The halls of the Otero County Processing Center in Chaparral, New Mexico have a recent addition to their already beautiful collection of murals. Detainee Emanuel Sosa-Batres has been busy applying his passion for painting. He says,

“Painting is one of my favorite ways to express myself.”

The mural he chose to paint is that of a lion, a noble creature which he says inspires him because lions fear no other animals.

This productive use of detainees’ talents and time to create the murals, and the resources invested to make these beautiful paintings possible, result in an improved environment, boosting morale of detainees, staff, and all who come to the facility.