From Staff Reports

ASHEVILLE, N.C. — A temporary art exhibit in the University of North Carolina Asheville's South Campus Woods recently was removed, Asheville television station WLOS (News 13) reported on Jan. 6.

“Batland,” a trail-side art exhibit created by local artist Spencer Beals, was taken down on Jan. 6 morning after UNCA cited safety and liability concerns. 

The exhibit “was not pre-authorized by the university; it was an unauthorized protest installation by local artists against potential development,” AI Overview stated on Jan. 18.

“The installation, consisting of dozens of handmade bats, riddles and treasure maps, had drawn attention to the forest that many fear could soon be developed,” News 13 stated.. “UNCA told News 13 it reached out to Beals a week earlier and provided a multi-day window for voluntary removal.

Beals told News 13, "Nobody's asking for the land for free. They're in a tough financial situation. But do not try and squeeze every nickel and dime out of a property where you destroy a beloved forest. There's a win-win here on the table. Asheville knows that. Everybody sees through this stuff and nobody's going to sit back and watch the destruction of a beloved hiking trail.”

In a statement on the issue, UNCA noted:

"While the university strongly encourages the community to visit our main campus, the South Campus Woods are not maintained to safely welcome visitors for this kind of activity."

News 13’s “Comment Bubble” appearing after its story included the following assertions:

• MerylJane — “I really loved Batland and think it's a shame they took it down. I saw so many families really enjoying the woods and even got to see a Great Horned Owl while I was hiking!”

• liberalcritic — “Good for them.I would have moved it a long time ago.”

• RustyNail — “Safety concerns?  That’s a load of manure.  They just don’t want attention drawn to what they intend to do to the woods.”

• Penguin82 — “Uh- oh......I see a protest coming!!!!!”

• Native68 — “Yep.”