Western Student Artist Transforms Game Room with Inspiring Murals
ROCK SPRINGS, WYOMING – August 6, 2025
In celebration of student creativity, Western Wyoming Community College (Western) now showcases two new murals in its student game room, painted by student and local artist Melody Nathan. These murals, one inspired by the spirit of play and the other by the surrounding Wyoming landscape—are more than decoration. They’re expressions of school pride, our southwest Wyoming identity, and one student’s desire to give back.
Nathan, currently pursuing a Bachelor of Business with an emphasis in Organizational Management at Western, has been creating art for most of her life. Though self-taught, her experience spans graphite, acrylics, oils, watercolor, and digital design, all with the desire to create connection. Her murals in the game room reflect this same passion—pairing technical skills with storytelling. The first mural, completed in August 2024, features Western’s beloved mascot, Maverick the Mustang. He’s surrounded by references to popular games available in the student space. The planning committee and Nathan wanted the mural to reflect fun and connection.
The second mural, completed in January 2025, offers a sweeping landscape that blends some of Wyoming’s most iconic features: Flaming Gorge, Boar’s Tusk, and tree lines inspired by the Wind Rivers. “The Wyoming themed mural was originally inspired by the Mountain Bikes hanging nearby,” says Nathan. “I wanted to use this mural to encourage the students to explore the area. There are some really amazing locations nearby that are easily accessible and so unique to this landscape.”
Collaboration played a key role in the creative process. Nathan worked closely with a committee to define the murals' purpose and mood. From there, she created multiple digital mockups. Once a design was selected, she used a projector to scale the artwork onto the walls and began the meticulous process of hand-mixing every color—ensuring that each hue supported the cohesive tone of the mural.
As for her favorite aspect? The sky. “I've spent my whole life in Wyoming watching the skies and really enjoyed having an opportunity to capture a piece of that. I also really enjoyed the transition from the gorge to the buffalo, that area was one of my favorite areas to create.”
Through both works, Nathan hopes to leave a lasting mark on Western’s campus. “I earned my associate degree here and am now working toward my bachelor’s. These murals were my way of giving back—sharing my talents with a community that’s supported me.”
From color theory to creative process, collaboration to connection, Nathan’s murals are more than campus art—they’re a celebration of the landscape, the students, and the spirit of Western. The public is welcome to stop in and see the murals in the Game Room, open during the academic year.
If you have any questions, please contact Mikayla Wonnacott, the College’s Public Relations Specialist at mwonnacott@westernwyoming.edu or by calling 307-382-1858.