“Freedom” is what the monarch butterflies symbolize in The Zen Garden II Mural. This vibrant mural graces the corner of Page and Laguna Streets. It is diagonally across from the San Francisco Zen Center.
The Zen Garden II Mural isn’t just a pretty picture. It’s a story of community and art. Several panels unite to form it. A stream of monarch butterflies flows throughout. These butterflies are often seen in spring at Tassajara Zen Mountain Center. This is one of the San Francisco Zen Center’s three temples.
Let’s talk about how this all began. Arlene Lueck is a priest at the San Francisco Zen Center. She organized this mural project. She invited Nicole Hayden, a neighborhood artist, to paint. Arlene saw Nicole’s powerful mural of Breonna Taylor. It was on a storefront a few blocks away. This inspired Arlene to ask Nicole to contribute to the project.
Arlene pondered whose portrait to feature on the Page Street panel. Emily Hilldore, the Zen Center’s CFO, suggested Amanda Gorman. Both were inspired by Gorman’s inauguration poem.
Nicole carefully restored several monarch butterflies. She had painted over them as she created Gorman’s portrait. Nicole wanted to keep the monarchs intact. She found them compatible with the poet, as they symbolize freedom.
Amanda Gorman recited her poem “The Hill We Climb” at President Joe Biden’s inauguration. Arlene, a Zen Center elder, understands the importance of passing leadership to the next generation. She listens to the voices of young people. Arlene was encouraged by Gorman’s mantra. Gorman says to herself before public speaking. “I am the daughter of black writers who are descended from freedom fighters who broke their chains and changed the world. They call me.”
Gorman’s inaugural poem ends with powerful words. “The new dawn blooms as we free it. For there is always light, if only we’re brave enough to see it, if only we’re brave enough to be it.”
The Zen Garden II Mural is more than paint on a wall. It’s a message of hope. It’s a tribute to freedom. It’s a celebration of the new dawn. It reminds us to be brave enough to see the light and be the light. So take a moment. Let the calming scene sink in. Let the butterflies remind you of freedom. Let Amanda Gorman’s words inspire you. This mural connects art, Zen, and the spirit of San Francisco.