'Joy in the Journey'

Steamboat Magazine originally published this article on March 17, 2026.

By Skyler Leeson

Colorado Mountain College, in partnership with Steamboat Creates, has selected artist Hilary Williams for a major interior mural at its Steamboat Springs campus. The large-scale work, inspired by the theme “Joy in the Journey,” transforms a prominent stairwell connecting third-floor social spaces to second-floor classrooms into a place of reflection, creativity and inspiration.

Originally from Sheridan, Wyoming, Hilary draws on an early formative experience with public art – recalling how a mural in her local bank sparked a sense of wonder and connection that continues to inform her practice. Her work emphasizes the accessibility and impact of art in shared spaces.

Hilary’s concept centers on the stairwell as a transitional space, reflecting the landscape of our individual labyrinthine journeys. Inspired by maze forms and abstracted topography, the mural explores movement, growth and discovery, highlighting the relationship between people and place.

“This section was really fun to paint, with these more vibrant reds, oranges and blues,” Hilary says. “And just the layering of the paint – finding the joy in the journey through the painting process.”

The project builds on the legacy of a campus labyrinth created in the early 1990s to encourage contemplative walking. Hilary’s contemporary approach reinterprets this tradition through pathways, movement and nature-inspired forms.

“When I came into this space, I loved the colors that already existed here, the furnishings and the fabrics, and I thought, ‘Okay, this is going to work really well,’” she says. “But I wanted to bring a little more vibrancy in. The original design read a bit more cool-toned, and then I thought, ‘Oh, we can punch it up’ with warmer reds and scoria tones. I’m really pleased with it – I think it turned out really well.”

Now completed, the mural will serve students, faculty, staff and visitors, reinforcing CMC’s commitment to creativity, innovation and meaningful placemaking.