Artist Bio.
Tina Fridgen is a multimedia conservation artist and environmental educator whose work bridges science, art, and advocacy. Drawing on her background as a trained scientist, she teaches Biology and Environmental Science at Trent University and channels her teaching, research, and creative practice toward environmental awareness and stewardship.
Working in inks, spray paint, acrylics and oils, Tina creates pieces that highlight natural light, colour, and the quiet wisdom of the forest. Her immersive, nature‑inspired installations invite viewers to slow down, observe, and reconnect with the living world around them. Through interactive displays, her Biophilia series encourages audiences to learn directly from nature, fostering a sense of belonging, responsibility, and conservation-minded action. Her artwork brings “forest moments” indoors—enhancing living spaces with a sense of calm, beauty, and renewal.
New to the professional art world, Tina has studied at the Peterborough Art School and is completing the Milan Art Institute Mastery Program. She coordinates the Douro-Dummer Public Library gallery and is an Associate Member of Artists for Conservation and the East Central Ontario Art Association. Her work has been shown at the Art Gallery of Peterborough, the Kawartha Studio Art Tour, and the Georgina Arts Centre in Orillia. She is also the founder of Douro Art Studios, where she looks forward to offering workshops inspired by her explorations of local wild spaces. Tina lives and creates in Douro-Dummer, Ontario.
Education
2024-current
Mastery Program,
Milan Art Institute
The Mastery program is a condensed 2 year program designed to help artists learn and apply traditional skills in drawing and oil painting, different uses and application of multimedia, exploring various processes to help each artist to find their voice and create their own portfolio, and ultimately to find success as a professional artist.
2003, 2022-2025
Peterborough Art School
Mixed Media
Studied under local artists such as Richard Hayman (Portraiture and Acrylic), John Climenhage (Oil Open Studio), Jane Hall (Landscape Oil), Gwyneth Fischer (Abstraction and Mixed Media), Susan Taylor-Stevenson (Fused and Stained glass Open Studio), and David Baker (Pottery).
2007-2011
PhD. Environment and Life Sciences Candidate (ABD),
Trent University
PhD studies focusing on the impacts of nano-particles on local amphibian species. Studies looked at particle behaviour in variable natural waters and bioaccumulation of particles in tadpole tissues. PhD studies were not completed due to change in focus towards family and a change in career in Post-secondary Administration and Management.
2004-2007
MSc. Watershed Sciences Program, Trent University
Toxicology based Masters degree focusing on the impacts of pesticides on local amphibian species. Studies found developmental impacts caused by environmentally relevant concentrations of common pesticides Roundup and Atrazine, including impacts on sexual development and metamorphosis.
Work Experience and volunteerism
2023 - current
Construction co-ordinator and Founder, Douro Art Studios
Founder of Douro Art Studios, will be a space for people to study and create art. Douro Art Studios is in progress of being restored from a heritage log cabin (1850's) and is planned to be completed Sept 2025. Until construction is complete the art studio and candle buisness is being conducted in our home.
2023 - current
Board Member and Art Gallery Co-ordinator, Douro-Dummer Public Library
Volunteer work on the Board of Governors of Douro-Dummer Public Library, a member of The Friends of the Library (FODDPL), and coordinator of the Library's Art Gallery Space. Recruits and promotes local artists, sharing their art and creativity with our multi-generational community.
1998 - current
Trent University
Sessional Faculty: responsible for the creation and delivery of various courses at Trent University, including BIOL 3040H Histology (2007-2014, 2024-Current), BIOM 1000H Biomedical Foundations (current), ERSC/EDUC/BIOL 2701H Environmental Education (2024 - current), BIOL 4550H One Health (2025), BIOL 3340H Herpetology (2015-2022), BIOL 3840H Animal Physiology II (2020), BIOL 4160H Immunology (2013), BIOL 3830H Animal Physiology I (2012)
Administrative and Research: Principal of Champlain College (2018-2023), Academic Advisor (2010-2018), and Research Associate/Lab Technician (2001-2007), Animal Care Technician (1998-2001)
