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.

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.

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 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.

Sophie Naidoo

Sophie Naidoo is an elementary school teacher that has been teaching with the Toronto District School Board for over 10 years.  She graduated with degrees in Chemistry and Education, and  is deeply committed to promoting a love for all things related to Art and Science.  She started taking art classes as an adult, and primarily paints using watercolours and ink.  She is mostly self-taught, and strives to inspire a love of abstract art and the natural environment with her work.  She hopes to help make the Franklin Carmichael Arts Group a thriving hub that reaches a diverse array of people from all walks of life.  She is aiming to add inclusive and dynamic initiatives that promote a love of art, and give people a voice through their art.