Lon Mercier was born in Oregon and grew up in the small community of Grand Ronde, located on his tribe's reservation lands.

In 1992, Lon created the partnership of Mercier Fine Art. Beginning with drawings in graphite, he fulfilled a long time dream and made the transition to painting in egg tempera.

After completing his undergraduate studies, Lon went on to successfully complete programs at Lewis and Clark College and the University of Strasbourg in France.

Since his move into art, he has participated in numerous juried shows throughout the Northwest. He has received a variety of awards and in 1994 received first place in the nation for the tempera painting "Night Rider" from the Artist's Magazine in its annual natiional competition.