From Placer County Probation

PLACER COUNTY, Calif., – Earlier this year, the Placer County Juvenile Detention Facility unveiled two new murals designed to inspire and engage youth in custody. Led by Officer Xavier Caudillo, the project began in 2023 with the goal of reinforcing the facility’s mission of supporting positive change and successful reentry into the community. By partnering with a mural artist, the project encouraged interest in the arts while highlighting how creative expression can open pathways to meaningful careers and positive contributions to society.

Mural artist Shane Grammer, whose work can be found in cities, organizations, and public spaces across the country and internationally, partnered with the Placer County Juvenile Detention Facility, the Placer County Office of Education, and community partners to design and create the murals. The collaboration highlights a shared effort to use art as a way to encourage creativity, inspire positive thinking, and support youth in developing skills that contribute to successful futures.

“The goal of this piece was to create artwork that fosters a sense of place and connection. Even within the walls of a detention facility, it is important for individuals to feel connected to the broader community around them. Public art can remind viewers that they are part of a larger story, one that includes history, culture, and the opportunity for personal growth,” Grammer said.

The first mural, located in the main hallway of the facility, highlights the rich history, culture, and natural beauty of Placer County. The artwork reflects the unique character of the community while providing youth with a meaningful visual connection to the place they call home.

“Our goal was to create an environment that shows an expanse beyond what their current environment is,” Caudillo said. “And so making it a space theme was to kind of allow them to think beyond and think into the future – and how that they can improve their lives moving forward.”

The second mural is located in the facility’s multisensory de-escalation room, which is currently in development through a collaborative effort between the Probation Department and the Placer County Office of Education. Sensory rooms are thoughtfully designed to provide a controlled environment where youth can calm, regulate emotions, and develop coping skills. These spaces support emotional regulation and help reduce stress and overstimulation, contributing to a safer environment for both youth and staff.

The mural creates an immersive space-themed environment that extends across the ceiling and surrounding walls, transforming the room into a calming and engaging experience. Planets of varying sizes drift throughout the design, while star fields add depth and movement. Ultraviolet reactive paint and specialized lighting allow the mural to shift when black lights are activated, revealing glowing stars and cosmic elements that provide an additional visual layer. This flexible environment allows staff to adjust the sensory setting to best support each youth’s needs.

“Space represents exploration, possibility and perspective. In a setting where young people may feel confined, the imagery invites them to mentally travel beyond the room and imagine a universe filled with opportunity and discovery,” Grammer said.

As the facility’s program officer, Officer Xavier Caudillo envisioned the sensory room as a safe, creative space where youth can build skills, explore new perspectives, and develop positive connections. The goal is to support personal growth while helping youth feel encouraged to look beyond their current circumstances and focus on future opportunities.

Throughout the project, artist Shane Grammer also had the opportunity to connect directly with the youth. By listening to their experiences and sharing his own journey, Grammer led a webinar that guided youth in creating artwork on canvas. Their completed pieces were displayed throughout the facility, helping build confidence, encourage self-expression, and introduce the possibility of pursuing future pathways in the arts.

“It’s amazing to help them reenter with newfound skills and to facilitate prosocial interactions with law enforcement. Breaking down the barrier and really showing them that we care, that we want to serve them, and give them skills to help them be successful, has been an amazing experience,” Caudillo said.