Events
Unveilings, gatherings, and celebrations across Western North Carolina — where the Echoes come to life.
Kwadwo Som-Pimpong of Crafted Glory will unveil a Juneteenth bench crafted from an oak log sourced by Bee Tree Hardwoods — a tree that fell in Swannanoa during Helene and washed downstream. Join us for this community celebration on Juneteenth.
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
YMI Cultural Center · Asheville, NC · 1:00 PM
The unveiling of a Juneteenth bench by Kwadwo Som-Pimpong of Crafted Glory — crafted from an oak log sourced by Bee Tree Hardwoods, a tree that fell in Swannanoa during Helene and washed downstream.
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.
Cradle of Forestry in America · Pisgah National Forest
Multiple Echoes of the Forest unveilings are planned at the Cradle of Forestry in 2026 — the birthplace of American forestry and a natural home for art made from the forests it was created to protect. Dates and details forthcoming.
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.
Past Events
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.
