We've carefully selected knowledgeable and talented instructors to teach all of the art programs at the FirstOntario Arts Centre Milton. They will share their expertise and specialized knowledge to help you learn new artistic techniques in a fun and friendly environment.
Angela Lipscombe
Angela is an award winning visual artist and honours graduate in Graphic Design from George Brown College. A full-time artist and instructor for the last 20 years, Angela specializes in acrylics, oils, watercolours and oil pastels. She has been commissioned as a muralist for schools, published and exhibited in various galleries throughout Ontario and her art has been purchased for private and corporate collections worldwide. She recently trained under the Zentangle inventors Maria Thomas and Rick Roberts and is proud to add Certified Zentangle Teacher to her list of artistic credentials. She's been an instructor at the FirstOntario Arts Centre Milton team since the facility opened in 2011.
Annabelle MacRae
Annabelle’s is a young Professional Artist that holds a bachelor's degree in Drawing and Painting and a minor in Art History from OCAD University. She specializes in oil and acrylic painting, drawing, black walnut ink, encaustic and mosaic art. Annabelle is an award winning artist who has had her artwork featured in multiple exhibitions, as well as many commissions under her belt. She is passionate about teaching and the practice of Art Therapy. She believes art can be a remedial process for adults and youth to improve their emotional, physical, and cognitive health. Annabelle joined the FirstOntario Art Centre Milton team in 2023.
Aparna Rangnekar
Aparna holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts from Sir J.J. School of Art in Mumbai, India. Following her undergraduate work where she specialized in mural painting, Aparna pursued postgraduate studies in ceramics and pottery. She is also engaged with various art groups in the community and serves on the board of Arts Milton. Aparna has facilitated several community art projects in the Greater Toronto Area. Three of her murals, created with the Milton community during Culture Days, are on display in the FirstOntario Arts Centre Milton. Aparna joined the FirstOntario Arts Centre Milton team in 2014.
Ava Da Silva
Ava is a passionate young artist with a deep love for acting and theatre. She is currently studying Performance Art and International Development Studies at the University of Guelph, and is an active performer in Guelph's musical theatre scene. Since joining the Town of Milton's summer camps as a child, Ava has returned as a drama instructor, where she has written, directed, choreographed, and created costumes for various town of Milton plays. Ava specializes in nurturing confidence in young performers and fostering an environment where they feel free to express themselves. She strives to create a space where all her students feel empowered and safe to explore their artistic potential. Ava has been part of the Town of Milton team since 2022.
Deedee Maugeri
Deedee is an experienced professional working with preschoolers for over 25 years. She is passionate about teaching the next generation through art and creativity. You will find Deedee always looking for a new way to connect with her students using different mediums and materials. Deedee joined the FirstOntario Art Centre Milton team in 2023.
Emma Lammers
Emma is an educator with experience teaching a wide range of subjects, including art, history, and English as a second language (ESL). She graduated from Western University with an Honours Bachelor of Arts. A lifelong creative, she has produced various forms of art and creative writing, and made toys and clothing. She loves to guide students to expand their creative boundaries and grow in confidence and self-sufficiency. Emma joined the FirstOntario Arts Centre Milton team in 2023.
Simone Shaw
Simone holds a Bachelor of Arts in Theatre Studies from the University of Guelph. Simone has been involved with theatre since she was a child and found her passion for the arts at the Performing Arts Camp (PAC) run out of the First Ontario Arts Centre. Simone has worked in all facets of theatre such as lighting, set design and sound, but her passion lies in acting and directing. Simone is passionate about education, especially in the arts and is committed to becoming a High school Drama and History teacher in the foreseeable future. Simone believes theatre is a skill that can be utilized in various careers and is eager to teach about the benefits theatre can bring to work, school, and life.
Zunaira Mufti
Zunaira holds a Bachelors degree in Architecture from Indus Valley School of Arts and Architecture and a certificate in Design from Ryerson University. She possesses a wide range of experience as an architectural designer and an artist. Her expertise includes drawing, painting, calligraphy, resin art and interior design. Zunaira is passionate about teaching art and design courses and has been teaching for several years, including when the FirstOntario Arts Centre opened in 2011. She rejoined the teaching team in 2020 and is excited to share her knowledge with new students.
