In the heart of rural Wisconsin, amidst the rolling hills and vast fields of alfalfa, something magical happens every other October. Lifelong farmers, who spend their days toiling in the fields and tending to their crops, take a break from the frenetic harvest season to showcase their talents in a unique and unexpected way. The Farm/Art DTour, a 10-day, 50-mile self-guided driving tour of large-scale art installations and „pasture performances,“ transforms the serene countryside into a stage for creativity and innovation.
One of the standout performances of the DTour is the „Hay Rake Ballet,“ where farmers maneuver their tractors with precision and grace, as if they were seasoned dancers performing a choreographed routine. Set to opera music, the farmers use their hay rakes to create intricate patterns in the fields, delighting the audience with their skill and artistry. It’s a sight to behold, watching these John Deere Baryshnikovs twirl and spin in perfect harmony, turning the mundane task of hay raking into a mesmerizing spectacle.
The Farm/Art DTour attracts over 20,000 „D-Tourists“ from nearby cities like Madison and Milwaukee, as well as visitors from further afield. They come to experience art in a rural setting, where sculptures and installations blend seamlessly with the natural landscape. From a pink abstract deer blind perched above a corn field to a whimsical dragon hiding an irrigation system, the art on display is as diverse as it is surprising. The juxtaposition of traditional farming practices with contemporary art creates a unique and immersive experience for all who attend.
For the farmers who participate in the DTour, it’s a chance to showcase their way of life to a wider audience. Andy Enge, a dairy farmer and star of the Hay Rake Ballet, marvels at the urban visitors who find joy in the everyday sights of rural Wisconsin. His 93-year-old father, Maurice, has a more practical view, jokingly threatening to fire anyone who dares to drive a tractor like a ballet dancer in the hayfields. The generational divide adds a touch of humor to the event, highlighting the different perspectives that coexist in this rural community.
As the sun sets on another successful Farm/Art DTour, the fields of Sauk County are left transformed, not just by the art installations that dot the landscape, but by the spirit of creativity and collaboration that permeates the event. It’s a reminder that art knows no boundaries, and that even the most mundane tasks can be elevated to something extraordinary with a touch of imagination and ingenuity. The Farm/Art DTour is a celebration of the intersection between art and agriculture, where farmers and artists come together to create something truly special.