Fresh off the heels of having a packed crowd for its mini-symposium on True Crime, ENLIGHTENMENT returns to Ruhstaller’s BSMT in Downtown Sacramento to kick-off a new year of talks that are open to the public.

In 2025, ENLIGHTENMENT will feature regular salon discussions with local artists and creatives who are doing innovative work here in Sacramento, as well as nationally and worldwide. First up is regional sensation turned-nationally-known figure, Shane Grammer. His work spans a variety of mediums with a focus on murals, art installations, painting and sculpture.

Grammer grew up in Chico and got widespread attention in 2018 for murals he did in the town of Paradise after it was devastated by the Camp Fire. He’s still best known for his large-scale murals, such as his latest piece at Art Basel in Miami. Grammer’s work can also be viewed at major tourist attractions: He works as a freelance creative director in the theme park industry, doing conceptual design, fabrication and installation for clients that include the Disney parks, Universal Studios and Legoland.

To inspire young artists, Grammer founded the Hope Through Art Foundation, which has been working with youth in underserved communities around Northern California to create revitalizing murals on walls around their neighborhoods. Whether he’s creating art for the Bellagio Hotel or showing students in Yuba City how to properly hold a spray paint can, Grammer believes art can inspire, heal, and foster belonging and resilience.

Join ENLIGHTENMENT for a talk with Grammer about his art and his approach to creating it. Bring your own questions — no topic is too small or dumb to ask about. Free RSVP sign-ups here the event are here.

Ruhstaller’s BSMT has a variety of beers on tap, as well as wine, kombucha and sparkling water. Light snacks will be available, but please feel free to BYO food and nonalcoholic beverages. For more information about ENLIGHTENMENT and about California Groundbreakers, go to californiagroundbreakers.org