MICHAEL MOONBIRD (1949-2025)

Michael Morgan Moonbird, artist extraordinaire, passed from this world and on to his next art adventure on Bad Dog Planet on June 1, 2025. His imagination and creativity was limitless as a visual artist and poet. Michael’s wacky sense of humor endeared him to all who encountered him, children and adults alike.

Michael was born October 21, 1949 to Chris and Doris Morgan. He grew up in the suburbs of Los Angeles, California with his younger siblings Maureen and Derek. He worked as a graphic designer for many years when he changed course to pursue a Fine Arts degree at age 40.

Michael met his beloved partner-in-life Victoria Lyons at the University of Utah in the early 90’s. They were both drawing and painting majors and developed an ability to collaborate on projects even as undergrads. After graduating in 1993, Michael and Victoria explored various artistic paths. In 1996, they were invited to teach underserved youth in a one-time summer program at Artspace, where resident artists—many struggling to afford rent—shared their talents with low-income children.

That summer, Michael and Victoria taught 11 classes in drawing, painting, sculpture and printmaking. It was a joyful, eye-opening experience. They discovered a shared talent and love for teaching. And, the kids created incredible work! Inspired, Michael told a mentor, “This is what I want to do! These kids need art all year, not just in the summer.” The reply: “Then you need to start a nonprofit.”

Bad Dog Arts was born from that spark: a passion to empower children through visual arts, ignite imagination, encourage risk-taking and help them realize their creative potential. Michael was deeply grateful that so many kids had the chance to join him and Victoria in “Art Land” over the past three decades. Always a Bad Dog Kid at heart, his legacy is the nurturing art haven he created—the kind he wished he’d had as a child. His true legacy lives on in the generations of “kids of all ages” who continue to imagine, dare and create at BDA.

Michael is survived by his life partner Victoria Lyons; children Ian (James), Rachael and Erik; and grandchildren Ashton, Ramsey and Kennedy; sister Maureen Cobb and brother Derek; and nephew Derek Jr. He was predeceased by his parents.

A celebration of life will take place at Alliance Theater at Trolley Square on August 9, 2025 from 3:00-6:00 PM. In lieu of flowers the family suggests donating to Bad Dog Arts.