Janice Warren is no stranger to the art world. With over 30 years of teaching experience, community involvement, and facilitating creative art workshops for audiences of all backgrounds Warren still gets excited about art. As an art educator she is a firm believer in “process over product” and experimenting with new materials. Warren holds a bachelor's degree in Fine Arts and Teaching Certification in Autism and Neuro-Developmental Disabilities which allow her the wonderful opportunity to work with individuals with unique abilities and exceptionalities.  

Warren’s art is often filled with symbolism, bright colors, a variety of textures and discarded materials. This allows her the freedom to explore and transform old materials and everyday objects into creative and meaningful compositions.   

Warren believes that creativity and art therapy serves as a vital tool for healing.   As a visual artist and art educator she continues to experiment with non-traditional materials, introducing developmentally appropriate lessons and adaptive tools for all individuals. Warre is most known for creating “magical mosaic masterpieces”and mixed-media collages from a variety of recycled materials which allows her to success.

Nicole Pope, also known as Nikki Knockout, also known as Mermaid Nikki 

Nicole Pope is a Houston native that gained her start in circus arts over a decade ago. Her tenacity for learning and education made her gather many skills including aerial arts, fire dancing, mermaiding, juggling, stilt walking, burlesque, MCing, and producing. Nicole wears many hats including teaching and spreading the love she has for performance art. Owner of Knockout Entertainment, her mission is to create magical and beautiful memories for her client's special events. Nicole has created a space for artists to grow and become professional performers themselves.

Odysea Mermaids, an umbrella company under Knockout Entertainment, are a local Houston based group of merfolk with the purpose of spreading love, education on ocean conservation, and happiness for adults and kids alike. Available for birthday parties, local libraries for their mermaid storytime, or swim lessons. 

Knockout Entertainment is a specialty performance arts company blending the magic of circus arts, theater, music, and the beauty of costuming together to create an immersive experience for events and productions. 

The Houston Freedmen’s Town Conservancy is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that protects and preserves the history of Freedmen’s Town for the benefit of future generations. The conservancy supports community engagement, re-education, and heritage tourism while preserving the historic legacy of Freedmen’s Town, inspiring all through education and awareness of its unique story.