Giant Puppet Will Be Walking Around Hoboken Friday, Because Of Course

HOBOKEN, NJ — Thirty-two years ago, a young man moved to Hoboken and allowed an "enormous pile of puppet projects" to grow in his apartment.

It made perfect sense: The man, Paul Andrejco, was working as a freelance artist for the Jim Henson Company (creator of "The Muppets").

Andrejco's "Puppet Heap" continued to expand in his unit at 327 Jackson St. Eventually, he created a Puppet Heap design studio, now located in the arts center at 720 Monroe St. it lists, among its projects, the Muppets.

Now, his "Puppet Heap" character appears in various places, and plans to wander around Hoboken this Friday in advance of an exhibit called "The Heap" at the Hoboken Historical Museum.

The Museum said this week, "On Friday, September 22nd starting at 3 p.m., The Heap, a larger than life walking puppet, will be making his way throughout the Mile Square [to the museum] from Puppet Heap’s homebase at the Monroe Center for the Arts. To celebrate the new exhibit coming to our Upper Gallery, The Heap is taking a stroll through Hoboken."

You can spot him from various businesses around the area, including Yuki Bakery, Black Rail, Bwè (Washington Street location), and The Hive.

"You will not want to miss his epic journey," the Museum said.

The Hoboken Business Alliance, a co-sponsor of the exhibit, has donated 100 museum tickets to the exhibit which will be given out on a first come, first serve basis during The Heap’s walk along route, or wherever you see the "Person of Interest" poster at local businesses throughout town.

Opening Reception For The Heap

And on Sunday, the Museum will hold an opening reception for the exhibit.

The reception will take place Sept. 24 from 2-5 p.m. at the museum at 1301 Hudson Street.

The Museum said, "The Heap is a larger than life puppet and elderly, eccentric gentleman who collects things on his back, representing anxieties, trauma, and memories. In fact, the entire town of Spudbottom can be found there! The exhibit itself will feature a multi-media installation depicting a glimpse of the Heap later in life."

You can also see Museum President Bob Foster's interview with Andrejco here.

Museum Fundraising Gala Is Back

The Hoboken Historical Museum can always use your support, so why not have fun and donate at the same time?

The gala will take place Saturday, Nov. 4 from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. at the Antique Loft, 33 Newark St. It'll include "Heavy hors d'oeuvres, open bar, live music, a silent auction & more."

It's for ages 21 and over only, with cocktail attire required. $150 per ticket, $275 for two.

Get tickets and more information here.