Meet - Laurie Denbrock

After graduating from high school in Indianapolis, Indiana, in 1978, I embarked on a journey to earn a Bachelor of Arts degree from Indiana University, along with a K-12 teaching certification. My teaching career began in 1983 within the Indianapolis Public Schools. Those initial years taught me the art of multitasking and improvisation as I managed three schools in one year, engaging with 900 students, and in another year, conducted nine classes a day for over 800 students. My days were filled with 'art on a cart,' bus, breakfast, and lunch duties.

The role of an art teacher naturally lends itself to community engagement.

I actively involved my students in art shows and competitions, and the creation of stage decorations, props, posters, and themed hallways became a natural extension of the classroom. After a fulfilling 15 years of teaching, my family relocated to Memphis, Tennessee. With my two young children, Christy, aged six, and Jacob, aged two, I began to realize my dream of opening a private Art Studio. Supported by faith, my husband, and countless prayers through trials and errors, I took a leap of faith.

In October 2000, my vision materialized when The Little Artist Studio was inaugurated. Starting modestly, I embarked on a lifelong ambition. The journey led us to Jackson, Tennessee, in 2005, where The Little Art Studio was established in November, marking the beginning of a new chapter. This year (2013), we are celebrating 13 years of thriving business. A significant milestone was meeting Mary Spellings in 2010, which, with continued divine support, my husband's encouragement, and relentless dedication, led to the inception of Art in the Village. My unwavering faith has been the compass of my life, guiding me through each step towards my aspirations. The journey has been a testament to divine intervention, and I am immensely grateful for the opportunity to follow my passion and share it with the community.