Biography

Mejo Okon has been creating art since she could hold a pencil and crayon. At the age of four, she was drawing horses. She is a painter known for her use of color and light. After earning a BFA from Herron School of Art and Design at Indiana University, she embarked on a professional art career as an illustrator, graphic designer, and quick sketch artist for high profile courtroom trials. In 2004 she made the switch to full-time painting and moved straight into the heart of ranching country. Since settling first in West Texas and then in New Mexico, she has found endless inspiration in the animals, cowboys, ranches and the landscape. But then again, she has always loved horses and animals.

“I grew up when cowboys were popular on television. I still have the cowboy boots I wore when I was three years old and my old cap guns hang in my studio.”

Mejo Okon won the Artist Choice Award in 2023 CowgirlUp! at the Desert Caballeros Western Museum in Wickenburg, Arizona The year before year, she claimed the Best of Show Award. This show celebrates the best of women artists and is considered one of the top five Western Art Shows in the United States. 2026 will mark her ninth year participating in this extraordinary event.

Her work continues to gain recognition as she receives awards and appears in national publications. She has participated in national juried shows including the Women Artists of the West, The Bosque, American Women Artists, American Plains Artists, and the Oil Painters of America’s National Exhibitions. She lives and works near Old Town, Albuquerque, New Mexico.

Several times a year, Mejo becomes a courtroom sketch artist in trials ~ when cameras are not allowed. ‘One must be quick as well as accurate. It’s fascinating to be part of the tableau.’ She works with ABC 20/20. Rebroadcasts can be seen on Hulu. Okon was actually hired on to ‘play’ a courtroom sketch artist for the movie ‘Coyote vs Acme’ starring John Cena and Will Forte. The movie premiered August 28, 2026 to fabulous reviews.