Sonoma County Probation partners with local artists on Juvenile Hall mural project

The Sonoma County Probation Department has partnered with artists Amanda Lynn and MJ Lindo-Lawyer to create nine large murals at Sonoma County Juvenile Hall. The project was funded through AB 178, which supports improvements to juvenile halls in California, and the Youth Programs and Facilities Grant Program Part A, which helps redesign therapeutic and programming spaces.

Sonoma County Probation has worked to create therapeutic spaces in Juvenile Hall to support rehabilitation. The new murals bring intrigue and wonder to areas that lacked color, helping to reduce stress, promote comfort, and enhance overall well-being. The artwork has a positive impact on mood and provides an uplifting environment.

“Working with Amanda and MJ has been a joy, as their creativity and unique perspectives have transformed the facility in remarkable ways,” Juvenile Hall Director Kilee Willson said. “The large murals evoke awe and are both thoughtful and inspiring. In addition, Amanda and MJ led workshops with the youth to create smaller murals that complement the space, making it vibrant and engaging.”

MJ Lindo-Lawyer with Rough Edge Collective shared what this project meant to her.

“I am truly honored to have been part of the Juvenile Hall Mural Project,” she said. “Throughout my life, I’ve moved around a lot, especially during my youth, which made starting fresh in new places difficult. One constant, however, has always been art. Art has always been something I hold sacred, and it brings me so much joy to know that I was able to share that passion with the youth in my community. The moments I spent with the youth and staff during the mural installations are something I will cherish for the rest of my career. Seeing the joy during the youth workshops, where they were able to express themselves, is something I will always hold dear. I hope that those experiences and their artistic expressions stay with them for years to come. Art, in its truest form, has the power to heal. I truly hope that our time at Juvenile Hall had a positive impact on both the residents and the staff. I am incredibly proud of the work we installed, and I hope the youth feel proud of the contributions they made to the project.”

She added that she received several heartfelt messages from the families and loved ones of the youth, expressing how excited they were to see the murals come to life. They were thrilled that their loved ones had the opportunity to be part of the project and see the result.

“I hope our work has inspired future artists and creatives in the process,” she said. “Thank you deeply for this opportunity. It has been a truly inspiring and meaningful project to be a part of.”

Muralist and fine artist Amanda Lynn stated: “It has been a life goal of mine to share my creative process, especially in mural work, with younger generations, and specifically with kids who may need a little extra inspiration in their lives. The invitation to be a part of this beautification project has been a true window into the way art and color have the ability to lift and connect spaces and people on all levels. The reward of witnessing the reactions of not only the ones housed in the facility but also those who work and visit there often has truly been a humbling and inspiring experience. I feel very honored to have had the opportunity to share and connect in this way.”

The youth have greatly enjoyed the new art. One youth shared, “The flowers represent everyone’s personalities and encourages us to grow and thrive when we get out.”

Another youth expressed his appreciate by stating, “The murals that depict nature remind us that there is something beyond these walls.”

Over the years, juvenile justice has shifted towards longer-term care for some youth, prompting Sonoma County Probation to prioritize updating facilities, programming and education.

Top left: MJ Lindo-Lawyer (muralist), Amanda Lynn (muralist), Kilee Willson (Sonoma County Juvenile Hall Director) in front of a mural on a housing unit recreation yard at Sonoma County Juvenile Hall. This is one of two collaboration murals at Juvenile Hall. Photo credit: Gloria Sotelo.
Top right: MJ Lindo-Lawyer and Amanda Lynn (muralists) with the second collaboration mural at Sonoma County Juvenile Hall. Photo credit: Kilee Willson
Bottom left: MJ Lindo-Lawyer (muralist) poses with one of her favorite creations on a housing unit recreation yard at Sonoma County Juvenile Hall. Photo credit: Kilee Willson
Bottom right: Amanda Lynn (muralist) showcases her creation at Sonoma County Juvenile Hall on a housing unit recreation yard.

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Media Contact: 
Matt Brown, Communications Specialist 
publicaffairs@sonoma-county.org 
(707) 565-3040 
575 Administration Drive, Suite 104A 
Santa Rosa, CA 95403