Tucked inside the Colorado Group Realty parking lot between 5th and 6th Street is the latest addition to Steamboat Spring’s public art collection. The mural titled “The Cowgirl” is one of over 90 pieces, which can be viewed around the city. The impressive work of art has already garnered great admiration from onlookers. 

The 15×50 Ft. illustration was created by ARCY, a coveted street graffiti artist who counts The Smithsonian Institute and Disney as clients. The intricate mural was completed in just one day using only spray paint. 

Steamboat Creates contracted the renowned Connecticut-based artist to come to Steamboat. Inspiration for the final piece came from a photo taken by Matt Eidt, Broker/Owner with Colorado Group Realty. “I didn’t really expect him to use it,” Eidt said. Eidt had given ARCY his photography portfolio to give him a sense of the area. “We asked him to produce something iconic to Routt County but he’d never been here,” Eidt continued. 

ARCY’s depiction of the original image taken of a cowgirl at Cow Creek Ranch won the vote by the curating committee almost unanimously. 

Steamboat Creates adopts a global view of how each piece of public art fits into the locale. “We look at a wide variety of factors,” said Kim Keith, Executive Director for Steamboat Creates. “It is not a coincidence that “The Cowgirl” is positioned so closely to the Brent Romick Rodeo Arena.”