Joanne Canning

Biography

Dr Joanne Canning is the daughter of Australian artist John Canning and is currently a visual Artist in Residence at Montsalvat, Eltham. Jo paints in her glorious studio daily, and takes in many students from Home Education to Easel Access where she is engaged in creating better career pathways for artists with disabilities. Unusually for an artist Jo has a PhD in research, genetics and behavioural neuroscience with extensive work in disability advocacy. Jo is a published researcher and her book "Miracle in Potential" - arts as early intervention, was launched by disability Minister – the Hon. Bill Shorten. Jo’s professional background spans 45 years in all arts i.e. as a dancer - Australian Ballet Co., actor - MTC., Playbox and ABC. Her visual art has been exhibited in Span Gallery Melb, Manyung, at Canning Arts Yarrawonga and has most recently been exhibited in the Omnia Art Prize. Jo created public works for The Melbourne Aquarium (80sqm) - “The Sea and Me” incorporating 120 children’s expressions, and her murals and portraits are in many private and public collections.