The Decatur and Berne Rotary Clubs banded together to support murals at the Adams County Detention Center through a Rotary District 6540 grant. The mural program, started earlier this year, was introduced by the Adams County Sheriff Dan Mawhorr after attending a conference in which the effects of surrounding colors on mood of inmates was discussed.
The Rotary Clubs’ sponsored project is the third in the Adams County facility. Each club added club donations along with grant funds for a total contribution of $6,400. The mural covers one wall in the booking area and circles the room with matching colors and pattern around the high ceilings. An additional mural around the front of the desk area is in the works to complete this portion of the project.
Around the nation, there is evidence that supports providing murals within the correctional facilities helps calm moods. Murals are designed with cool, calming colors, and pastoral scenes. Adams County staff members have noticed that the murals help improve inmate behavior and boost staff morale. Currently, two living pods and the booking area have murals.
The Adams County mural project is completely grant and donor-funded. Additional contributions are welcome and appreciated. If you would like to contribute to help make this project possible in additional living pods, contact Sheriff Mawhorr at 260-724-5345 / dmawhorr@adamscounty.in.gov or send checks directly to the Sheriff’s department, 911 W Peacekeepers Way, Decatur, IN 46733. Checks may be written to the Adams County Sheriff Office Commissary fund. In the memo, please put “Jail Mural project.” Contributions are tax-deductible.
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