Bad Dog's Staff

Michael Morgan Moonbird - Co-Founder/Co-Director
Moonbird (his art name) was educated in drawing, painting, and creative writing at the University of Utah and is well known for his multiple talents in graphic design, illustration, watercolor and acrylic painting. Moonbird is responsible for the design, layout, and production of the Bad Dog Website. His greatest passion is helping young artists utilize more of their imagination.  In 1998 Moonbird was recipient of the Entrepreneur of the Year Award for the State of Utah from the Small Business Association.

Victoria Lyons - Co-Founder/Co-Director
Victoria Lyons received her BFA from the University of Utah where she studied printmaking, drawing, and painting. Victoria, who belongs to the Ojibwa Tribe, has become well known for her mask making and draws artistic inspiration from the land, animals, and cultures from around the world. Victoria leads painting, sculpting and drawing classes for children, specializing in mask making, paper mache, sculpture, printmaking, mosaic, ceramic tile, and fused glass artwork. She emphasizes the life changing benefits of creating art and co-directs the Art Programs at Bad Dog Arts.

Michael Velarde - Art Teacher
Michaela received a BFA in Drawing & Painting from the University of Utah in May of 2014 and began as an instructor for BDA in June. Her goal is to provide an arts learning experience for students that both engages and challenges them to think critically, problem solve, and reflect. She excels at helping kids connect art with science & literature. Through the arts, students can explore new perspectives, embrace mistakes, and experience their own creative process with a sense of playfulness.

April Norby - Admin/Programs
April has multiple skill sets that are invaluable to BDA. As the Program Manager for Arts Matter, April collaborates with Victoria and school administrators and faculty to projects based on the Utah Visual Arts Core Curriculum, create lesson plans and navigate complex schedules. April is also a talented visual artist and classroom teacher with unique ability to work with all ages from K-12. She has been teaching art to children since 2007. She enjoys exploring all mediums, including art history sources while encouraging kids to push boundaries. April received a BFA in 2002 from State University of New York, Purchase, with an emphasis in sculpture.

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!