Casey’s Relationship with Griffith Park began in 1986.

For several years, Casey Lived in the apartment complex just across the river.

She would hike the trails and look at all the good rocks and sticks.

Her favorite trail goes to Beacon Hill.

She wrote a song called “From the Top of the Hill”

She recorded that song with Butch Trucks of the Allman Bros.

She made the arduous climb to the top of Beacon Hill to celebrate overcoming breast cancer. (This is a similar video from 2023 on one of Casey’s many hikes)

In 2009 : Casey Donated her time, talent, scaffolding, varnish and quite a bit of sandpaper to create this 14-foot monument of Engineer Casey Jones at Travel Town in Griffith Park.

Special thanks to Tom LaBonge, Debbie Roland and Joe Salaices

They had the vision to bring this project to reality.

I told them I wanted to so something “Lasting and Meaningful”

In 2016: Casey again donated her time and several gallons of expensive varnish to refinish the entire sculpture at no charge.

In 2023:  Casey donated her time and more varnish to refresh the sculpture again.  She even invented a 12-foot tool so she could spray varnish on top without having to rent scaffolding again.

In 2023: Casey chose Griffith Park as the place to Debut her new carving “The Essence of Being” and it was covered on the news.

Casey McCaughn, also known as 'Casey Stardust,' is a dynamic and versatile artist whose creative journey spans multiple disciplines, including wood carving, chainsaw sculpture, painting, acting, and music. With an unparalleled ability to blend technical skill and imagination, Casey has created life-sized sculptures, intricate wood carvings, and interactive installations that captivate audiences.

Casey is best known for her monumental works, such as the 14-foot-tall sculpture of Engineer Casey Jones displayed at Griffith Park in Los Angeles. Her creations have also been featured in high-profile projects, including custom props for The Mandalorian. Her ability to carve emotion and detail into her pieces has earned her widespread recognition, including endorsements from public figures like Oprah Winfrey.

In addition to her large-scale sculptures, Casey's portfolio includes finely detailed paintings in oil, acrylic, and watercolor, often inspired by themes of nature, history, and mythology. She operates under the philosophy that art is both a challenge and a joy, believing that nothing is impossible with determination and creativity.

Casey’s work has not only enriched cultural spaces but also brought awareness to environmental conservation and the beauty of natural materials. Her passion for storytelling through art has made her an integral figure in celebrating history and nature through creative expression.

For more about her work, visit Casey Stardust’s website: https://caseystardust.com.