If you have recently walked through Preston Hall and have been spooked by a colorful papier mâché man, you are not alone.

Last spring, sophomore Rosemary Moore constructed and decorated a papier mâché man for an art class. While the students’ creations were on display for the Mercyhurst community in Zurn Hall last year, Moore’s piece has recently become a topic of discussion on campus.

“I thought it was thrown away at the end of the term last spring,” Moore said.
Sarah Hlusko photo: The mystery of the mâché man continues, and he is found relaxing in President Gamble’s office.
To this day, it is still uncertain who moved Moore’s piece into Preston and the reasoning behind it. Moore is excited to have people interested in her piece, as long as they don’t do anything too inappropriate to the project.

“It was just a class assignment and to have people interested in it months later is exciting,” Moore said.

The mâché man, who’s name is unknown, has been an inhabitant of the Criminal Justice Department in Preston Hall for the past few weeks.

Shirley Greene, administrative assistant of the department, said that “the man” has become part of the family.

“Everyone comes in each day, wondering where he will be next,” Greene said.

The professors on the floor have played practical jokes on each other, placing him in offices so he scares the occupants when they walk in, pasting a picture of Dr. Benekos’ face on the man and taping a chili pepper to his right hand.

Students’ responses vary in regards to the papier mâché man. However, each student questioned about the mystery man was intrigued, and all tried to personalize him, giving the man names and various personalities.

Moore is pleased with the life the community has given to her art.

“Art is supposed to be enjoyed and if this is the public’s way of enjoying it then I’m happy.”