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.
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.
Cadence Bishop
Cadence Bishop is a Performing Artist and Playwright currently studying Theatre with a Playwriting specialization at York University. Cadence specializes primarily in writing children’s plays, but also has experience as a costume/set/sound designer, director and choreographer. Apart from her work behind-the-scenes, Cadence is also an actress and singer-songwriter. She has appeared in many local musical theatre productions, as well as Toronto-based plays. Cadence has been writing her own music since 2021, and currently has one self-produced album. Cadence started working at the FirstOntario Arts Centre as a summer camp leader in 2016, and started as Drama Instructor in 2019.
Maheesha Thiyagarajah
Maheesha Thiyagarajah is a Tamil Visual Artist based in Toronto. Currently she is a part of the Visual Arts and Concurrent Education program at York University. Maheesha works primarily with acrylic paints across several surfaces including canvas, sneakers and clothing. She is also exploring different avenues of being a creative through photography and art direction. Maheesha is passionate about teaching young creatives and has over 5 years of experience working with children. She has been involved with the Town of Milton’s camp programs since 2018 and joined the FirstOntario Arts Centre Milton Team in 2022.
Sehba Maruf Ali
Sehba Maruf Ali graduated from the Indus Valley School of Art & Architecture, Karachi, Pakistan in 1997 with a degree in Sculpture and Printmaking. Not restricting herself to a single art technique, Sehba enjoys the freedom of expression and variety that is provided in working with mixed media. She has exhibited at the Holcim Gallery at MiltonCentre of the Arts, and has been commissioned by the Halton District School Board. Sehba works in the school board supporting individuals with disabilities using art as an aide for relationship building, expression and confidence boosting. Sehba joined the FirstOntario Art Centre Milton team in 2024.
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.
Annabelle MacRae’s
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.
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.
Arielle Makela-Groome
Arielle is a Performing Arts Administrator and Educator with a passion for fostering empathy through the arts. She has experience both on and off stage: performing, facilitating community programming, and managing digital media. She has a Bachelor of Arts in Theatre Studies and recently completed a Graduate Certificate in Arts Administration and Cultural Management from Humber College. Arielle also supports the arts in her hometown of Brampton at the Rose Theatre, and in Toronto at Mirvish Productions. In her spare time, you can find her trying new foods and watching movies. Arielle joined the FirstOntario Arts Centre Milton team in 2024.