Shakti Yoga has a new mural featured on its host building on Grant Street. The legit mural by artists Ian de Beer and Liz Ives features the Indian god Ganesha. According to Wikipedia, “Although he is known by many attributes, Ganesha’s elephant head makes him easy to identify.[8] Ganesha is widely revered as the remover of obstacles,[9] the patron of arts and sciences and the deva of intellect and wisdom.[10] As the god of beginnings, he is honoured at the start of rites and ceremonies. Ganesha is also invoked as patron of letters and learning during writing sessions.”
The new work of art is located at 133 Grant Street, which is formerly home to M&T Bank – the owner of Shakti, Master Yogi Michelle Gigante (pictured with de Beer and Ives in lead image), purchased the building a decade ago, with the intention of transforming the 3,000 square foot edifice into a mecca for yoga and healing services. Not only has she succeeded in that endeavor, Gigante also helped to pave the way for others to find their own journeys along Grant Street – she was an early small business pioneer in the district, who not only purchased the building, and restored it, she also hoisted a flag that signaled that the time was right to start investing in a street that could use some energy, life, and love.
Photos courtesy de Beer