In the rural landscape of Sandyston Township, New Jersey, a former hunting cabin has been transformed into a sprawling work of art known as Luna Parc. For more than three decades, artist Ricky Boscarino has meticulously expanded and decorated the property, turning it into his personal residence, studio, and a semi-private museum that reflects his unique artistic vision.
The project, which began in 1989, has evolved from a simple cabin into a multi-building compound filled with intricate mosaics, whimsical sculptures, and extensive collections. Luna Parc serves as a testament to Boscarino's dedication to creating a fully immersive artistic environment, blending architecture, sculpture, and design into a single, continuous creation.
Key Takeaways
- Luna Parc is the home and art installation of artist Ricky Boscarino, located in Sandyston Township, New Jersey.
- The project started in 1989 with the purchase of a small, rundown hunting cabin on an 8.5-acre property.
- Boscarino has spent over 30 years expanding the structure into a 5,000-square-foot home and studio.
- The style is described as "maximalism," featuring elaborate mosaics, found-object sculptures, and extensive collections of everyday items.
- Luna Parc is also the base for a non-profit foundation that supports arts education and hosts public open house events twice a year.
The Origin of Luna Parc
The story of Luna Parc began in 1989 when Ricky Boscarino, a recent graduate of the Rhode Island School of Design, purchased a dilapidated hunting cabin in a remote part of Sussex County. The initial structure was modest, but it provided the canvas Boscarino needed to begin his life's work. His goal was not simply to build a house but to create an environment where his life and art were inseparable.
Over the following years, Boscarino single-handedly undertook the massive project of expanding the cabin. He added rooms, wings, and entire new structures, all designed and built with his distinct aesthetic. What started as a small shelter has grown into a 5,000-square-foot residence that is both a functional home and an ever-evolving sculpture.
From Humble Beginnings to Artistic Landmark
The transformation from a simple cabin to the elaborate estate seen today was a gradual process. Boscarino lived in the cabin as he worked, adding sections piece by piece. This organic approach to construction allowed the design to evolve over time, reflecting his changing ideas and artistic explorations. The property now includes the main house, several outbuildings, and landscaped grounds featuring numerous outdoor sculptures.
An Explosion of Maximalist Design
Every surface at Luna Parc tells a story. Boscarino describes his style as "maximalism," a philosophy that embraces abundance, color, and intricate detail. The home is a direct contrast to minimalist trends, with every wall, floor, and ceiling covered in art and objects.
The interior and exterior walls are adorned with vibrant mosaics made from tile, glass, and found objects. This technique is one of Boscarino's signatures, creating detailed patterns and images that flow throughout the property. The architecture itself is unconventional, with curved walls, unexpected archways, and towers that give the home a fantastical appearance.
Collections as Art
A significant part of the Luna Parc experience is the display of numerous collections. Boscarino has amassed thousands of objects, which he arranges in deliberate, artful ways. These are not random assortments but carefully curated installations.
- Lunchboxes: A wall is dedicated to a vast collection of vintage metal lunchboxes from various eras.
- Bowling Balls: Hundreds of colorful bowling balls are used as landscape features, embedded in concrete structures, or arranged in sculptural piles.
- Vampire Killing Kits: The home contains a display of antique-style vampire killing kits, showcasing Boscarino's interest in folklore and macabre craftsmanship.
- Everyday Items: Other collections include everything from Pez dispensers and vintage toys to bottle caps and antique tools, each group becoming a unique visual element within the home.
The property spans 8.5 acres, allowing for extensive outdoor installations. The grounds feature a sculpture garden, a cemetery for fictional characters, and various structures made from recycled and repurposed materials.
The Artist and His Philosophy
Ricky Boscarino is a multimedia artist with skills in ceramics, metalwork, glass, and woodworking. He creates much of the art and architectural elements at Luna Parc himself in his on-site studio. His work is often described as whimsical and surreal, drawing inspiration from sources as diverse as Antoni Gaudí, fairy tales, and circus sideshows.
Boscarino sees Luna Parc as more than just a house. It is an autobiography, a physical representation of his imagination, memories, and artistic journey. The constant process of building and creating is central to his artistic practice.
His hands-on approach is evident everywhere. From the custom-made tiles to the welded metal gates, nearly every detail has been personally crafted. This dedication gives the entire property a cohesive, though intensely eclectic, feel. It is a space where the line between fine art, craft, and architecture is completely blurred.
Public Access and The Luna Parc Atelier Foundation
While Luna Parc is a private residence, Boscarino believes in sharing his creation with the public. He opens his home and grounds for open house events twice a year, typically in the spring and fall. These events allow visitors to tour the property and see the ever-changing installations and artworks.
To further his mission of promoting the arts, Boscarino established The Luna Parc Atelier Foundation. This non-profit organization is dedicated to fostering creativity through workshops, artist residencies, and educational programs. The foundation aims to provide a space where other artists can come to learn, create, and be inspired by the unique environment of Luna Parc.
The open houses serve as fundraisers for the foundation, helping to support its artistic and educational initiatives. According to the foundation, these events attract thousands of visitors, demonstrating a strong public interest in Boscarino's unique world.
The continued evolution of Luna Parc ensures that it remains a dynamic and surprising destination. For over 30 years, it has grown from a private project into a significant cultural landmark in New Jersey, showcasing the power of a singular artistic vision pursued with relentless passion.