There is something about a plain wooden fence that invites the mind to consider images, ideas, and energy. This month, the plain, wooden fence encircling GRIP’s new community garden became the canvas again for the artistry of The Bay Area Mural Program’s Andre Jahmora.
Bright sunflowers with verdant green stalks and leaves now adorn the vertical fence boards surrounding the garden. On another side, the sunflowers mingle with vegetables from tomatoes to eggplant, exploding with bounty and growth. It’s bright, cheery, and inviting — just like the garden itself.
“Personally, it fills me with a deep sense of pride and optimism,” GRIP Executive Director Ralph Payton said. “Seeing such an explosion of color and life in a place dedicated to serving those in need is a powerful reminder of why we do this work. The artistry and symbolism of growth, warmth, and abundance reinforce GRIP’s mission of providing not just food and shelter but also dignity and hope.”
“Community art builds bridges from concepts to physical understanding. With attention to clients’ desires, beautiful murals inspire viewers,” writes the non-profit about its programs. “Our vision is to turn bare, blighted walls into artistic gateways to the community’s surrounding environment.”
The mural also inspires residents who live in an urban area, surrounded by railroad tracks, concrete viaducts for BART, and asphalt. Payton added, “The mural has sparked conversations about nature, beauty, and the importance of fresh food, making the garden feel like more than just a source of nourishment but also a place of inspiration.”
The garden itself was the brainchild of Blanca Zepeda, a long-time GRIP supporter, and foodie owner of Bianco Verde restaurant at Hotel Mac. Her family embraced the idea, and came and built the fence around the soon-to-be garden in a single weekend. The vertical gardening pots are scheduled to arrive soon.
“My hope is that this garden continues to flourish and provide fresh, nutritious produce for our community,” Payton said. “More than that, I hope it serves as a space for healing, learning, and connection—a place where people can engage with the earth, learn about growing food, and feel a sense of belonging. The mural beautifully sets the stage for that vision, making the garden a true sanctuary in the heart of our mission.”
The same artist group is responsible for the iconic and powerful 22nd Street mural featuring the inspiring story of Najee Harris. That full-wall, street-facing mural has come to represent GRIP and all the possibilities and hope that the service provides for 15,000 folding and housing insecure people in the west county region.
