Mascot, sculptures add intrigue to Gorlok U
By: LINDSEY PILCHER
Issue date: 8/18/04 Section: News
The Priest House is one of the few remaining buildings in St. Louis that typifies the Colonial Revival Style, which focused on making homes more comfortable and less aristocratic. Constructed in 1908 for James Harvey Howe, the house has 18 rooms and two fireplaces. The Pearson House was made 25 years later for the daughter of Howe.
"Additions to the Pearson House in the late 1930s were done by a female architect-a rare thing at that time," David Stone, director of facility planning said.
The sculptures on campus are a mix of the old and new. Italian sculptor Folco Romanelli is responsible for one of the newest sculptures, entitled "Girl on a Swing." The family of Anne Leopold, who was an avid supporter of Repertory Theatre of St. Louis gave the sculpture to the university.
The largest and most noticeable sculpture is "Wisdom of the Limb," which is in front of the Music building facing Big Bend Blvd. Created by Gary Passanise, assistant professor in the art department, the sculpture is about 14 feet in diameter.
Although there is no official account of the sculptures on campus, Stone estimates around 10, some permanent and others temporary, some from staff members and others from outside sculptors.
The library also has prints from different periods and places. An Andy Warhol lithograph is one of the most identifiable.
No oddity list would be complete without the Gorrock, a vital piece of Webster mythology. One day it just appeared at the northwest entrance of the University Center as a puzzle to students and faculty.
"The Gorrock has been here always. No one knows when it showed up," said John Ginsburg, director of the University Center.
Student organizations use the rock to advertise events. To pay homage to the mystery of the stone, it can only be painted at night.
Ginsburg estimates that the Gorrock goes through thirty or more reincarnations a year.
"You might want to camp out after you've painted it, because someone else could come and paint over your event," Ginsburg said. "No one is in charge of the Gorrock. It just is."
Although the true appeal of Webster lies in its small class size and study abroad opportunities, its history and mythology add appeal. Be sure to check out all the library art and outside sculptures, and attend some sports games to root for the Gorlok.
"Additions to the Pearson House in the late 1930s were done by a female architect-a rare thing at that time," David Stone, director of facility planning said.
The sculptures on campus are a mix of the old and new. Italian sculptor Folco Romanelli is responsible for one of the newest sculptures, entitled "Girl on a Swing." The family of Anne Leopold, who was an avid supporter of Repertory Theatre of St. Louis gave the sculpture to the university.
The largest and most noticeable sculpture is "Wisdom of the Limb," which is in front of the Music building facing Big Bend Blvd. Created by Gary Passanise, assistant professor in the art department, the sculpture is about 14 feet in diameter.
Although there is no official account of the sculptures on campus, Stone estimates around 10, some permanent and others temporary, some from staff members and others from outside sculptors.
The library also has prints from different periods and places. An Andy Warhol lithograph is one of the most identifiable.
No oddity list would be complete without the Gorrock, a vital piece of Webster mythology. One day it just appeared at the northwest entrance of the University Center as a puzzle to students and faculty.
"The Gorrock has been here always. No one knows when it showed up," said John Ginsburg, director of the University Center.
Student organizations use the rock to advertise events. To pay homage to the mystery of the stone, it can only be painted at night.
Ginsburg estimates that the Gorrock goes through thirty or more reincarnations a year.
"You might want to camp out after you've painted it, because someone else could come and paint over your event," Ginsburg said. "No one is in charge of the Gorrock. It just is."
Although the true appeal of Webster lies in its small class size and study abroad opportunities, its history and mythology add appeal. Be sure to check out all the library art and outside sculptures, and attend some sports games to root for the Gorlok.
