June 29, 2020
With a Master of Arts in environmental studies from Brown University, Courtney has a deep understanding of marine conservation science and policy—particularly regarding coral reef ecosystems—and believes in finding creative ways to bring ocean issues above the surface to inspire conservation. Courtney joined the Mission Blue family in 2012 and today consults on special projects for the organization.
Courtney is also an internationally recognized environmental artist and her large-scale ceramic sculptural works have been exhibited at notable science and art venues, including the Washington, D.C. headquarters of NOAA and the American Association for the Advancement of Science, the Nova Southeastern University Oceanographic Center in South Florida and the Virginia Museum of Contemporary Art, in an effort to unite art and science to promote awareness for the protection of coral reefs and Mission Blue Hope Spots.
Born and raised in San Francisco, Courtney grew up exploring the ocean and became an avid scuba diver at age 18. In 2008 she completed an interdisciplinary BA in sculpture and marine ecology at Skidmore College with coursework at James Cook University in Australia, where she studied coral reef ecology and fell in love with the Great Barrier Reef. She then spent a year as a fellow at the Harvard Ceramics Program before graduate school. She lives and works in Los Angeles. www.courtneymattison.com