Opus 40 is a monumental environmental sculpture encompassing more than six
acres. Painstakingly crafted over 37 years by one man, it affords superb
views of nearby Overlook Mountain.
Sculptor Harvey Fite began work on
Opus 40 on the site of an abandoned bluestone quarry in 1939. Using only
hand-powered quarryman's tools - and no mortar or cement - he fitted
together hundreds of thousands of stones to create an interlocking series of
terraces, ramps, and steps that were intended to serve as a showcase for his
figural sculptures. Over time, he came to realize that what had begun as the
setting had become a sculpture in its own right; the original sculptures
were placed in the surrounding woods and fields.
Opus 40 (the name
refers to the number of years Fite expected the work's completion to take)
curves around trees and shrubs, and incorporates pools and fountains fed by
quarry springs. Atop it stands a nine-ton monolith. As visitors walk through
the work, along cool subterranean passageways and up gentle inclines, its
majesty and complexity varies from every new perspective. Fite died while
working on Opus 40 in 1976 - three years shy of its completion. Near the
work is the Quarryman's Museum, which Fite designed to exhibit 19th-century
quarrymen's tools and home furnishings. Many of the hammers, chisels,
chains, and other objects are arrayed in artistic patterns, making the
exhibit itself a work of art.
Opus 40, located at 50 Fite Road in
Saugerties, is open 12-5 p.m. Fri.-Sun. from Memorial Day weekend-Columbus
day weekend. (Some days may be reserved for special events, so call ahead.)
Admission fee. Rubber-soled shoes are recommended. 845-246-3400.