UNC Asheville South Campus Woods

Asheville, North Carolinaalternative space
3.7

About

UNC Asheville South Campus Woods offers a distinctive art experience that ventures beyond traditional gallery walls and into the natural landscape of western North Carolina. Located on the southern portion of the University of North Carolina Asheville campus, this alternative space transforms the wooded terrain into a canvas for artistic expression and environmental engagement. For visitors seeking something different from conventional exhibition spaces, the South Campus Woods provides an opportunity to encounter art in an immersive outdoor setting where creative work and natural surroundings exist in dialogue with one another. As an alternative space, the South Campus Woods hosts programming that often emphasizes site specific installations, environmental art, and projects that respond directly to the forest ecosystem. Visitors can expect to encounter work that challenges traditional notions of where art belongs and how audiences interact with it. The venue's programming frequently connects to broader themes of ecology, sustainability, and the relationship between human creativity and the natural world. This approach makes the space particularly relevant for those interested in contemporary art practices that extend beyond the white cube gallery model and engage with pressing environmental concerns. When visiting the South Campus Woods, guests should come prepared for an outdoor experience that differs significantly from a typical museum or gallery visit. The terrain is natural and may require comfortable walking shoes and appropriate clothing for the weather and season. The atmosphere is contemplative and unhurried, allowing visitors to move through the wooded landscape at their own pace while discovering artworks integrated into the environment. As part of a university campus, the space also carries an educational dimension, making it an engaging destination for students, educators, and community members alike who are curious about the intersection of art, nature, and academic inquiry in the Asheville area.

Past Exhibitions

PastGroup Exhibition

Batland

Spencer Beals, Dayna Walton, Steve Atkins

An unauthorized guerrilla-style outdoor art installation featuring over 25 hand-painted giant bats hung from trees along forest trails, created as a protest against UNC Asheville's development plans for the South Campus Woods.

December 23, 2025 - January 6, 2026
Curated by: Spencer Beals
outdoor artinstallationinteractiveenvironmental protestcommunity art+6 more

Location

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Hours

Monday: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM

Tuesday: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM

Wednesday: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM

Thursday: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM

Friday: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM

Saturday: Closed

Sunday: Closed

Contact Information

Address

South Campus Woods, University of North Carolina Asheville

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