Our teachers lead by example so that creativity is used appropriately and extraordinarily. They are not only talented but have a heart for our students. They seek to provide a positive experience, instill self discipline and encourage positive attitudes that will last a lifetime.
Come visit our studio and experience the family atmosphere. Join our mission to empower creativity that will glorify God!
Meet Our Teachers!
Mrs. Lauren Knowles
Lauren grew up in Central Indiana, where she began studying dance at age two. Having excelled in the area of Ballet, she was invited to join the Lafayette Ballet Company at age 14. Lauren remained with the company until she went to college in Holland, Michigan, where she attended Hope College. While earning her degree in Dance Education, she served as Director of the Dance Ministry Company for two years. After earning her degree, she moved to the great city of Midland, Texas to join the Art and soul team in August of 2009. Lauren also has an extensive ministry background. She has been involved in children’s ministry since she was 15 years old, and has a passion for sharing the gospel with God’s little ones.
Miss Brenda Clark
Brenda grew up in Hobbs, New Mexico and Levelland, TX. She found her passion for dance at an early age and was inspired by Carol Lloyd of Hobbs, New Mexico.
After moving to Levelland in 1969 she trained under Janis Geddes and Barbara Thompson of Lubbock, TX. Her student teaching was with “Miss Barbara” and she went on to open her own studio in 1980. After leaving the studio to her sister, Miss Jill, she taught in San Antonio, TX before moving back home to West Texas.
She has studied extensively with numerous choreographers and continues to train. Her passion as an advanced student was always in tap and jazz, but she soon realized the need for extensive ballet training. After studying with her coach, Renata Sanford of Austin, TX, she became a member of the Cecchetti Council of America. Her love of teaching young students is a gift from our Heavenly Father!
Mr. Daniel Nobles
Daniel was born in Dallas, Texas. He began playing guitar at thirteen years old and has been hooked ever since! In high school, he focused his attention on perfecting his art by performing with his church’s praise team. While in college, he continued studying guitar in preparation for his long-term goal of teaching others. Daniel has been teaching with Art and Soul for the last two years. We are proud that he has helped establish our music program.
Mr. Luke McDonald
Luke McDonald Is new to our Art and Soul team. He is a guitar instructor. He is happily married to Lee and they reside in Midland. He was born in Andrews, Texas and lived there through high school. Luke became interested in learning how to play the guitar when he was 12 years old. Already a big fan of the 1950’s and Elvis Presley, Luke spent hours practicing his guitar in his room. After playing in several small start-up bands, such as Shot Down in Left Field, he became heavily involved in songwriting and the creative process. He’s been perfecting his craft since that time. Currently, he serves on the Praise & Worship team at his church home. Luke has been passing along his love for the beauty of music and the guitar as an instructor for the last 3 years.
Miss Ashlee Perkins (Arae)
Arae is originally from Midland, Texas. After graduating High School, she was accepted into the Master’s Commission, a ministry training program in Phoenix, Arizona. During her 5 years with the Master’s Commission, she was involved in numerous community and youth projects. This is also where her passion for fine art was cemented. Realizing that art truly is a gift from God, Arae became determined to share her passion with others. Arae is currently working toward a career in art therapy and child advocacy, focusing primarily on children with special needs. Arae says “a strong foundation in God is the only way to create the things we were meant to create and I hope to convey this in my teaching methods”.
Miss Sara Drescher Braswell
Sara is an award winning artist who holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from the University of North Texas School of Art. She has been working as a professional artist for 10 years and has shown her work in several states. Locally, she paints portraits, teaches children, and sells her work in many forms. Sara incorporates Christian symbolism from the Renaissance, Middle Ages, and Victorian era to tell a story with her art.
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