New Mural Brings Nature-Inspired Art To Downtown San Rafael's

SAN RAFAEL, CA — A business in downtown San Rafael unveiled a vibrant new mural, co-created with a local artist, at its Fourth Street studio.

The artist behind the mural, Mae Wolf, said the installation at Metta Yoga was inspired by the area’s original wetlands. The large-scale mural features nature-inspired depictions of birds, butterflies, water, and the lotus flower — which is a symbol of resilience and a core representation of the yoga practice.

"Public art plays a vital role in revitalizing and enriching communities," Metta Yoga Co-owners Amy Greywitt, Temple Schauble and Carla Herzenberg wrote in a statement. "We hope this mural will help to invite new people to visit, inspire a vibrant downtown area, and hopefully also contribute to the economic vitality of downtown San Rafael overall. We’re thrilled to feature this mural at our studio as a way of celebrating our recent move to a new studio space and our involvement with the City of San Rafael.”

Wolf is a San Rafael-based oil painter and art therapy student whose work often explores the connection between internal emotional landscapes and the natural world.

“Through her murals, her goal is to uplift communities and brighten the world,” the studio owners stated. As a women-owned and -run business, Metta Yoga owners stated they were proud to collaborate with a local female artist on the project.

The owners stated, “Our goal with this mural is to support our mission of inspiring students to practice metta or loving kindness both on and off the mat and to live vibrantly, compassionately and joyfully.”

Metta Yoga has been a fixture in San Rafael for six years, recently moving across Cijos Street into its new studio at 851 4th St. The studio, which also operates locations in Corte Madera and Sausalito, is known for its community-focused approach, dynamic classes, and collaborations with numerous local businesses, including Pink Owl Coffee, Double Rainbow Cafe, and Pond Farm Brewery.

Wolf’s work can be viewed at www.maewolf.com.

The mural project was made possible by a matching grant from the California Arts Council, awarded through the Art & Beautification Matching Grant Program of the Downtown San Rafael Business Improvement District. Additional funding came from donations by the Metta Yoga community and the public.

“Watching the Metta Yoga team take a $4k grant, rally community support for extra funds, and create that large magical piece, was inspiring," said Sarah Tipple, Director of the Business Improvement District.