Biography

Cyrus Mejia was born in 1947 in New Orleans, Louisiana. He spent his youth in the South, growing up in a richly cross-cultural household. His mother was from Mississippi; his father was a native of Colombia, South America. Mejia studied painting, drawing and ceramics at Hinds Community College in Mississippi before traveling abroad, spending several years in Europe. A chance encounter with dogs caged in a London research laboratory turned his sights in a new direction. No longer could Mejia practice his art without incorporating this indelible experience. He says, “I was so shocked and moved by what I saw that I had no choice but to try and help animals in any way that I could.” His way would incorporate art and, subsequently, much more. In 1984, Mejia and his wife Anne were among a dedicated group of animal-loving friends who founded Best Friends Animal Society. Cyrus Mejia lives and works in Kanab, Utah, home of Best Friends, with his wife and their family of dogs and cats. Cyrus Mejia’s work continues to reflect his passion for the animals and the Earth, and his message is a cri de coeur for compassion and kindness. His artwork can be found in both private and public collections.