Navigate the community through its most creative landmarks.
The arts are a central thread in the fabric of community life at Serenbe. From gallery exhibitions and artist-in-residence programs to a vibrant theater scene, music and spoken word performances, creativity is intentionally woven into everyday moments. Art is also embedded in the landscape itself with a robust Public Art program that is thoughtfully placed throughout each neighborhood hamlet, offering moments of reflection, wonder, and joy.
In Serenbe founder Steve Nygren’s book, Start in Your Own Backyard: Transforming Where We Live with Radical Common Sense, he emphasizes the role of art in placemaking and building a community embedded with beauty and meaning. He writes, “Arts and culture are essential for healthy communities because… they touch the deepest wells of the human spirit. They show us new ways to think about and understand our lives and the world around us. Art is a means of expression, a uniting force, and a way of communicating ideas and perspectives. It also challenges us when it exposes us to different points of view.”
So, strap on your walking shoes and meet us at the main Selborne Lane entrance. We’re about to explore some of Serenbe’s most compelling public art installations.
Our tour begins at the entrance to Serenbe on Selborne Lane, where you’ll spot a refined, understated entry sign designed by frequent Serenbe collaborator Robert Rausch. Rausch’s creative fingerprint is visible throughout Serenbe, from whimsical streetlamps and benches to bike racks that double as sculpture.
As you continue toward the stables, on your right, pause at Serenity for Shango, a monumental sculpture by world-renowned artist Curtis Patterson. Commissioned by Serenbe residents, this powerful piece honors African American heritage and its profound influence on contemporary art. With its commanding presence and layered symbolism, Patterson’s work invites thoughtful engagement, both with the physical form and the cultural legacy it represents.
Turning left onto Gainey Lane, at the bottom of the hill, you’ll arrive at Grange Green, a beloved gathering spot for kids to play, weekly farmers markets, and impromptu concerts. Tucked into the landscape is Kite Boy by sculptor Gordon Chandler. Crafted from salvaged metal, this playful figure perfectly captures the spirit of Grange Green: creative, joyful, and a little mischievous.
From here, continue along Serenbe Lane to the right and enjoy the walk towards Mado.
Once you enter Mado, take the stairs on the left down to Mado Pond, where you’ll encounter Methods of Embrace, a sculptural installation representing two archings boughs, by Serenbe resident Rachel Garceau. Perched beside the trail, the piece acts as a quiet threshold between the built environment and the wild landscape beyond.
After crossing the Pond, head to the entrance of the One Mado building and don’t miss the elegant fountain, tree sculpture, chandelier, and hidden dog bowl, another collaboration with Robert Rausch. These pieces exemplify Serenbe’s commitment to thoughtful design and to making everyday encounters with art feel seamless and inspiring.
Next, as you leave Mado, cross Serenbe Lane and follow Prom Field Road past the Swim Club and Terra School toward the Inn at Serenbe. On the way, take a quick detour to view the colorful barn quilt by local artist Laurie Searle. Part of a larger barn quilt trail throughout Chattahoochee Hills, this piece connects to the area’s agricultural history and rich storytelling traditions.
Turning around towards Selborne, you’ll leave The Inn property and arrive at the Wildflower Meadow, where The Dance by Atlanta-based sculptor Martin Dawe awaits. Dawe was among the Nygrens’ first visitors back when Serenbe was simply their family home with a small bed and breakfast. His sculpture, graceful and seemingly in motion, was inspired by the interplay of feminine energy found in nature and the masculine force of development, two distinct yet harmonious forces joined with intention and reverence. The sculpture embodies the same sense of balance that Serenbe strives to cultivate throughout the community.
Let’s now head into Selborne, the last – but certainly not least – stop on our tour.
Each Serenbe hamlet is designed around an intention, and Selborne is the artistic heart of the community. Beginning at the Blue Eyed Daisy, take in the colorful Labyrinth mural by resident Grady Cousins that mirrors the physical labyrinth on The Inn grounds. The image, like the labyrinth itself, encourages inward reflection and a slower, more mindful pace.
Continue past the Daisy to discover a cluster of public artworks near The Hill restaurant. Below the restaurant in a seating nook, you’ll find Serenbe Tree, a stunning mosaic by resident Morgan Boszilkov dedicated to the memory of Atlanta and Serenbe arts leader Shelton Stanfill. Nearby, two art billboards display vibrant, large-scale versions of works by residents GW Harper and Diane Cutler. Nestled between The Hill and Austin’s Cocktailery and Kitchen is the Serenbe leaf arch, another whimsical and intricate piece by Robert Rausch – proof that even the smallest details are intentional here.
As you walk down Selborne Lane, keep an eye on the alleyways. Hidden between the red-brick and painted white-brick townhomes is another one of Gordon Chandler’s salvaged-metal sculptures: Kimono, a blink-and-you’ll-miss-it treasure.
Finally, near the Wine Shop, look skyward to catch a glimpse of a mural by Shannon Lake. Partially hidden by mature trees, the piece features a pastoral scene of oversized flowers, an acorn motif, and a dreamlike landscape.
Public art is part of the rhythm of life here. Each piece adds a layer of meaning, sparks conversation, or simply offers a moment of delight. As you finish your walking tour, we hope you leave feeling more connected to the land, to the people, and to the powerful role that art can play in building community.
The Art Farm’s Special Projects Council keeps inspiration alive in unexpected ways throughout the Serenbe community. From public art installations that surprise and delight, to artists’ lectures and immersive arts workshops, the Special Projects Council creates magical moments of connection between artists and art enthusiasts.