Women Artists of the West
Mejo Okon
I was one of those artists who, as a kid, watched every cowboy movie shown on TV. I loved all things that had to do the West, especially horses.
I attended John Herron School of Art and Design at Indiana University–Purdue University Indianapolis in Indianapolis. My degree prepared me for a life in advertising and graphic design. In 2000 I moved west to begin life as the western artist I always dreamed about.
I love going to ranches. I love the scorching sun, the feel of the leather, the smell of the animals. I want to capture that moment of life when the cow nuzzles her calf, the daily work the ranch hands and trainers put in, or that dazzling western sunset ~ I want to capture all that with my paintings.
2027 will mark my 10th year to participate in the invitational CowgirlUp held annually at the Sigler Western Museum (formerly Desert Caballeros Western Museum) in Wickenburg, Arizona. This show celebrates the best of women artists and is considered one of the top five Western Art Shows in the United States. In 2022 I was awarded Best of Show and in 2023 I won the Artist Choice Award.
Mejo is also a courtroom sketch artist at trial where 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 is now scheduled to be released August 28, 2026.
