Jungle-themed mural at Cooper-Siegel dedicated to late volunteer

Patrons of the children’s story room at the Cooper-Siegel Community Library in Fox Chapel will be greeted by new friends.

A brightly colored jungle-themed mural has transformed the walls with paintings of an elephant spraying water onto an umbrella-wielding monkey, sleepy lions resting on cupboards and ostriches batting long eyelashes at guests.

The mural was painted in memory of Kris Niemann, a beloved and long-time library volunteer who passed away earlier this year from an autoimmune disorder.

“The mural captures Kris’ youthful spirit and love of animals, especially giraffes and cats,” said Jill McConnell, library executive director.

It was designed through collaborations by staff and artist Kim Freithaler, a New York native who performed her internship at the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

Freithaler previously taught art in Manhattan public schools and now serves as the executive director of the North Hills Art Center.

Freithaler had never met Niemann but was approached to do the mural in her memory. She learned about the late volunteer’s love of cats and made sure the whimsical drawings served as a nod to that interest.

“The swings and monkeys with the umbrella are interactive scenes that serve as photo ops,” Freithaler said.

The murals provide colorful backdrops for photos.

“The scene with the rain can easily accommodate a wheelchair and the swings are different heights for both children and adults.”

One of the cats sports eye glasses. Freithaler said she wanted the room to be inclusive, as well as playful and welcoming.

“I smile when I walk into the children’s reading room at Cooper-Siegel and I hope everyone else does too,” Freithaler said.

The library is located at 403 Fox Chapel Road.