Beginning in January 2022, artist Michelino Peterson began creating an 8x10ft. ceramic mural. Peterson named the creation FREEDOM TO BE; it would be placed on an exterior wall at Hulda Crooks Park in Loma Linda.
Peterson chose this name because this mural depicts the freedom to be which various animals, birds, and flowers experience in the natural habitat in Loma Linda.
Two coyotes, named Fritz and Frieda, are found on the right as you face the mural. These were specially chosen because they are the animals, depicted on all the Loma Linda Lopers Club pink shirts, seen in abundance on Sunday Mornings.
In the center can be seen the donkeys: Barnabass, Bennie, and Burrito. Below the donkeys is the inquisitive face of Rhode the raccoon.
Then a touching space of tenderness is found on the left as the doe named Dream is nuzzling her fawn Dancer. The birds in this naturalist mural are a red-tailed hawk named Destiny on the right, and a raven named Watcher on the left. As you gaze at this amazing mural, the flowers, trees, and fauna are also endemic.
This mural was paid for by the city of Loma Linda with City Manager T. Jarb Thaipejr coordinating the project. This is a notable addition to the city.