A garden-themed mural has been hung on the side of a Sebastopol church, which the creator said “provides a little wonder for everyone.”

Forestville muralist Amanda Lynn will be painting Oct. 15 and 16 at St. Louis on Robinson Road. Stephen’s Episcopal Church campus in a project called “The Playground” outside the soon-to-open The Playground Café.

“I’m very excited because I’ve been wanting to do public painting in Sebastopol,” said Amanda Lynn, whose work can be seen around Sonoma County, including Sonoma County Juvenile Hall and the Boys and Girls Club, River Theater in Santa Rosa. in Guerneville and at the corner of Highway 116 and Covey Road in Forestville.

“Because I love living and creating so deeply in Sonoma County and West County, I want to express that joy and gratitude by sharing art for everyone in the community,” she said.

The mural is a reflection of nature, including plants, vegetables and flowers found on the church’s four acres. “Even bugs and bluebirds,” Amanda Lynn said.

Amanda Lynn was connected to the church through a hairdresser friend who had a client named Serafina Palandech, who attended St. He mentioned that Stephen’s was interested in having a mural painted on the cafe, which was under construction at the time. Palandech, who sits on the church’s board of directors, became a fan of Amanda Lynn’s work and recommended her for the job in August.

The newly decorated cafe is the brainchild of the church’s pastor, Christy Laborda Harris, and other church members who dreamed of creating a non-worship space where people could gather. Harris said the space will be “welcoming to people with different spiritual journeys, so it’s a lot less Christian than the indoor space.”

Harris in 2011 at St. When he arrived at Stephen’s, most of the property was a vacant lot and unused.

The cafe is an effort to change that, with construction set to begin in February 2023.

Harris said the project is “pretty unique.” “I know of some churches around the country that have opened coffee shops or restaurants, but I don’t know of any in Sebastopol.”

The cost of construction was paid by members to St. It was covered by the church’s investment fund, supported by “significant gifts” to St. Stephen’s, and a $145,000 grant from the church in 2020. Combined Thank You Offeris an Episcopal organization focused on promoting gratitude and supporting innovative projects around the world, he said.

The church, which some hope will attract café patrons, rents some of its space for music classes and hosts about 200 students a week on site, according to Harris.

“We want to offer food first while they and others are here, including a really good breakfast burrito, snacks, salads and lunch items,” he said.

Harris hopes to open the cafe in early 2025.

The mural cost $2,750 (Amanda Lynn gave the church a 50% discount) and the church is raising money online to cover and buy games, utensils and other items for the cafe.

“I love painting, it is my passion and my true passion is to bring joy to the public through painting,” said Amanda Lynn.

Harris also hopes the mural and café will bring joy to the community.

“The mural is so enjoyable because we are building the kitchen to create and nurture this community. Environmental health doesn’t require a beautiful mural, but it does require joy, whimsy and playfulness. I hope it sends the message that this is a place where people of all ages can play,” Harris said.

St. Stephen’s and The Playground Café are located at 500 Robinson Road in Sebastopol.

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