Skeletown: Quirky Skeleton Display Brings Joy to Asheville

Asheville, North Carolina, September 13, 2025

News Summary

In Asheville, North Carolina, a unique yard display named ‘Skeletown’ features over a dozen whimsical skeleton scenes created by local artists John Nelson and Valerie Holstein. This creative installation, located on Chestnut Street, not only entertains the community with humorous themes, including a back-to-school setup, but also supports the Save the Woods initiative aimed at preserving local forest land. Despite the macabre theme, the display has garnered positive feedback from residents, creating a sense of joy and community spirit.

Asheville, North Carolina is currently buzzing with excitement over a unique yard display known as “Skeletown,” located on Chestnut Street. This quirky installation features over a dozen plastic skeletons, a stark contrast to the more traditional decorations often seen in numerous yards, such as political signs and garden gnomes.

Skeletown is the brainchild of local artists John Nelson and Valerie Holstein. They have crafted the skeletons into various humorous themed scenes that engage the community and provoke smiles. One particularly whimsical setup showcases a “back-to-school” theme complete with oversized school supplies and even a miniature school bus. The lawn is adorned with playful banners boasting clever slogans like “AREN’T YOU VLAD U R IN SCHOOL?” and “ENGLISH TEACHERS ARE ALWAYS WRITE.”

This creative display does more than just amuse passersby; it also serves a greater purpose. The installation supports the Save the Woods initiative, a local movement aiming to protect 45 acres of forest against development plans by UNC Asheville. The initiative has garnered significant support, with over 15,000 signatures from community members advocating for the preservation of these natural resources.

Nelson and Holstein have made it clear that while they typically refrain from political themes in their art, the conservation efforts surrounding Save the Woods felt relevant and necessary to highlight through their work. Remarkably, despite utilizing skeletons—a theme that might be considered macabre—both artists have reported no complaints from their neighbors regarding the display. Instead, they aim to instill positivity and joy in the community during tumultuous times.

Additionally, Holstein, who is not a native English speaker, humorously addresses her creativity in crafting puns while aiming to keep them light-hearted and non-offensive. The project embodies a collaborative spirit, with Holstein primarily responsible for the props and costumes, while Nelson orchestrates the arrangement of the scenes.

Prior to Skeletown, the duo has developed various themed displays for multiple holidays and occasions including Halloween, Christmas, Valentine’s Day, and St. Patrick’s Day. Inspiration for their first display came from a wedding theme featuring a colossal 12-foot skeleton dressed as a bride. This display lightly nods to fond memories of a late neighbor known for her garden full of wind chimes.

In response to the devastation caused by Hurricane Helene, the artists designed Skeletown as a means to restore a sense of normalcy and happiness in the neighborhood. Plans for future installations are already in motion, with upcoming themes including a “Harvest” display and a “Beetlejuice” setup in time for Halloween.

As Skeletown cements its place within the Five Points neighborhood, Nelson and Holstein remain dedicated to engaging and entertaining their community. Their installation not only adds a touch of whimsy to the daily lives of residents but also serves as a reminder of the spirit of togetherness in confronting local issues.

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Additional Resources

• 828 News Now: Strangeville – The Skeletons of Chestnut Street
• Wikipedia: Skeleton
• Harper’s Bazaar: Hurricane Helene in Asheville, North Carolina
• Google Search: Hurricane Helene
• 828 News Now: Jurassic Plates – Acrocanthosaurus Roars onto NC Roads
• Google Scholar: Jurassic Plates
• WLOS: Skeleton Snatcher Caught on Doorbell Camera in West Asheville
• Google News: Skeleton Snatcher

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.