A marriage of nature and art is coming to life at the Farley Center in Verona, inviting viewers to challenge their ideas of toxicity and decomposition.
The Farley Center will kick off its seventh annual land art installations series titled "Peace Songs 2025" on August 9 in the Natural Path Sanctuary Woods at the Farley Center.
Land art is a method of creating art using only materials provided by the Earth including soil, rocks, trees, vegetation, water and other natural materials. By using natural materials, the art challenges the viewer to question what is toxic and what it means to decompose. Over the course of the installation, the natural materials might change in their outdoor habitat because of weather, animal interaction or other natural influences. This begs the question of whether the value of art is in the intended vision of the artist or if it exists purely in the context of when and where it lives.
The installations consider the Farley Center's mission to promote ecological sustainability, social justice and peace.
Jump around to learn more:
Meet the artists
The 2025 exhibit was created by a diverse group of 14 artists coming from an inspirational blend of backgrounds and perspectives. Tap the photos to read the artists' bios.
About the Farley Center
The Farley Center sits on land formerly owned by social justice champions Drs. Linda and Gene Farley. The Farleys were fierce believers in the importance of locally grown agriculture and demonstrated that belief by sharing the 108 acres with farmers who cultivated the land. The Center opened in 2013 following the death of the Farleys to continue their sustainable vision.
Today, the Farley Center continues to be a hub of accessible land for a variety of farmers. The Center also hosts regular public events, including workshops, live music, festivals and more.
The Natural Path Sanctuary
Linda Farley was a believer in continuing one's lifecycle after death. In this belief, she chose to be buried on the outskirts of the land that eventually became the Farley Center. This inspired the natural cemetery that now exists on 25 acres of the Farley Center property.
The ecologically sustainable natural cemetery is an alternative to modern end-of-life practices and promotes sustainable burials and services. Visitors are welcome to walk the sanctuary's woods and meadows and are encouraged to consider the natural balance of life and death as they enjoy the space.
Events and important dates at the exhibit
When to visit
Self-guided tours are available daily from dawn to dusk.
📅 August 9–October 31, 2025
Opening concert
Musician and activist Twila Jean will perform at the Bur Oak Welcoming Area to kick off the exhibit's opening day.
📅 August 9, 2025
⏰ 1–3 p.m.
Dane Arts Buy Local Market and Artist Reception
Dozens of local artists will convene at the Farley Center for a day of pop-up markets and educational programs.
📅 September 13, 2025
⏰ 10 a.m.–5 p.m.
