Sunflower Mural is Completed In Historic Spiritual Community
Sunshine Okubo
The Cassadaga Spiritualist Camp mural was completed during the afternoon of March 18 in Lake Helen, highlighting the final phase of a sunflower mural on the camp’s historic 130-year-old bookstore. The event reflected the community’s connection to Spiritualism and its enduring visual traditions.
The mural, created by Sunshine Okubo, a 56-year-old muralist from Alachua County, Florida, features sunflowers, the international symbol of Spiritualism. The imagery represents a philosophical alignment with light and truth, mirroring the sunflower’s natural tendency to turn toward the sun. Okubo, who also practices as a Reiki Master, medium and hypnotherapist, contributes the work as a donation inspired by the camp’s atmosphere and legacy.
Her broader body of work includes murals donated to nonprofit organizations during the COVID-19 period and a published children’s book, Sunshine Warrior, which reflects themes of resilience and compassion. The current project enhances the exterior of a central gathering space within the camp.
Visitors will enjoy seeing the mural and realizing and appreciating the symbolic meaning behind its design.
Location: 1112 Stevens St., Lake Helen. For more information, call 386-228-2880 or visit Cassadaga.org.