Countless Freedom students over the years have noticed, admired and wondered about the mysterious mural that hangs outside the cafeteria parking lot. Many students can be found in that very parking lot enjoying their lunch and fresh air. When asked about the painting, students were clueless as to where it came from, how it got there or who made it. Madeline Kiefer told us “I have no idea, but let me know when you find out!”

Many of Freedom’s long standing staff and teachers were interviewed, but few knew anything about the mural. Ms. Rita Kaplin, high school guidance counselor, offered an explanation.”It was put up many years ago. All the way back when Mrs. Rigotti was the high school art teacher,” Kaplin said.

Kaplin stated that the students of that time partnered up with the Artist and Residency Program, which was funded through Pittsburgh’s cultural department. A worker from that department came in to direct the production of the mural, which lasted an entire year.

When the construction was finished, the mural you see today was the result. Mr. James Gregg however, recalls that a piece of that mural may have been removed or redone, and it’s evident due to the studs on the high school wall where something once hang.

Mrs. Anna Maria Folmar agreed with Kaplin, going into even more
depth. She explained that “The painting was made in the 1990s, and it was the large, year long project for the class, Pittsburgh representative, and Rigotti to work on.”

As for the symbolization of the painting, no one has a definite answer. Many believe it’s simply a peaceful nature landscape, meant to just be for decoration. Some students such as Charles Sapp say “It’s a representation of the four biomes.” This is understandable; when looking at the painting, there is a clearly distinguishable desert, rainforest, and arctic tundra.

The Pittsburgh Cultural department is synonymous for this symbolization, some wonder as to whether or not their influences affected the painting. This department of Pittsburgh was also responsible for the Pittsburgh Cultural district, which is filled and surrounded by symbolic art and sculptures. As for the mural itself, little is known of its symbolism. Though we discovered a rough timeline when it was created, the actual meaning will continue to be a mystery.