When a local connection reached out to Erin with a request for a mural in the upstairs space of The Commons Food Hall & Bar, Erin accepted. “The Grove,” features a grove of aspen trees with the leaves transitioning in color as you move about the room. “I wanted to honor Steamboat by focusing on nature, and the unique architecture of the rounded room added an interesting creative challenge,” Erin says. 

Her second mural, located in the pediatric room of UCHealth's new blood draw facility, required a thoughtful application process. Erin submitted her design specifically for the children’s space, drawing from her background in education to create a friendly, playful environment “Having taught for the past few years, I knew how important it was to make the space feel safe and familiar, especially in a setting that can feel overwhelming for kids,” she says. The mural features vibrant depictions of Steamboat’s landscape, complete with native animals, local flora, and recognizable peaks. Bright colors and playful details evoke joy, helping children feel at ease during their visits.

Erin’s connections within the school district led to another opportunity at Steamboat Basecamp, a new mixed-use residential area on the west side of town. Erin’s work spans both the inside and outside of a fence, allowing viewers to engage from either side. For this, Erin used the Yampa River as the core of the piece, utilizing the topography of the river as a guide with integrated scenes of recreation in the outdoors. The exterior design takes a modern twist, reflecting the contemporary mural on the main wall, yet still embracing the flowing essence of the Yampa River.

 Erin’s most recent work decorates the new location of Orange Peel Bike Shop, which is a shipping container located in Steamboat Basecamp. The ambitious piece wraps all four sides of the container and incorporates elements from the iconic location of its previous shop. Co-created with owner Brock Webster, the theme “Orange Peel with a Twist,” features abstract representation of  bike parts in a graffiti-inspired style, along with a whimsical skeleton peeling an orange, an homage to Orange Peel’s past and future.

Erin has felt a deep sense of pride in creating these murals for the local community. “Art isn’t always accessible or affordable for everyone,” she says. “It is an honor that more people are able to enjoy and experience it.” With several mural applications in progress, Erin is excited about the opportunities ahead. 

Erin’s work is available for purchase locally at Emerald and Big Iron Coffee Co., and online at erinbranscumart.com. You can follow her creative journey on her instagram @erinbranscumart.