Meet the Bad Dog Pack
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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.
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Co-Founder / Co-DirectorReceived 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.
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Creativity Conductor
Kat has dedicated her life to creating art. As a mostly self-taught artist, she thrives on experimenting with new mediums, continuously exploring diverse forms of expression.An integral part of our team, Kat teaches visual arts for our Break Camps and Adult Classes, offering instruction both on-site and off. She believes that every form of art should be accessible to all, a principle she embodies through her work at Sistema Utah, an after-school program for kindergarten through sixth grade, where she teaches music education to young learners. Kat takes great joy in helping others discover their unique artistic voices. When words fail, art speaks. That is why, until the end, we do art.
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Creativity Conductor
Ava Anderton is an Art Instructor at Bad Dog Arts, where she is excited to utilize her skills to teach and inspire the community. Based in Salt Lake City, she combines her passion for art with a commitment to engaging others in the creative process.With a BFA in Sculpture Intermedia from the University of Utah, Ava is an interdisciplinary artist who creates impactful image-based and sculptural experiences. Her work explores themes of reality, culture, materiality, and lived experience, driven by a strong sense of observation and curiosity. Ava's dedication to community engagement shines through her various roles, from volunteering at local museums to collaborating on library murals and facilitating creative workshops for all ages. She believes in the power of art to connect and inspire, enriching both her practice and the vibrant artistic ecosystem of Salt Lake City.
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Creative Companion + Studio Support Specialist
Greg began his journey at Bad Dog Arts as a dedicated volunteer, quickly making a name for himself with his consistency and reliability. His commitment and passion for the arts led him to transition into a part-time role as an art assistant. In this capacity, Greg plays a crucial role in the behind-the-scenes work that enables us to deliver top-tier projects and lessons to our community. Outside of work, Greg enjoys participating in musicals and dance, further showcasing his love for the performing arts. His diverse interests and contributions enrich the artistic experiences we offer to everyone involved.
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Programs Coordinator + Creative Captain
As the Program Coordinator at Bad Dog Arts, Raiana seamlessly combines her passion for art with her commitment to effective program management, making a meaningful impact on the arts community. While she enjoys teaching and creating, she also values the organizational aspects that keep daily operations running smoothly.Raiana earned her BFA in Art Education from Kent State University and began her career in public education in Cleveland, Ohio. She has taught students from preschool through 12th grade in both 2D and 3D mediums, with a particular affinity for clay, whether in functional or sculptural forms. Ultimately, she relocated to Salt Lake City to immerse herself in an inspiring environment that supports her artistic pursuits and interests.
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Creativity Conductor
As the Volunteer Coordinator at Bad Dog Arts, Anna fosters community engagement and supports innovative creative initiatives. In addition to her coordination role, she serves as an art instructor, sharing her expertise and passion for various artistic mediums with students of all ages. With a degree in Environmental Studies from the University of Utah, Anna integrates her love for art with a strong commitment to sustainability. An accomplished oil painter and skilled seamstress, she enjoys exploring diverse artistic expressions. Anna firmly believes in the transformative power of art to inspire and connect individuals, actively promoting collaborative projects that embody these values and enrich the community.
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Digital Marketing, Web Design
+ Art InstructorMaddie is a multifaceted artist, digital marketer, and designer who honed her skills through dedicated study of art and fashion. With a passion for exploration across various mediums including but not limited to, pencil, ink, watercolor, acrylic painting, fabric, clay, and photography, Maddie's artistic versatility knows no bounds. Her enthusiasm for teaching spans generations, as she finds joy in guiding students of all ages, from young children to adults, through the enriching journey of artistic expression. Beyond her artistic pursuits, Maddie is an avid traveler and nature enthusiast, often found capturing moments of beauty through the lens of her camera while exploring the great outdoors with her faithful canine companion, Rhodes. As a dedicated member of the Bad Dog Arts team, Maddie's creative vision and marketing acumen contribute to fostering an environment where art thrives and imagination knows no limits.
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Art Sidekick + Studio Support Specialist
Natalie Fawson is currently pursuing a degree in Elementary Education, with a minor in History, at the University of Utah. She has a passion for art and a love for learning. Natalie is dedicated to incorporating art as a tool for enhancing education, particularly in mathematics and science, where she believes it helps students connect more deeply with the concepts they are studying. She enjoys exploring different types of art and using various mediums to enrich the learning experience. In her free time, Natalie engages in crocheting and creating collages, as well as spending time outdoors at the park or watching movies.