By Eva Schiller (V)
This year, the Pingry community must bid Visual Arts Teacher Mr. Freiwald (affectionately known as “Frei” by his students) farewell as he enters retirement. During a 32-year career at Pingry, Mr. Freiwald has taught a myriad of art classes including Advanced Topics in Art, Photography, Graphics (printmaking and graphic design), Art Fundamentals, and Metalworking. However, he is best known among students for his famed Clayworking and Sculpture class, as well as his incredible pottery showing in Pingry’s Hostetter gallery.
Mr. Freiwald is extremely experienced in his field; he received a BA in Fine Arts from Montclair State University, and a MFA in Sculpture and Graphic Design from Rutgers University. His work has been exhibited in over twenty galleries and, before coming to Pingry, he obtained considerable teaching experience at nearly ten educational institutions. As a community, we are incredibly fortunate to have been the recipients of such experience and expertise throughout his classes.
However, since becoming a faculty member in 1988, Mr. Freiwald’s impact on students has reached far beyond the classroom. He helped construct sets for the Drama Department, served as faculty advisor for the Make a Wish Foundation and Potters for Peace, and even spent 11 years as Blue Book photographer. Perhaps most importantly, he is beloved among his students for his good nature and devotion to the community.
As such, he will be missed greatly by his students. “Frei has inspired me to pursue my dreams,” notes clayworking student Jerry O’Mara (V). “I remember when I asked him about how he got his ideas for his amazing pots he told me that he just dreamed about it and the next day, made it. Frei has taught me that great work does not come from great skill but great vision and determination.” Speaking for the rest of Mr. Freiwald’s students, Jerry added that “everyone that has had Frei as a teacher can agree that his passion and deep understanding drives everyone around him to create bigger and better things.”
As for Mr. Freiwald’s plans in retirement, the Record has gotten wind of a rumor that he may be writing a book in his newfound free time. If so, we are excited to read it! If not, we must continue holding out hope that just a few more pieces of original Freiwald pottery make it to the Hostetter gallery. Best of luck to you, Mr. Freiwald, wherever you go!