Introduction
If you’ve been driving past Old Town Hot Springs lately, you have probably noticed the beautiful new mural on the pump house. We are so thankful to have partnered with two wonderful artists to make this piece come to life, Catie Michel and Melanie Damore. Learn more about them and the inspiration behind the artwork below.
Meet the Artists
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- Catie Michel
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- Mel Damore
Catie Michel – Check out Catie’s website!
Catie Michel has been working as a full-time artist for three years. Her background is in marine biology, botany, ornithology, and field research, she brings a unique scientific lens to her artwork. An avid birder, Catie especially loved hearing the Sandhill cranes calling overhead each morning during the mural project.
Melanie Damore – Check out Mel’s website!
Originally from Erie, Pennsylvania, Melanie Damore moved to Colorado in 2020. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Art Education with a concentration in Painting. After nearly a decade teaching K–12 art, she launched Denver Art Days, LLC, and is now a full-time painter, muralist, and CEO. Melanie is an avid hiker and outdoorswoman, she draws endless inspiration from the natural world, channeling her outdoor adventures into vibrant, expressive pieces.
The Inspiration Behind the Mural
Catie Michel
Catie finds her inspiration in the natural world, so the flora and fauna of Steamboat Springs naturally guided her vision for this mural. She worked to incorporate the Old Town Hot Springs poolside blues and extending her design up the steel chimney to highlight its surroundings. Her themes centered on vibrancy, movement, and celebrating the area’s natural beauty.
Melanie Damore
Melanie is a frequent visitor to Steamboat Springs and chose to interview locals to better understand what makes this town so special. That feedback shaped her concept, incorporating familiar landscapes, wildlife, history, and wildflowers. Her goal was to create a design the community would feel personally connected to.
From Concept to Creation
Planning for the mural began in December with design concepts, sketches and meetings with the OTHS team. After finalizing the design in March and getting city approval in April, on-site painting took place from May 9 to May 31. Both artists noted the challenges posed by unpredictable spring mountain weather, including rain, snow, and lightning. Thanks to support from the community and HLCC’s makeshift hail shelter, they powered through.
“My favorite part of this entire process was connecting with the community. Knowing that locals feel a sense of excitement for the design means everything, that’s truly what it’s all about. Throughout the project, people brought us small gifts, fresh fruit, and even shared personal stories. I was surprised and delighted to discover a distant relative along the way!” – Melanie
“Operating lifts is so much fun, and getting to see wildlife during production — like migratory hawks, chipmunks, red foxes, swallowtail butterflies, and garter snakes made it even better. Mel and I also went on a hike early in the installation process, which brought us so much joy and restoration; we passed aspens, glacier lilies, larkspur, and bluebells, and even spotted a Dusky Grouse — a lifer for me! Painting the elk was honestly intimidating since I haven’t painted many mammals, especially at that scale, but I thoroughly enjoyed it and feel proud to have taken on and overcome that challenge.” – Catie
Melanie focused on painting the landscape, sky, resort, and trees while Catie brought detailed illustrations of the flora and fauna to life. Their complementary talents made for a seamless, flowing mural composition.
Check out this Instagram video to see the work come to life!
What This Mural Means to the Community
Both artists shared reflections on the impact this project had on them personally, and the deep connection they felt to the Steamboat community throughout the process.
“I’m incredibly grateful to have been chosen for this project and warmly welcomed into this community. My hope is that this mural opens the door to more opportunities to celebrate the beauty of our landscapes through public art. Thank you to everyone who shared insights, support, laughter, snacks, and adventure along the way as it has meant the world to me.” -Melanie
“It is such a gift to celebrate nature and community in such a beautiful place. Connecting with others through art is one of my greatest joys — whether it’s collaborating with another artist on a big project or waving at enthusiastic honkers driving by while we work. Experiences like these remind me why I love this rewarding work, and I’m so grateful for it.” – Catie
Final Words From the Artists
“It was a true honor to use my artwork to celebrate some of Steamboat’s most cherished features. Collaborating with the team at Old Town Hot Springs, Catie Michel, HLCC, and so many wonderful locals to bring our shared vision to life was an incredible experience. I felt obligated to bring my absolute best to Steamboat, because this community deserves nothing less than excellence.” – Melanie
“With a very full heart I want to thank OTHS for having us. It was such a wonderful experience full of much appreciated support, enthusiasm, and beautiful views/critters. We are so grateful for the seamless and superior logistics provided by the whole OTHS team, HLCC, et al.” – Catie