Meet Angela Von Canon | Art Instructor

We had the good fortune of connecting with Angela Von Canon and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Angela, why did you decide to pursue a creative path?
I have been interested in visual arts since my Uncle Kenny purchased my first 35mm camera for my 8th Christmas. I recall drawing even in preschool. My mother had my drawings hanging on her walls.

I began teaching at the age of 20, after college, as a substitute; I had always wanted to teach. However, in 2018 my now 11-year-old son began weekly art lessons in Lee’s Summit, Missouri (Greater Kansas City area). When I saw what he could accomplish, it reignited my passion for art, especially painting. He and I began painting together when he was 6 or 7, and we have not stopped creating and teaching one another ever since!

I was blessed to have the flexibility in my daytime work schedule to begin my business in March 2023. I began first purchasing supplies for resin, acrylic painting, and crafts. After an art show in September 2023 at hOMe Yoga Studio & The Winebrary in Rolesville, NC, I had routine youth and adult painting classes aligned. Now, I have two contractors under me, and I consider myself extremely blessed.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I have been a professional photographer for over two decades, but it was difficult every step of the way. There are photographers everywhere. So, I had to change my business model in visual arts.

By changing my model to in-person instruction of littles to bigs (youth to adult), I was able to overcome the saturation of photographers. My brand is different as it comes from a place of love. We will provide scholarships to children who cannot afford the classes, and every child leaves with an art and lesson-themed goody bag. My Von Canon family has encouraged me to succeed in my endeavors, and I do so with JOY.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Oh, my goodness! If I had an entire week in and around Wake Forest, NC, I would do so much! First, we would take a day trip to Wilmington, NC to visit Carolina Beach. We would dine at Ocean Grill & Tiki Bar sitting right on the beach. You can hear the waves crashing. Next, we would visit Taco Baby in downtown Wilmington, NC. They have the best ambiance if you love neon signs of Dolly Parton, an eclectic and cool staff, and some of the best tacos on the planet!

Next, I would show my friend Mill Bridge Nature Park; it is perfect for viewing wildlife, a natural waterfall, and for bike rides. For lunch, we would scurry on over to Knightdale, NC for barbeque. It’s not just any BBQ; they have been on the Food Network, and mix Texas, KC, and Carolina BBQ with a Puerto Rican flair. I would also request a tour of Prime BBQ with my friend as the pitmaster, Christopher Prieto does his best to be accommodating.

For more fun, we would head to downtown Raleigh, NC for all of the museums. There are so many to see! We would also go to the art museum in Durham, too. If time allows, I would take my friend to the mountains of NC. We could stay atop Sugar Top Mountain near Banner Elk, NC. The balconies overlook the city, and it is one of the most memorable sunrises to view with the mist from the mountains. On our way to Wake Forest, NC we would need to grab a sweet treat at Lumpy’s Ice Cream in downtown Wake Forest; it is a local treasure.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
First, God gets all the glory. Next, I was inspired by my late Uncle Kenny Shockley for photography, and then my best friend, Ginger, for continually encouraging me to challenge myself. Lastly, I would like to thank Kali from hOMe Yoga Studio & The Winebrary for creating a welcoming environment in which I can instruct.

Instagram: artnsoulsisters

Twitter: ArtandSoulAVC

Facebook: artandsoulsistersstudio

Youtube: ArtNSoulStudio

Other: My son’s DBA of my company is: The Rabid Platypus Boutique @therabidplatypusboutique (IG and FB)

Image Credits
Photo credit by Angela Von Canon