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.
Rabia Shahzad
Rabia holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts from National College of Arts in Pakistan, with a specialization in printmaking. Rabia is a professional cartoonist and has had her work featured in a number of publications including the News International. In addition to cartooning, Rabia has taught students 3D animation and mixed media at the university level. She teaches all mediums of expressions like Graffiti Art, popularly known as street art. She joined the FirstOntario Arts Centre Milton team in June 2016.
Sherry Morse
Sherry is a graduate of the Sheridan College School of Craft and Design with a diploma in Textiles. Upon graduation, Sherry worked as an artist and colourist in the wallpaper industry. Her work in textile arts includes printing, embroidery, quilting, needlework, costume, millinery and most recently, felting. Sherry has been involved in children's camp programs in Ontario and Manitoba for over 25 years. She joined the FirstOntario Arts Centre Milton team in January 2015.
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.
