Asheville, September 15, 2025
News Summary
Residents of Asheville are coming together in creativity with ‘Skeletown,’ a unique yard exhibition featuring whimsical skeletons crafted by local artists John Nelson and Valerie Holstein. This year, the display celebrates the start of the school year and supports the ‘Save the Woods’ initiative that aims to conserve local forest land under threat of development. The project not only enriches community spirit but also continues a beloved tradition of festive neighborhood decorations.
Asheville residents are experiencing a unique display of creativity and community spirit with the recently established yard exhibition called “Skeletown.” This whimsical decoration features more than a dozen plastic skeletons adorning a house on Chestnut Street in North Asheville, designed by local artists and neighbors John Nelson and Valerie Holstein.
Skeletown has become a vibrant attraction as the skeletons wave to passersby, engage with themed props, and wear various costumes. The latest display celebrated the start of the school year, featuring skeletons surrounded by oversized school supplies and a tiny school bus, complemented by humorous punny banners such as “AREN’T YOU VLAD U R IN SCHOOL?” and “ENGLISH TEACHERS ARE ALWAYS WRITE.”
Alongside the festive skeletons, some hold signs in support of the “Save the Woods” initiative, a campaign advocating for the conservation of 45 acres of forest land currently threatened by proposed development by the University of North Carolina at Asheville. The movement has already garnered over 15,000 petition signatures opposing this development.
While the creators of Skeletown generally avoid embedding political themes in their displays, they felt it was important to lend their support to the conservation effort. Fortunately for the duo, they have not received any complaints from local residents regarding their imaginative display.
Holstein, who collaborates closely with Nelson to maintain a light-hearted and inclusive atmosphere, ensures that the humor resonates well with the local community. Their goal is to foster smiles and laughter, particularly during a time marked by societal tension.
Before the advent of Skeletown, the Chestnut Street neighborhood was already known for its elaborate decorations, previously led by a beloved neighbor who had a passion for wind chimes until he passed away in 2021. In honor of this tradition, Skeletown has expanded to include celebrations for various occasions, such as Halloween, Christmas, Valentine’s Day, and St. Patrick’s Day. Their inaugural display featured a 12-foot tall skeleton dressed as a bride.
The motivation behind creating Skeletown stemmed from a desire to restore normalcy in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, which struck the area in September 2021. Today, as the project approaches its second anniversary, plans are already underway for future themes, including an autumn harvest and a “Beetlejuice”-themed display for Halloween.
Skeletown has effectively transformed into a fundamental component of the Five Points neighborhood, exemplifying artistry and community connection. This lighthearted initiative not only brings neighbors together but also signals a significant investment in conserving the local environment.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Skeletown?
Skeletown is a whimsical yard display created by local artists John Nelson and Valerie Holstein, featuring over a dozen plastic skeletons adorned with various themes and props in North Asheville.
What themes will Skeletown have in the future?
In its second year, Skeletown will showcase themes such as “Harvest” and will include a “Beetlejuice”-themed display for Halloween.
What is the “Save the Woods” initiative?
Save the Woods is a community campaign aimed at conserving 45 acres of forest land in Asheville that is at risk of development, which has gained over 15,000 petition signatures in opposition.
How has the community responded to Skeletown?
The creators of Skeletown report no complaints regarding the display, indicating that it has been well-received by local residents.
What motivated the creation of Skeletown?
The creation of Skeletown was motivated by a desire to restore a sense of normalcy after Hurricane Helene and to continue a tradition of festive decorations in the neighborhood.
Key Features of Skeletown
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Chestnut Street, North Asheville |
| Number of Skeletons | Over a dozen |
| Themes | Seasonal (Halloween, Christmas, Valentine’s, etc.) and social causes |
| Community Support | No complaints reported; positive reception |
| Save the Woods Initiative | Conserving 45 acres of forest land; 15,000+ petition signatures |
| Plans for Future Themes | ‘Harvest’ and ‘Beetlejuice’ for Halloween |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Skeletown: Quirky Skeleton Display Brings Joy to Asheville
Additional Resources
- 828 News Now: Skeletown – The Skeletons of Chestnut Street
- Wikipedia: Asheville, North Carolina
- WLOS: Skeleton Snatcher Caught on Doorbell Camera
- Google Search: Skeletown Asheville
- 828 News Now: Jurassic Plates – Acrocanthosaurus Roars onto NC Roads
Author: STAFF HERE ASHEVILLE WRITER
The ASHEVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAsheville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Asheville, Buncombe County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Asheville Bread Festival, LEAF Festival, and mountain sports tournaments at Biltmore Estate. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce and Explore Asheville Convention & Visitors Bureau, plus leading businesses in hospitality and brewing that power the local economy such as the Biltmore Estate and Sierra Nevada Brewing Company. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERECharlotte.com, HEREGreensboro.com, HERERaleigh.com, and HEREOBX.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into North Carolina's dynamic landscape.
