unveil a breathtaking series of art installations beginning on September 20, 2025. A year out from the devastation of Hurricane Helene, we bring forth a celebration of creative sustainability, artist economic opportunity, and unbreakable community spirit. Rooted in our beloved Asheville, our mission is to breathe new life into storm-salvaged trees, and this fall heralds a joyous exhibit with three powerful "Echoes" crafted by the hands of our local, very talented woodworkers. These masterpieces will debut at the Arboretum in September, where we invite everyone to immerse themselves in the uplifting beauty of their forest trails, wrapped in the tender embrace of nature. 

Photo: The North Carolina Arboretum

The Echoes of the Forest exhibit kicks off September 20th with a playful box turtle sculpture by Maggie Valley artist Mike Ayers of Mountain Mike's Whetstone Woodworks. Standing three feet high and stretching up to five feet long, this climbable masterpiece will be placed at the Arboretum’s Playing Woods. Designed to engage children, families, and nature lovers, it showcases intricate craftsmanship while honoring a beloved regional icon.

Playing Woods at the North Carolina Arboretum

Playing Woods at the North Carolina Arboretum

Playing Woods at the North Carolina Arboretum

In October, Chester Shuey of Appalachian Joinery will unveil a live-edge bench, blending art and functionality in a tribute to the Appalachian woods. Known for his sustainable approach, Shuey’s work follows his successful River Arts District bench.

The series concludes in February with a unique bench by Mark Oliver of Foundation Woodworks and MJO Studios, combining wood and rock for a cozy retreat where visitors can sit, reflect, and connect with the tranquil surroundings.

This partnership, rooted in environmental stewardship and community healing, finds its perfect home at the NC Arboretum’s 434-acre sanctuary, nestled within the Bent Creek Experimental Forest. Liisa Andreassen, founder of Echoes of the Forest, shares, “The NC Arboretum’s vibrant and natural setting is the perfect backdrop for these installations. Each piece represents a harmonious blend of artistry and environmental stewardship, inspiring our community to reflect on the resilience of nature, the value of craftsmanship, and the joy of shared experiences outdoors.” By repurposing Hurricane Helene’s fallen trees, this initiative not only honors the region’s history but also educates about conservation, fostering deeper connections with the natural world.

For those eager to experience this inspiration firsthand, mark your calendars for September 20, 2025, at 11 am for an unveiling celebration. The box turtle by Mike Ayers will lead the series in the Playing Fields, followed by Shuey’s bench and Oliver’s retreat in the months ahead, all accessible within the Arboretum’s scenic trails. This is more than an art exhibit—it’s a call to action for Asheville residents and tourists to witness renewal, support local artisans, and find solace in nature’s story.

Visit https://www.echoesoftheforest.org/ or https://www.ncarboretum.org/ for more details and to plan your visit. Let’s come together this fall to celebrate the enduring spirit of Western North Carolina through the Echoes of the Forest exhibit!