About Me
About Maya Ceramics and Paintings
My name is Veronica Arquilevich Guzman, I am originally from Mexico City, I established my ceramics business, Maya, while residing in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. My artistic journey has taken me across several countries, including India, Vietnam, and China, before I ultimately settled in the United States. After spending 12 years in Portland, Oregon, I recently relocated to the western part of San Fernando Valley in California.
While in Portland, I was an active member of Alberta Street Gallery, a local artist co-operative. In addition to exhibiting my work there, I contributed to the organization by serving on jury panels and managing the co-op’s Instagram presence and display windows. My artwork was exhibited in various galleries and retail spaces throughout the Portland and Vancouver (WA) areas. I also taught art classes in both public and private schools, as well as in my own studio.
My practice centers on creating unique ceramic pieces, primarily wheel-thrown and then altered to incorporate animal and nature-inspired forms. I work with both low-fire and mid-range techniques, often using vivid, colorful glazes. One of my signature collections, Spiritual Animals, draws inspiration from traditional Mexican alebrijes and features animals such as armadillos and foxes—symbols that invite connection to nature and reflect my enduring passion for the natural world.
I regularly participate in juried art shows and maintain strong connections within the local arts community. I am deeply committed to expanding my engagement through artist talks, public workshops, and collaborative community-based art projects.
2015 - Worked as a volunteer for a Latino program in KBOO Radio for 2 years. Portland, OR
2015 - - Art Workshop, Gresham school, targeting Latin community, Latino Network. Portland, OR
2016 - Art workshop at Ideal Lax PDX. Portland, OR
2016 - Creando Visiones/ Free Art bilingual workshop at teatro Milagro, with Grant from RACC
2016 - Bilingual Painting workshop/ Chachacha Restaurant. Portland, OR
2016 - Art Workshop at Maya Studio for homeschooling group. Portland, OR
2017 - Clay Workshop at Maya Studio for Adult and Kids groups. Portland, OR
2018 - Art Demo at Tertulia / Teatro Milagro. Portland, OR
2018 - Latino workshop for Adelante Mujeres at Portland Art Museum. PAM. Portland, OR
2018 - Art Lecture at Portland Art Museum, PAM. Portland, OR
2019- Clay Art workshop at PAM. Portland, OR
2020 - Virtual Art Demo and Class for Alberta Main Street, for the project Summer at Alberta.
Portland, OR
2022 – OPA Oregon Portland Association, Ceramic Showcases, participating every year since 2016-2024
2021 – Virtual Art Private Classes, from Maya Ceramics Studio. Portland, OR
2023 – Virtual Art Classes for Beaverton District, Portland, OR
2024 / Ceramic Summer workshop / Grace Church Summer Camp / Portland OR
2024 / Ceramic classes / Public Schools Portland, OR, Right Brain Program. Portland, OR
2025 Aug / Ceramic Alebrijes workshop / Sitkta Center for Art & Ecology, Otis, OR
2025 / Art Workshops in different public schools in Portland, OR / Organized by Arts for Learning Northwest (formerly Young Audiences)
- Scouters Mountain Elementary / Teacher's workshop. Portland, OR
- Arleta Elementary School / Family arts night. Portland, OR
2025 / Ceramic Calavera workshop / Milagro Theater, Portland OR
2025-24-23/ Ongoing Ceramic classes / Maya Ceramic studio. Portland, OR
2025 - 2016 / Member of Alberta Street Gallery, successful artist Portland, OR co-op. Serving as part of the jury and managing the co-op's Instagram and display windows.