I visited with my family in August of '64. You could see the workers from the tramway but they also had scaffolding for the more daring. You had to descend 200 feet or more down the face of the rock to get to the point were you could actually look down upon the "sculptors" (more like demolitions experts). It was definitely worth the trek.
I've always wanted to go back and see the completed sculpture - I guess I'd better accelerate my plans.
Yup and if The state doesnt want it they can give it back to the Venable family.