Bad Dog Arts Staff

Michael Morgan (Moonbird) - Co-Founder/Co-Director
Michael attended the U of U where his studies included drawing, painting and creative writing. He is also well known for his multiple talents in graphic design, illustration, watercolor, and acrylic painting. While working on his personal art, Michael realized his greatest passion was helping others to utilize more of their imagination. He dreamed of a place where local arts students could feel the freedom to imagine, dare and create. This dream soon became a reality and by 1998, Michael was recipient of the ‘Entrepreneur of the Year Award’ for the State of Utah from the Small Business Association. Moonbird is responsible for the design and marketing materials of Bad Dog Arts. He also uses his skills to keep the design and information current on the BDA website. Michael specializes in murals and has done a fantastic job designing and implementing numerous public art projects, such as the Trolley Trax Station, Whole Foods Mural and Maud’s Café ceramic tile mural.

Victoria Lyons - Co-Founder/Co-Director
Received her BFA from the U of U, in the areas of printmaking, painting and drawing. A member of the Ojibwe Tribe, her artwork echoes the simplistic beauty of Native American artworks of the past. She draws inspiration from traditional pieces, while adding a dash of modern flavor. She finds that land, animal life and culture are her greatest muses. As Co-Director, she is responsible for implementing overall strategy, program development and overseeing the hiring and training process of employees and volunteers. She works closely with the board of directors to keep them informed of developments, programs, and policies within our organization. Her areas of expertise include mask making, paper mâché, sculpture, printmaking, mosaic, ceramic tile and fused glass artwork. She values the life-changing benefits of art and strives to bring exciting and innovative new projects to our students.

Cindy Velasquez - Programs & Admin
Has been an educator for over 20 years, many of those for the Salt Lake City School District running the Computer Lab for a local Elementary School. Cindy volunteers for many organizations in the community, which started when she was 11. Being creative and encouraging creativity in others is a passion of hers, especially to coach them to do things (create art) they didn’t think was possible. Connecting the dots for what’s most important to people is her life mantra. Cindy enjoys getting to do this by supporting the programs at Bad Dog Arts, and connecting our mission to what’s needed in the community. Cindy is the mother of two daughters whom both have benefitted from BDA classes and her home is filled with their artistic creations.

Oreo - Resident Bad Dog
I'm not really bad, just cool! I twirl and twirl before breakfast and dinner.  I come from the Pomeranian Breed, but you should know I am also a twirling double sandwich cookie dog that brings joy, laughter, and peace to our space. Kids fall in love with me! Woof! My favorite saying is from Franz Kafka..."All knowledge, the totality of all questions and answers, is contained in the dog."