At High Desert, artist finds rehabilitation through painting

September 18, 2025

Incarcerated artist Robert Arvizu has found meaning, inspiration, and new goals through painting at High Desert State Prison.

At High Desert State Prison in Susanville, an incarcerated artist is discovering rehabilitation through painting.

When Lt. C. Hahn wanted to beautify his office, he knew exactly who to ask. Incarcerated musician and artist Robert Arvizu has been at High Desert State Prison since 2017. After a few years in the institution, he began taking advantage of rehabilitative programs.

“When I arrived, I was frustrated with my life and how I ended up here in prison,” Arvizu recalled. “While on A-Yard, I took advantage of the programs for positive rehabilitation, along with seeking my associate of art degree in college.”

He got involved with programs such as Getting out by Going In, Alternatives to Violence, and Pledge for Peace. During his in-cell time, Arvizu took advantage of rehabilitative programs offered through the tablets.

“The programs I have taken have taught me to be honest with myself and claim ownership for decisions I’ve made. More important, I now have tools to use when frustration hits me,” he explained. “I now know how to slow down and think about what is happening in my mind and not react but instead respond or not respond.”

Arvizu credits the positive programs, other incarcerated people trying to better themselves, and staff for making a difference in his life.

Encouraging words have an impact

“Even though some of them do not like accolades, they have played a key role in my rehabilitation. To start, my eyes were opened in 2018 with a statement a sergeant said to me about my lifestyle. Then a few years later, serious change took place while I was working for the correctional officer assigned to education, who helped steer my thought process in a different direction,” he said. “Now I’m still learning and growing from my current boss, Lt. Hahn. Also, I have been able to talk to and seek advice from custody staff, chaplains, and my peers.”

He said he’s inspired by staff and his peers who lead by example.

“Being around them daily and watching how they conduct themselves along with their sparked a lot of thought on what changes I needed to make. Also, I was able to talk to them and ask numerous questions about life.”

He said he has since learned techniques and tools to help him change and grow.

Painting at High Desert

“I never thought I would be doing the amount of artwork that I am doing here at High Desert. My first painting was in 2018 when Officer Proffer had me and Kenny Davis paint a couple of murals in A-Yard’s Visiting,” he explained. “Then, in 2024, an A-Yard sergeant and officer had me and Rob Lopez, who has since paroled, paint the gym floor (based on) my design.”

Chase project murals

Painting of a bridge on a chase door at High Desert State Prison.

High Desert State Prison chase door project painting.

Artwork requests began to trickle in followed by Arvizu creating murals in the program office. Then, the chase project began, painting the plumbing chase covers outside cells in building A-1.

Correctional Officers Nakken and Villalobos started the project, with approval from the captain.

“Then a few of us got started on the chases. I personally have painted 17 chases and the lower tier sink door in B-Section. When I started, I was doing the artwork to get some out-of-cell and thinking time to myself,” he said.

Mainly proficient in airbrush art, he decided it was time to try something new. So, like he’s done in other areas of his rehabilitation journey, he looked to others for mentorship.

“After seeking techniques and advice from the other painters who are amazing artists, I put my head down and started painting. As time passed and the comments started coming in, confidence in my artistic abilities started to build inside.”

Building confidence through painting

“When I started the chase project, I did not think I was that great at painting. As time went on, I have learned to appreciate my gifts, and art has become a part of my rehabilitation,” he said.

Like building blocks, small gestures from others led to improvements in his outlook, attitude, and drive to be better.

“Over the past year, after encouragement from High Desert staff along with fellow (incarcerated persons), for the first time in my life, I actually enjoy doing my art,” Arvizu said. “It is freeing and has opened a newfound love for myself and others, including my family.”

New job presents new opportunities to grow, learn

A mural painting showing the Liberty Bell, an American bald eagle, Statue of Liberty and the words "We the People." — *Mural in Lt. Hahn’s office.*

“In November 2024, I got a new job working for Lt. Hahn,” Arvizu said. “He asked me if I would like to paint a mural in his office and I agreed.”

For six months, Arvizu said he asked questions and sought advice.

“As far as painting, I really started to hone my craft. I also was able to seek advice about life and changes from Lt. Hahn. This sparked more change I needed to embrace. Ultimately, when I asked Lt. Hahn what I should do when I get out, he told me it was a no-brainer while pointing at the mural,” Arvizu said. “Painting was my calling in life. Every day as I work on my art and life skills, my confidence builds. I now know what I am supposed to be doing with my life. Also, I understand how hard I made my life when I got in my own way.”

Looking to the future

“Now I’m on a better path and am one class short from obtaining my associate degree. Also, I now have a strong relationship with my family. This might sound a little crazy, but I am freer now than I have ever been out in society,” he said. “Being able to live my art in High Desert with the encouragement from staff and fellow inmates has brought me much-needed internal peace for a positive future.”

Submitted by Lt. Jeremy Micone
Story by Don Chaddock, Inside CDCR editor
Office of Public and Employee Communications