Hello, I'm Aurora Pagano, a dynamic and versatile artist, curator and arts educator based in Toronto. I specialize in fine art, illustration, and interactive installations, and I lead Friends In Art as founder, art director, and chief curator. I am passionate about fostering dialogue through collaborative projects be it narrative illustration or creatinng interactive experiences. With over 30 years as an arts educator, I bring extensive experience working with children, youth and diverse communities.…

Aurora Pagano

Hello, I'm Aurora Pagano, a dynamic and versatile artist, curator and arts educator based in Toronto. I specialize in fine art, illustration, and interactive installations, and I lead Friends In Art as founder, art director, and chief curator. I am passionate about fostering dialogue through collaborative projects be it narrative illustration or creatinng interactive experiences. With over 30 years as an arts educator, I bring extensive experience working with children, youth and diverse communities.…

Available to hire

Hello, I’m Aurora Pagano, a dynamic and versatile artist, curator and arts educator based in Toronto. I specialize in fine art, illustration, and interactive installations, and I lead Friends In Art as founder, art director, and chief curator. I am passionate about fostering dialogue through collaborative projects be it narrative illustration or creatinng interactive experiences.

With over 30 years as an arts educator, I bring extensive experience working with children, youth and diverse communities.

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Language

English
Fluent
Italian
Fluent

Work Experience

Visual Arts Program Director & Educator at Cardinal Carter Academy for the Arts, Toronto Catholic School Board
January 1, 1990 - December 31, 2019
Directed the visual arts program, developed curricula, and led outreach and mentorship initiatives; coordinated school-wide art projects and community-based exhibitions.
Community Arts Leader / Mentor at Friends In Art
January 1, 2021 - December 31, 2024
Mentor youth through community arts projects, coordinate workshops, and support cross-disciplinary collaboration within the Friends In Art network.

Education

Bachelor of Education, Visual Arts Specialist at University of Toronto
January 1, 1987 - December 27, 2025
Honors Bachelor of Fine Art at York University
January 1, 1986 - December 27, 2025
Bachelor of Education, Visual Arts Specialist at University of Toronto
January 11, 2030 - January 1, 1987
Honors Bachelor of Fine Art at York University
January 11, 2030 - January 1, 1986

Qualifications

National Geographic Educator Certification
January 1, 2017 - December 27, 2025
Mindfulness Without Borders Facilitator Certification
January 1, 2007 - December 27, 2025
Guidance Facilitator
January 1, 1995 - December 27, 2025
Continuing Education Studio Studies
January 1, 2000 - January 1, 2005
National Geographic Educator Certification
January 1, 2017 - January 22, 2026
Mindfulness Without Borders Facilitator Certification
January 1, 2007 - January 22, 2026
Guidance Facilitator
January 1, 1995 - January 22, 2026

Industry Experience

Media & Entertainment, Education, Non-Profit Organization, Professional Services, Other
    uniE621 The Story of Pogo
    The adventures of a stray dog in Spain - mixed media illustration &…
    uniE621 The Word Eating Monster
    Early word recognition - mixed media illustrations…
    uniE621 Survivalist
    Series: Below the surface (They're just like us). Acrylic on canvas…
    uniE621 Gangsters - mob mentality
    Series : Below the surface (They're just like us) acrylic and metal leaf on canvas illustrator artist…
    uniE621 POW! Right in the Kisser!
    Kissing Fish Fighting words - series: Below the Surface (they're just like us). mixed media drawing and acrylic on panel illustration mixedmedia…
    uniE621 Waiting on the Green Light
    Graphite, acrylic and metal leaf on wood. Series: Uprising illustrator artist narrativeillustration…
    uniE621 It's About Time (Rebel with a Cause)
    graphite, acrylic on canvas. Illustrations for Women's Rights, UN Calendar. illustrator mixedmedia narrativeillustration…
    uniE621 Cultivating Wisdom
    Oil, metal leaf on aluminum- celebrating the 'hands on learning through labour & story telling traditions'. Series: The Uprising illustrator painter artist…
    uniE621 Sink or Swim (aksed the heart)
    The Heart of the Matter exhibit. Acrylic, metal leaf & resin on brushed aluminum. illustrator mixedmedia acrylicpainting…
    uniE621 Taking Risks
    acrylic and metal leaf on wood illustrator artist…
    uniE621 Premonition (That flutter and squaking feeling)
    Acrylic and gold leaf on aluminum, painting, acrylic, illustraor…