A Love Letter to SF: Meet the Artist Behind Hotel Caza's New Mural
When you step into Hotel Caza and grab a seat at CAZBAR, you’re greeted by more than just a warm welcome, you’re met with a vibrant, whimsical mural that brings the heart of San Francisco to life. Commissioned by local Bay Area artist Jenna Forder, the mural highlights some of the city’s most iconic landmarks and playful coastal charm, all painted with care, color, and a touch of the unexpected.
This bold new addition to our hotel isn’t just art—it’s a love letter to San Francisco and an invitation for guests to get out and explore everything the city has to offer.
From Sea Lions to Skylines: A Visual Tour of San Francisco
The mural spans a colorful canvas of SF favorites—from the Golden Gate Bridge and Alcatraz Island to the Painted Ladies and Pier 39. It also features more than just city sights. “It was important to me to include the Bay beyond the city,” Jenna told us. “You’ll find otters, whales, cormorants, and seals. I wanted to bring in nature too.”
The piece blends the iconic with the imaginative. You might notice some playful distortions and dreamlike elements—intentional, Jenna says, to give the piece a “weird and trippy” feel. “It’s proportionately off,” she laughs. “But that’s the fun of it.”
Meet the Artist: Jenna Forder
Jenna Forder is a lifelong Bay Area creative with roots in both fine art and theater. “At four years old, I told my mom I wanted to be an artist,” she shared. “I’ve always loved art, and I’ve always been a creator.”
Her work can be seen across the Bay Area—from set and prop design for Seussical at Berkeley Playhouse and Ray of Light Theater, to murals like her hops-inspired piece at Oceanview Brew Works. She credits graffiti in the ’90s for leading her into the world of murals, and today, she sees public art as a vital part of community connection. “Murals truly are people’s art,” she said. “I love being able to express myself and the culture I’m alive in.”
The Creative Process: 6 months, Weekends and a Whole Lot of Curiosity
Jenna spent 5 - 6 months completing the piece, using weekends and days off to bring it to life. The hardest part? Architecture. “That’s not my usual subject, so this mural really challenged me,” she said.
Some of her favorite parts to paint were personal: “Mount Tam in the background was special—I grew up near there. The Palace of Fine Arts brings back nostalgia. And the Exploratorium? That’s the best museum in the U.S.!”
The result is a mural that feels at once local and larger-than-life. It’s full of energy, nostalgia, and movement... just like the city itself.
An Invitation to Explore
Beyond being a stunning piece of artwork, the mural is designed to spark something deeper. “I hope this piece inspires curiosity,” Jenna said. “I want your guests to go visit these places for themselves. I hope it builds community.”
To help guests do just that, we’ll be debuting a printed map inspired by the mural. It highlights many of the landmarks featured in the piece - along with a few local tips to help you plan your day. Grab one at the front desk (available soon!) or simply look to the mural for inspiration.
Visit, Stay and Discover
Whether it’s your first visit to San Francisco or your fiftieth, our new mural is a celebration of everything that makes this city magical. Stop by, snap a photo, and see if you can spot all the landmarks. Then head out and explore them in real life.
We’ll be here when you get back—with cozy rooms, local tips, and a fresh perspective on the city we love. Ready to plan your stay? Book today.
