Visual arts students at El Centro Jr./Sr. High School played an integral role in creating a mural for the culinary classroom in Unit 4 at the Sacramento County Youth Detention Facility. This mural, one of four recently completed by students and staff at Sacramento County Office of Education (SCOE) schools, gave students a creative outlet to express themselves through art.
From concept to painting, students were deeply involved in the project, collaborating with resident teaching artist Milton Bowens. After brainstorming, they selected a “Farm-to-Fork” theme, aligning with the school’s plans to start a garden and a food truck. Students contributed their unique interpretation of the ingredients for success, making the mural both interactive and personally meaningful. The mural is more than just decoration—it’s a functional tool designed to keep students engaged and focused during class. Its vibrant colors and motivational words are intended to inspire and re-energize students, reinforcing the positive impact of their participation in the project.
Born and raised in Oakland, CA, Milton Bowens, the fifth son and tenth child in his family, goes by the unique artistic signature Milton 510. His work has been shown and widely collected both nationally and internationally, from educational institutions and professional sports venues to museums and Fortune 500 companies. Professors at several universities and colleges have included his work in their course syllabuses. Currently, Bowens is a full-time teaching artist, working with young men and women in El Centro Jr./Sr. High School. This school year marks Bowen’s fourth year of educating SCOE students, helping them develop their skills in visual art, explore art history, and understand the entrepreneurial side of the art world.
More Information
For more information about the mural project or to schedule a time to view that artwork, email SCOE’s Arts Integration Coordinator, Jasmin Martinez.