Earlier this year, a colorful addition to the Placer County Juvenile Detention Facility was completed: two brand new murals designed to inspire the youth in custody. Led by Officer Xavier Caudillo, the project began in 2023 with the idea to make the facility more welcoming while reinforcing its core mission of providing youth the tools for successfully re-entering our community. By bringing in a mural artist, it hooked the youth’s interest in the arts, showing that art can open pathways to fulfilling careers and create positive contributions to society.
Shane Grammer, who has created murals for cities, organizations and public spaces nationwide and internationally, collaborated with Placer County’s Juvenile Detention Facility, Placer County Office of Education and other community partners to create these murals.
Photo courtesy of the artist's website
The First Mural
The first mural, located in the main hallway of the facility, serves as a visual tribute to the rich history, culture and beauty of the county.
“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,” Grammar said.
The second mural
The second mural is in the multisensory de-escalation room still in development at the facility - a collaborative effort between the Probation Department and PCOE. Sensory rooms are carefully designed spaces equipped with tools that provide a controlled sensory environment. In this setting, youth can de-escalate and learn emotional regulation, helping to reduce the risk of violence and improve overall safety. The rooms allow staff to adjust and monitor the type and intensity of sensory input, which is especially important for reducing overstimulation and stress or supporting individuals with sensory processing difficulties.
The mural extends across the ceiling and surrounding walls, creating a full environmental experience. Planets of varying scale drift throughout the composition while star fields create depth and movement across the space. Special attention was given to lighting and atmosphere. Ultraviolet reactive paints were incorporated throughout the mural, along with ultraviolet backlighting. When the black lights are activated, the mural transforms, revealing glowing stars and cosmic elements that create a second visual layer. This shift in lighting allows the room to provide different sensory experiences depending on the environment the staff wish to create.
“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,” Grammar said.
As the program officer of the facility, Caudillo’s vision when implementing the sensory room was to provide a safe and creative space for youth to develop their skills and to break down barriers and law enforcement. While working on the project, Grammer was also given the opportunity to engage with the youth. From listening to their stories, as well as sharing his, Grammer provided the department a webinar to help the youth to prepare art on a canvas. Their art was then posted throughout the facility - building self-confidence and helping them explore the possibility of a career in art.
“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.