Maggie Boyajian Courtis
I grew up on a farm in Selma California. As a child I spent evenings creating. Leisure time was drawing, painting, cooking, baking, canning, sewing, embroidering, crocheting, and doing any and all types of crafts available to me. Belonging to 4-H was an important vehicle for learning home arts and public speaking.
My love of the arts never waned. I studied various art forms throughout high school and college and was fascinated as I learned about the history of art throughout the ages. I have continued to study and dabble in a wide range of artistic media throughout my adult life, periodically working professionally in art or design.
In 2020 I began developing Scarab Creative Arts. I envisioned it as a beautiful space, a lovely place where a core group of artists could work together sharing studio space, having storage for their supplies, and having a gift shop to market their creations. Adding a gallery and classroom gave Scarab the ability to bring in more artists from the community to show their work and share their knowledge.
I enjoy the wonderful community at Scarab and the opportunity to teach and work on my arts. I continue to learn from the talented artists around me each day and from continuing my art education.
Education
1978
Bachelors of Arts, Art
cum laude
California State University, Fresno
1983
Multiple Subject Teaching Credential
Art Emphasis
California State University, Fresno
1980 - Present
Workshops and Continuing Education
Drawing
Painting
Silk Painting
Glass
Ikebana
Face and Body Painting
Professional Experience
1978 - 1980
Stained Glass Artisan
Scarab Glass Works
Fresno, CA
2000 - 2005
Interior and Garden Design
Graphic Art
2008 - 2011
Visual Arts Director
Set Design
Special Effects Makeup
Costumes
Fright Night Scream Park
Clovis, CA
2011 - 2012
Visual Arts Director
Set Design
Special Effects Makeup
Costumes
5th Realm
Clovis, CA
Teaching Experience
1979
Clovis Adult School
Adult Stained Glass, Children's Art
1986
Fresno Chaffee Zoo
Children's Science and Arts
1986
Fresno Discovery Center
Children's Science and Arts
1987-1992
Central Unified Schools
Junior High School, 5-6th combination
1995-2020
Fresno County Master Gardeners Association
Integrated Pest Management
Landscape Design, Edible Landscaping
Vegetable Gardening Topics
2021 - present
Scarab Creative Arts
Stained Glass
Ikebana
Special Effects Makeup
Memberships
Fresno Art Museum
San Joaquin Clay and Glass Association
San Joaquin Potters Guild
Fresno Fiber Guild
Fowler Ikebana Club
Exhibitions
Clay
Dec., 2023 Scarab Gallery
Scarab Members Show
July, 2023 Clay Hand Studio, Fresno
Atmospheric Firings
Dec., 2022 Scarab Gallery
Scarab Members Show
March, 2022 Scarab Gallery
"Sierra" Show (Juried)
Dec, 2021 Scarab Gallery
Scarab Members Show
2019 Student Exhibition (Juried) Fresno City College
Art Space Gallery
Fresno, CA
2014-2015 Exhibiting Artist
Echo Studio and Gallery
Fresno, CA
2013 Exhibiting Artist
Clay Hand Studios Gallery
Fresno, CA
Ikebana
May, 2020. Exhibiting Artist
Shin Zin Garden Ikebana Show
May, 2019 Exhibiting Artist
Fowler Ikebana Club
Spring Ikebana Show
May, 2018 Exhibiting Artist
Fowler Ikebana Club
Spring Ikebana Show
May, 2017 Exhibiting Artist
Fowler Ikebana Club
Spring Ikebana Show
Glass
April, 2024. Fresno Arts Council
Arts in Agriculture Show
Dec, 2023 Scarab Gallery
Scarab Members Show
Dec., 2021 Scarab Gallery
Scarab Members Show
Photography
March, 2023 Scarab Gallery
"Spirit" Show
March, 2022 Scarab Gallery
"Joy" Show
Dec, 2021 Scarab Gallery
Scarab Members Show