Events
Unveilings, gatherings, and celebrations across Western North Carolina — where the Echoes come to life.
This fall, woodworker Mike Ayers of Whetstone Woodworks is creating something special for the Cradle of Forestry — the birthplace of American forestry, and a fitting home for art made from the very forests it was created to protect. Watch him carve live Wednesday–Friday, September 2–4 (11 AM–3 PM daily), then see the finished carvings on display at Timberfest on Saturday, September 5. Permanent installation along the Forest Discovery Trail will follow in a future season.
On Veterans Day, Iraq War veterans will be honored with a new memorial bench — carved from storm-salvaged timber that once stood in the mountain forests they called home.
The bench is being crafted by Mike Ayers of Whetstone Woodworks — himself a veteran — for permanent installation at the Charles George VA Medical Center in Asheville. There could be no more fitting day than November 11 to honor those who served. Time and additional details forthcoming.
Upcoming
Cradle of Forestry in America · Pisgah National Forest
This fall, woodworker Mike Ayers of Whetstone Woodworks is creating something special for the Cradle of Forestry — the birthplace of American forestry, and a fitting home for art made from the very forests it was created to protect. Live carving Wednesday–Friday, September 2–4 (11 AM–3 PM daily); carvings on display at Timberfest on Saturday, September 5. Permanent installation along the Forest Discovery Trail follows in a future season.
Asheville, NC · Thursday, September 17, 2026
TREE Fund's Tour des Trees, a week-long cycling ride through the Blue Ridge Mountains of North and South Carolina (September 12–18), reaches Asheville for its final riding days. Since 1992, the Tour has raised funds for tree research and education while planting trees in communities along the route. Echoes of the Forest will be part of the Asheville festivities on Thursday, September 17. More details to come.
The North Carolina Arboretum · Friday–Saturday, September 25–26, 2026 · 10 AM–3 PM
Find our table both days at the Arboretum's annual Fall Plant Sale and Market, featuring plants grown in the Arboretum's Production Greenhouse alongside more than 30 local growers and businesses. Stop by to shop small handcrafted pieces by our woodworkers and hear the stories behind the wood.
The North Carolina Arboretum · Saturday, October 3, 2026
A celebration of the Appalachian region's rich craft heritage, with demonstrations in paper making, broom-making, quilting, woodworking, natural dyes, and more. Echoes of the Forest woodworkers will be among the demonstrators. Come watch the craft up close and shop pieces from local artists.
UNCA Lot P34, 275 Edgewood Rd, Asheville · Saturday, October 17, 2026 · 8 AM–Noon
We're back at WNC's longest-running producer-only farmers market. Visit our table for small handcrafted pieces made by local woodworkers and learn about the trail of Echoes installations growing across Western North Carolina.
Beacon Park · Swannanoa, NC
Echoes of the Forest is in conversation with the Beacon Foundation about a future collaboration at Beacon Park — the former Beacon Blanket Mill site in Swannanoa. More details will be shared as plans take shape.
Charles George VA Medical Center · Asheville, NC · Time TBD
The unveiling of a memorial bench for Iraq War veterans, crafted by Mike Ayers of Whetstone Woodworks from Hurricane Helene–salvaged timber, on Veterans Day.
Past Events
August 8, 2026
Folk Art Center · Blue Ridge Parkway, Asheville
Echoes of the Forest joined the Southern Highland Craft Guild for Wood Day, a full day of woodworking demonstrations featuring master woodworkers of the Guild and the Carolina Woodturners. Our table drew a steady crowd of visitors learning how Helene-salvaged timber is being transformed into public art across Western North Carolina.
June 19, 2026
YMI Cultural Center · Asheville, NC
On Juneteenth, Kwadwo Som-Pimpong of Crafted Glory unveiled a bench at the YMI Cultural Center — crafted from an oak log sourced by Bee Tree Hardwoods, a tree that fell in Swannanoa during Helene and washed downstream.
May 8, 2026
Legacy Garden · North Buncombe Elementary School
Mike Ayers unveiled a memorial installation in the Legacy Garden — a permanent tribute to Felix Wisely, age 9, Lucas Wisely, age 7, their mother Alison, and her fiancé Knox, lost during Hurricane Helene.
April 4, 2026
Cane Creek Park · Fletcher, NC
The unveiling of Mike Ayers' chainsaw-carved sculpture marking the reopening of Cane Creek Park — in partnership with Buncombe County Parks & Recreation.
February 14, 2026
Plants of Promise Garden · NC Arboretum
The first 2026 installation — Mark Oliver's memorial bench combining wooden and rock elements, nestled between the Education Center and the Playing Woods.
October 18, 2025
Grand Garden Promenade · NC Arboretum
Chester Shuey's live-edge bench crafted from white oak — the second of three Echo installations at the Arboretum in fall 2025.
September 2025
Playing Woods · NC Arboretum
Mike Ayers' chainsaw-carved box turtle — three feet high by five feet long, with climbable elements for children and families.
June 12, 2025
Foundation Woodworks · River Arts District · Asheville, NC
Chester Shuey of Appalachian Joinery unveiled the first Echo — an 800 lb white oak bench crafted from Hurricane Helene–salvaged timber. Where it all began.
