Artist Spotlight - Candace Menno

Nestled in the heart of South Jersey, near the picturesque shores of Ocean City, resides an artist whose passion for coastal beauty knows no bounds. Meet Candace Menno, a 25-year-old visionary whose artistic journey has been shaped by the ebb and flow of the ocean and the vibrant life it holds.

A Brush with Creativity

From a tender age of five, Candace's affinity for art was evident. Growing up surrounded by the ocean's majesty, her childhood was infused with the salty breeze, the sound of crashing waves, and the allure of sandy shores. Encouraged by her parents, Candace's artistic talents flourished, laying the foundation for a lifelong pursuit of creativity.

Reflecting on her upbringing, Candace shares,

A Storied Canvas

For Candace, each brushstroke is imbued with memories of her coastal upbringing. Her favorite piece, "Fish of New Jersey," pays homage to her family's love for fishing. "My husband is a fisherman, and my dad is a fisherman," she explains. "I grew up learning how to fish, and it has been neat to see that carried out in my marriage and the joy it brings as an outlet for my husband."

This vibrant artwork not only celebrates the diverse marine life of New Jersey but also fosters moments of connection between generations. "The 'Fish of New Jersey' excites little kids as grandfathers and dads get to point and teach their kids about the fish, and which ones they have personally caught," Candace fondly recalls.

An Artistic Odyssey

Guided by her faith and fueled by her passion, Candace's artistic journey has been one of dedication and determination.

Despite life's ebbs and flows, Candace's commitment to her craft remains unwavering. "Never put the paintbrush down!" she advises with a smile. "There are seasons where I don't get to paint as much as other things, but it's something that is WORTH making time for."

A Visionary Collaboration

In her quest to share her art with the world, Candace found a trusted partner in Golden State Art. "This company is where I purchase all of the mattes for our artwork prints that we sell all over the country," she reveals.

The clean lines and crisp presentation of Golden State Art picture matboard provide the perfect backdrop for Candace's creations. "The matted frames are a clean and crisp way to display our artwork at shows and events," she explains. "They allow people to take the print home, out of the plastic sleeve, and place it in their home."

Looking Towards the Horizon

As Candace continues to paint her way through life's canvas, she has her sights set on new horizons. "I am currently working on building a calendar for 2025," she shares excitedly. "I plan for it to be one where each month's painting is something that can be cut out and framed as a print!"

With each stroke of her brush, Candace Menno captures the essence of coastal beauty and shares it with the world. Through her art, she invites us to pause, to reflect, and to find joy in the simple moments that adorn our lives like seashells on the shore.

In the words of Candace herself, "Never put the paintbrush down!" For it is through creativity, passion, and unwavering dedication that we truly leave our mark on the world.

Follow Candace's artistic journey on her website Candacescanvasses.com and on Instagram @candaces_canvasses.

Connect with Candace on Facebook: Candaces Canvasses.