Schedule of Sessions
Saturday, Oct. 10
Reading by Lia Purpura
October 10, 2026
10:00 am – 10:30 am
Reading by writer Lia Purpura.
Keynote: Decomposition as Cultural Heritage
October 10, 2026
10:30 am – 11:30 am
Anthropologist Anand Pandian delivers a keynote about his research on de-growth across four global cities.
SSWIG with Randy Zogbaum
October 10, 2026
11:30 am – 4:30 pm
Learn about the importance of soil health with the Sauk Soil & Water Improvement Group (SSWIG) and soil scientist Randy Zogbaum.
Uncle Butzie, the Turkey Vulture
October 10, 2026
12:00 pm – 3:00 pm
Don't miss this special demonstration by aviculturalist Lisa Hartman.
Rites of Passage
October 10, 2026
1:00 pm – 2:30 pm
This simulated natural burial experience is led by Dustin Duve of the Farley Center in collaboration with artist Lexi Ames and musical group Worn Mantle.
Día de Muertos Ofrenda – Aztec to Contemporary Times
October 10, 2026
1:00 pm – 6:30 pm
Learn about the history of Día de Muertos and participate in the building of a community ofrenda with Mexican Folk Art Collective.
Decomposure: A Conversation on Decay + Re-form
October 10, 2026
2:30 pm – 3:30 pm
In this conversation, conservation biologist Curt Meine invites a range of perspectives on decomposition.
A De-Composition Writing Workshop
October 10, 2026
3:30 pm – 5:00 pm
This ticketed writing workshop with Lia Purpura focuses on the various stages of continuous creation and undoing.
Interactive Poetry with Dasha Kelly
October 10, 2026
3:30 pm – 4:30 pm
Explore poetry and history with fellow Decomposium attendees during an experience guided by Dasha Kelly.
Tsuzamen
October 10, 2026
7:00 pm – 7:30 pm
Tsuzamen will perform a new work of original music inspired by soil horizons.
Artwork + Installations
Gallery (Ash)
October 10, 2026
10:00 am – 8:00 pm
Artist Max Sorenson explores the ecological upheaval of emerald ash borer infestation and our collective cultural relationship to displaced “invasive species.”
Proscenium
October 10, 2026
10:00 am – 8:00 pm
A layered wood-cut installation by artist Laura Annis that will frame the main Decomposium stage.
Some Perennials
October 10, 2026
11:30 am – 5:00 pm
This hybrid poetry/artbook and film projection by Nick Gulig and Colin Crowley explores themes of immigration, family, decay, fruition, and language.