After graduating last week, twelfth-grader Pablo Gonzalez returned to campus May 22 and 23 to visually renovate social studies teacher John Schweig’s portable, leaving a legacy behind at Pine View.
“We have a big, beautiful canvas here, and it should be used for art,” Schweig said. “[The portable] is so beautiful on the inside but so bland on the outside.”
Schweig first asked Gonzalez to paint the mural last month but had no plans related to what the design would be. Ultimately, Schweig left the decision up to Gonzalez, the artist.
According to Gonzalez, the mural will be a colorful rendition of Mount Rushmore he calls “Pop Mount Rushmore” and will feature the classic American monument in a more colorful and unique light.
“I want it to be something future generations of Pine View can see and experience every day,” Gonzalez said. “Having vibrancy on campus is extremely important to fostering an academically stimulating environment.”
Originally, upon first bringing the idea to principal Dr. Stephen Covert, Schweig planned to pay for Gonzalez’s work out of his own pocket. However, upon hearing the idea, Administration decided to pay Gonzalez’s commission, covering the cost of materials like weather-resistant paint.
According to Schweig, in the situation that Schweig’s portable is demolished in the next few years, as expected, the artwork may be able to be saved and put somewhere else on campus.
“If he becomes famous fast enough, maybe the painting will save the portable,” Schweig said with a smile.
Overall, Gonzalez is thankful that he has been able to take part in the painting of the mural, as he believes it is the perfect way for him to leave a legacy at Pine View using his own talents. Gonzalez also hopes to leave a mark on younger and future students at Pine View.
“I’m also doing this because I believe it’s important to let students know that they can personally make a mark on our campus,” Gonzalez said.
Photos by: Anna Labiner.