BOICEVILLE — Driving west along Rt.28, past Woodstock, you pass through the hamlet of Boiceville. As you gaze out the window, high up on a hill, appearing like ghosts from the mountainside, arms of alabaster reach up towards the Sun. Native American sculptures gleam in the daylight, prompting visitors to quickly find a place to park and explore them, which beg to be discovered. Created from wire mesh and concrete, Emile Brunel carved them by hand, each seam and crevasse smoothed with his fingers, bringing to life, indelible figures from out of a dream.
The indigenous people who lived in the same places we now call our own inspired Emile Brunel, bringing a passionate heart and spirit to persevere, creating a legacy worth enjoying for all time.
Emile Brunel began the arduous work required between the 1920s and 1940s. Brunel honed his photographic eye and made fully formed figures in a luxurious garden, honoring the footsteps of those who came before colonization by early settlers. Emile was a French Immigrant, coming to America as many did, seeking better chances for a real life.
As with most Creatives, he was talented at not only designing and creating fully formed figures, but his eyes were drawn to the permanence of photography. He created what is now the New York Institute of Photography in 1913, creating a gathering place for like-minded individuals. People with purpose and a creative soul seeking expression.
Brunel Garden and Studio became a haven for such journeymen and women. His Le Chalet Indian became a haven for artists and famous people of all walks of life seeking the solace and joy Emile had created. It became a world-class resort.
The Catskills throughout this period were a spotlight for the adventurous person. Many of our favorite writers and artists, philosophers- all headed to the Catskills, finding the magic that seeped from every tree and the long, golden fields of ripe corn. From Eleanor Roosevelt to foundational supporters of Modernist art, Sidney and Harriet Janis, from the Austrian architect Frederick Kiesler to the Broadway producer Harold Prince, all were drawn across four decades to the impeccable gardens, the Park, and the studios offered.
14 incredible concrete pieces stand guard over the entrance to the Catskills, some 30 ft. tall. Moon-Haw-Haw and The Great White Spirit, which once entombed Emile Brunel’s ashes. His final resting place within the forms his hands created for all others to enjoy. The Sacred land made more so by his love and care.
Art and Culture, and Education of these things are the
restorative elements and properties for all living things. As humans, we often leave nothing behind but memories. While some leave monuments of concrete and metal.
After decades of shifting economics and resources, the Park was in decline. Passerbys driving past, not stopping for the breath of air alongside a long, meandering road. Emile’s granddaughter, named Gladyse after her mother, continued caring for the park until she died in 1985, when the souvenir shop finally closed.
Finally, a new vision came forward. The sculpture garden and studio changed into hands that could help revive its glory. Glory that never disappeared, but was just forgotten. Time does this, and it’s our duty to maintain this. Maintain the memories of those before, so the next generation can recall the efforts of those before themselves.
Managed by Friends of Brunel Park, events, art installations, and
musical performances have now returned to the glorious gardens and unseen eyes of concrete. Cynthia Nikitin, one of the handful of people who caretake the park, has said how important this is: Important to remember where we are in the world, and why.
Volunteers are welcome, loving hands in the dirt, bringing new life to the grounds. A place of solitude for those seeking to embrace their craft and art fully.
So next time, while driving along the historic scenic Rt. 28 byway, cast your eyes upward and see the incredible hands reaching out to you. All it’s doing is asking you to Look, to See, to Smile, at the enormity of beauty one man created. One person can change the World. One person can change your life. We all should be so lucky as to leave behind the glorious monuments at the Brunel Studio and Sculpture Garden.
Keep an eye out for upcoming events in 2026. Volunteer and help
support the Park directly by going to its website. Become a member, add your voice and hands to the deep mix of humanity that has shared this place. I personally was welcomed to the Catskills by The Great White Spirit. Brunel's love of what many others at the time held in great disdain. The outstretched arms are always ready to have another curious
adventure-seeking heart discover its secrets
Brunel Park was listed in the National Registry of Historic Places in 1999.
There is a free digital Guide to help you discover the history and uncover the mystery of Brunel Park.
https://guides.bloombergconnects.org/en-US/guide/friendsOfBrunelPark Sign up on Brunel Park’s mailing list to be looped into the wonderful moments you can share with your family and friends. Make Friends-Kin with Love www.brunelpark.org/contact-us
