SACANDAGA STATION ART PARK

The Art Park was a sculpture garden established in 1987 by the sculptor Faust on a 1.3 acre wooded area next to the station. It was a maze of small trails - an "environment" in folk-art parlance - filled with life-sized wood carvings, amazing crystal abstractions suspended from trees and metal creations that range from whimsical to phantasmagoric. Some of the pieces evoked the myths and spirits of Africa - others were simply playful. Still others speak of the human condition and suggest the idea of enlightenment. The use of colors, animal figures and interactive mechanical motion made Faust's art fascinating and engaging for children. Visitors were invited to touch, play with and explore the sculptures. The Art Park was a place where dreams and reality took on new dimensions, where one's spirit was uplifted. It was a very unique place.
 

After spending fifteen years working and exhibiting in New York City, Faust and his wife Miriam settled at Sacandaga station. They lived in the former trainmaster office and used the rest of the building to store materials and work on their art. The Art Park became Faust's permanent exhibit space. He began wood carving at the age of 19 and worked exclusively in wood till he met the modernist metal sculptor David Smith in 1980. The early wood sculptures show his interest in African art and Nigerian deities. Later work transcends race or ethnic background. Most of the metal sculptures are welded assemblies that range from beautiful, to inventive, to just playful and engaging.  Some of the metal objects had some connection with the railroad. As Faust used to say: "Wood is my main discipline but welding is my fun". After the renovation of the Station in 2004, Faust moved his little African Kingdom and  the Art Park to the Gloversville area. The former Art Park was then subdivided into five cottage building lots and the remaining land was added to the Station lot to protect the setting on the South side.   

 
Faust's Art was an eclectic mix of materials. He loved to recycle found objects. Some creations hung from trees; others were semi-hidden in the landscape