Meet Melanie Damore

We had the good fortune of connecting with Melanie Damore and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Melanie, how do you think about risk?
Taking risks has been essential to my growth and discovery as both an artist and entrepreneur. When I accepted a mural job for Grey Rock Landscaping in LaPorte, Colorado, despite having no prior mural experience, it was a bold step. Embracing the unknown allowed me to explore something new and exciting, and rather than fearing the outcome, I focused on the potential for learning, trusting that my existing skills could adapt to a larger, more public canvas.

The experience taught me so much about working at scale and, more importantly, about the impact of public art on communities. Cars would stop to watch, locals brought gifts, and people shared stories about the history of the land. This initial project unexpectedly led to several new opportunities—new clients, additional mural projects, and a broader network. By saying “yes” to that leap, I discovered how powerful risk-taking can be for opening doors, not only in building my career but also in strengthening my confidence as an artist.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
My art is a vibrant blend of landscapes and waterscapes, heavily inspired by my love for the outdoors and places I’ve explored. Growing up by Lake Erie and now hiking in the Colorado Rockies, I’m drawn to the wild, imperfect beauty of nature, which I capture through intense colors, exaggerated compositions, and sweeping skies. What sets me apart is my focus on creating a sense of euphoria and connection to nature in each piece, inviting viewers to feel the energy and tranquility of these landscapes.

Getting to where I am today has involved risks, persistence, and a constant drive to evolve. It hasn’t been easy—especially early on, when balancing creativity with the demands of running a business felt overwhelming. Taking on new challenges, like my first mural project, taught me resilience and the importance of trusting myself, even when a project felt daunting. Along the way, I’ve learned to embrace risk as an opportunity for growth and to stay true to my voice as an artist. I anticipate a lot more murals in my next few chapters.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
If my best friend was visiting, I’d plan a week filled with the best spots in Denver and some epic outdoor adventures. We’d start by grabbing coffee and waffles at Stylus & Crate for breakfast, then head to the Contemporary Museum of Western Art to check out some inspiring exhibits. Lunch would be grabbing burritos at Bonfire Burritos or a farm-to-table meal at Root Down.

We might head out to an open space for a quick local hike or take a roadtrip towards Nederland to spot some wildlife. Another day would be for a road trip to Rocky Mountain National Park to hike one of the scenic trails, like Emerald Lake, and maybe even spot some wildlife.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I’d like to dedicate this shoutout to Dakota Collins, owner of Grey Rock Landscaping, for believing in my ability to create a beautiful, dynamic mural—even before I believed in it myself.

Website: www.melaniedamore.com

Instagram: www.instagram.com/melanieday_art

Other: Classes available at www.denverartdays.com