Dr Jo Griggs (Canning)

Dr Jo 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, including within UniMelb at the Royal Children’s Hospital.  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 including as a dancer - Australian Ballet Co., an actor - MTC., Playbox and ABC and as a teacher Vic Arts Centre, Victoria State Ballet and National Theatre.

Jo is a consummate artist, and her visual art has been exhibited solo at Span Gallery Melb, Manyung, and and alongside her father at Canning Arts Yarrawonga. Most recently Jo has sold at Camberwell and been represented in the Omnia Art Prize. Jo created public works for Jellis Craig, The ANZ, Alfred Nuttal Kindy, and The Melbourne Aquarium (80sqm) - “The Sea and Me” incorporating 120 children’s expressions, and her murals, landscapes and portraits are in many private and public collections.