MEET OUR TEAM
Goria Baird
Gloria Baird is a resident of Etobicoke and a practicing glass artist. She supports Franklin Carmichael Art Group through the position of Office Administrator. Gloria holds a certificate in Business Administration, Advanced Bookkeeping, and Level 3 Income Tax. For 20 years, she worked professionally as an administrator on Bay Street. Gloria also held the positions of secretary, treasurer, signing officer and office administrator for the Canadian Office of US Firm.
Claudia di nucci
Claudia Di Nucci has been engaging in community arts through programming and meaningful participation for over 5 years. She holds an honours BA in Art History and a certificate in Arts Administration & Cultural Management. As President of Franklin Carmichael Art Group, she volunteers to provide and support visual art opportunities in North Etobicoke. Claudia has worked with a variety of community-centred organizations (Neilson Park Creative Centre, Arts Etobicoke, Islington Albion Square BIA, The Milkweed Collective, and Toronto Public Library) animating spaces through arts-focused programming. Recently, she led a project in partnership with Cultural Hotspot (an initiative of the City of Toronto).
charlotte bowman
Charlotte Bowman was born and raised in the quaint community of Listowel, located in Southwestern Ontario in the municipality of North Perth. She studied General Arts and Sciences along with Art and Art History at Sheridan College. She later studied Jewelry and Metals Arts at Georgian College. For over 15 years, Charlotte worked in the jewellery industry. Today, she lives in North Etobicoke where she owns her own business and serves on the Board of Franklin Carmichael Art Group as Vice-President and Chair of Programs Committee.
giovanni (john) bottos
Giovanni (John) Bottos is a retired secondary school teacher. He was chair of the science department for 25 years. During this time, John started taking night classes with Franklin Carmichael Art Group. Upon retirement, his participation at FCAG became more frequent. As Chair of Facility Committee, John is responsible for maintaining the working order of the facilities’ main structures. He also liaises with various City of Toronto departments to ensure that the facilities are looked after. John has started several initiatives with Franklin Carmichael Art Group including, the Members BBQ and the Tulip and Daffodil Planting event every Fall.
nina garofalo
Nina Garofalo is an emerging arts leader and new media artist. A recent graduate from the University of Guelph-Humber, she holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Media Studies and a Diploma in Media Communications. Nina recently completed an internship with the Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) where she created and monitored their Social Media plans. Additionally, Nina developed, organized and maintained the TTC’s inaugural digital content calendar. As the Chair of Marketing and Fundraising committees with Franklin Carmichael Art Group, she shares her expertise in Social Media, Web Development and Digital Communications.
mary anna lacey
Mary Anna Lacey has been a member of Franklin Carmichael Art Group since 2010. She holds a BFA from Mount Alison University in New Brunswick. Her love of drawing led her to complete the Commercial Art Program at Western Technical and Commercial School in Toronto. Mary Anna illustrated two children’s books and a history of York Borough. She was a member of Open Studio (printmaker co-op in Toronto) where she produced several etchings. A busy family life followed as she raised twin boys and a girl. Today, Mary Anna continues her artistic involvement in local community theatre groups, painting large scenic backdrops and portraits for stage productions. Since 2016, she supports FCAG as the Chair of Gallery Committee, coordinating various exhibitions. Mary Anna facilities the drawing group that meets weekly in the Kramolc Studio.
mary smith
Mary Smith is a sixteen-year member of Franklin Carmichael Art Group, where she continues to paint in watercolour and socialize with fellow artists. While raising her daughters, she was Secretary of the School Parent Association and worked on fundraising initiatives. Mary later held the position of Secretary at Black Creek Pioneer Village and volunteered on the fundraising committee. For the last few years, Mary has served as Treasurer of FCAG’s Board of Directors.
Ana Maria Traikos
Ana Maria Traikos is a resident of North Etobicoke and has recently joined Franklin Carmichael Art Group’s Board of Directors. She believes that art plays a critical role in breaking down socio-economic barriers. Ana Maria encourages her two sons to participate in a variety of artistic disciplines and cultural expression, as it promotes civic engagement, respect for diversity and inclusivity. She is excited by the abundance public art in Toronto and believes that art creates positive lasting experiences. Ana Maria is a professional Technical Trainer and currently works in the Enterprise Intelligence (IT) department at Ellisdon. She enjoys learning new technologies and collaborating to create and disseminate engaging training programs.
Maria Reynolds
Maria Reynolds is a long-time member of Franklin Carmichael Art Group. As a child, she always had an interest in the Arts. Her interest continued in high school and university through studies in French and Italian language and history. After years of a career in education, Maria is excited by the opportunity to revisit this creative passion. She recently joined the Board of Directors and now serves as the Chair of Membership Committee. Maria brings a variety of experiences and skills to the role. She believes that engaging in the arts enhances one’s perception of the world.