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Introducing Our Graduating Artist Spotlight

10/6/2026

Families and artists walk thorugh the art show looking at art.

We’re adding something special to our annual art show this April: a celebration of our graduating high school seniors.

Our art show has always been a chance to celebrate the work happening inside our classrooms. This year, we’re giving our graduating seniors a little more room to tell their stories--a whole panel's worth!

Each participating senior will receive a full display panel to curate however they choose. That might mean a couple of large pieces. It might mean a collection of smaller works. It might mean bringing together different media, subjects, and ideas to show the range of their creativity.

A space to make their own

Teen artist sitting in class at Orange Easel drawing

If you’ve spent time in our studio, you know that student ownership matters to us. Our artists make decisions, experiment, solve problems, and create work that reflects their own ideas.

Our Senior Artist Spotlight will extend that same approach to exhibiting their work.

Choosing pieces for a display is a creative process of its own. Our seniors will get to consider those questions as they put together a small exhibition within the larger show.

Meet the artists behind the work

Each senior’s display will include an artist bio so visitors can learn a little about the person behind the artwork.

We’ll also include a dedicated senior recognition section in our art show program. We want to give these artists a moment to be seen and celebrated—not only for what they’ve created, but for the ideas, curiosity, and individuality they bring to our studio community.

A new tradition for our April art show

We’re excited to introduce this celebration at our April 2027 art show and make it part of how we recognize our graduating seniors in the years ahead!

Three Weeks In: A Look Inside Our Studios

9/24/2026

The new school year is officially underway, and the first three weeks at Orange Easel have been full—in the very best way

300+ young artists have settled into their weekly routines at our Liberty and Platte Woods studios. New students are learning where everything lives, returning students are reconnecting with friends and teachers, and our tables are once again covered with sketches, experiments, works in progress, and plenty of pastel dust.

Children smiling and showing their hands while making colorful artwork around a studio table.

Our Multimedia artists began the year with chalk pastels. Younger artists built colorful geometric castles, fourth- and fifth-grade students created glowing cosmic skies, and our oldest groups developed vibrant reptile compositions. Creative Explorations artists have been moving through studio stations, while Drawing students have been studying everything from character design and expressive poses to reflections and realistic details.

Gallery of September Class Photos

It’s hard to capture everything happening within our walls, but these are a few of our favorite moments from the beginning of the year.

We’re so glad to be creating together again.

Why We Teach Art Differently

7/22/2026

When parents first visit Orange Easel, they're often drawn in by the artwork hanging on the walls.
And we get it. The finished projects are beautiful.
But here's a little secret...

The artwork isn't actually the most important thing we create.

Our goal isn't simply to send home a painting, sculpture, or drawing at the end of class.
Our goal is to help children grow as artists.

Framed student artwork displayed along a hallway wall at Orange Easel.

More Than a Craft

Two children creating colorful prints together at a studio table.

There's nothing wrong with making a fun seasonal craft.
Kids love creating things, and so do we.
But our classes are designed around something much bigger than following directions to recreate an example.
Instead, we teach artists how to observe, experiment, solve problems, and make creative decisions.
Those are skills they'll use long after the paint has dried.

The Process Matters

A young artist painting a picture on purple paper.

Sometimes a project doesn't go as planned:

Paint mixes into an unexpected color.
A sculpture falls apart and has to be rebuilt.
A drawing doesn't quite look right the first time.

Believe it or not, those moments are some of the most valuable parts of class.
That's where artists learn persistence. That's where they learn to adapt. That's where real creative growth happens.
We don't rush in to "fix" every mistake because learning how to work through challenges is part of becoming an artist.

We Teach Choice

A child smiling and holding up two blue rainbow prints.

One of the questions we're asked most often is:
"What are they going to make"
And we can answer honestly: "We don't really know!"
In many of our classes, artists make choices throughout the creative process.
They choose subjects, colors, patterns, compositions, decorative details, etc.
Sometimes two artists begin with the exact same lesson and finish with completely different artwork!
Because every artist brings different ideas, experiences, and personalities into the studio and their artwork should reflect that.

We Teach Skills, Too

An instructor demonstrating a drawing technique to children gathered around a table.

Creative freedom doesn't mean there's no instruction.
In our drawing classes, artists build skills through carefully planned lessons that grow more challenging over time.
They learn observation, proportion, perspective, shading, composition, and technique.
In our multimedia classes, artists explore a wide variety of materials while learning new artistic concepts each month.
No matter which class they're in, every class time has a purpose.

Growing Artists, Not Just Artwork

Two children smiling and holding up their framed animal drawings.

At the end of class, your child will almost always leave with something they're proud to carry through the door. What we hope they're taking home is much bigger than the project itself.
We hope they're leaving with a little more confidence than they had when they arrived.

A willingness to try something new.
The patience to keep working through challenges.
The excitement of discovering what they're capable of creating.

Because while the artwork may end up hanging on the refrigerator, the skills they build can last a lifetime.

How to Choose the Right Art Class for Your Child

7/16/2026

One of the questions we hear most often this time of year is:

"Which class would you recommend for my child?"

The good news? There's rarely just one right answer.

At Orange Easel, we believe the best class is the one that matches where your artist is today—their age, interests, personality, and goals. Here are a few things we encourage families to consider when choosing.

Children smiling around a studio table with their drawings and art supplies.

Start with Age and Grade

The first thing we recommend is choosing a class that's designed for your child's age or grade.

Every class at Orange Easel is built specifically for that stage of development. The projects, teaching style, pacing, and expectations are all carefully planned with those artists in mind.

While it can be tempting to register siblings together or move a child into a different class to be with friends or siblings, we've found that artists learn best when they're surrounded by peers at a similar developmental level.

CLASS OPTIONS QUICK GUIDE

QUICK LINKS:
Preschool Art FUNdamentals
Multimedia classes (all levels)
Drawing classes (all level)
Creative Explorations

Consider Their Interests

Sometimes choosing is as simple as asking:
"What gets them excited?"

Do they fill notebooks with drawings and can draw for hours at a time? They may love one of our drawing classes.
Do they never want to make the same thing twice amd love explore ALL the different art materials? A multimedia class might be a great fit.
Do they love experimenting, crave movement, and have endless supply of ideas? Creative Explorations could be exactly what they're looking for.
Following your child's interests is often the best place to begin.

A student concentrating on a pencil drawing at a studio table.

Students and an instructor gathered around an outdoor table.

A young artist smiling and holding a colorful glittery bird sculpture.

Don't Worry About Being "Good at Art"

You don't need to wait until your child is naturally talented to enroll in art classes.

Art is a skill. Just like reading, music, or sports, artists grow through practice, encouragement, and great instruction.

Our classes include artists with every level of experience—from children picking up a paintbrush for the first time to students who have been creating with us for years.

Still Not Sure?

That's what we're here for. We know our classes inside and out, and we'd be happy to help you find the best fit for your artist.

Tell us a little about your child's age, interests, and what they enjoy creating, and we'll point you toward the classes we think they'll love.

After all, choosing an art class shouldn't feel overwhelming. It should feel exciting.

We can't wait to create with your family this fall.

How the Orange Easel Scholarship Fund Works

6/23/2026

At Orange Easel, we believe every child deserves the opportunity to create.

The Orange Easel Scholarship Fund was established to help make art classes, camps, and creative opportunities more accessible for families in our community. The fund was created in memory of artist and educator Lynda Mead Alsbach and will continue to grow through community support and fundraising efforts throughout the year.

The World Needs More Artists -- lettering over colorful paint splashes.

Who can apply?

Any family interested in participating in Orange Easel classes or camps may apply for scholarship assistance.
Scholarship applications are reviewed based on a variety of factors, including financial need, artist interest and commitment, scheduling considerations, and available funding.

What Does a Scholarship Cover?

Scholarships may be awarded at varying levels depending on need and available funds.
Current award levels may include:

25% tuition assistance
50% tuition assistance
75% tuition assistance

Scholarships may be applied toward eligible Orange Easel classes, camps, and programs.

When Should I Apply?

Applications are accepted year-round.

To be considered for an upcoming registration season, applications should be submitted by the following deadlines:
February 15 — Summer Programs
July 15 — Fall Semester
November 15 — Spring Semester
Applications received after a deadline will be considered for the next award period.

How Are Scholarships Funded?

The Orange Easel Scholarship Fund was established through memorial gifts made in honor of artist and educator Lynda Mead Alsbach, along with a matching contribution from Orange Easel.
These founding gifts created the initial fund and made it possible for us to begin offering scholarship assistance to young artists in our community.
As the program grows, we hope to expand the fund through community support, special events, creative fundraising initiatives, and other opportunities that align with our mission of making art more accessible.

How Can I Support the Scholarship Fund?

One of our goals is to build a scholarship fund that can serve artists for years to come.
In the coming months, we'll be sharing a variety of ways for our community to get involved—from simple contributions to fun, creative fundraising opportunities that celebrate the spirit of Orange Easel.
If you'd like to support the fund, you can:

Make a contribution to the scholarship fund
Participate in future fundraising events and initiatives
Help spread the word about the program

Every contribution, large or small, helps create more opportunities for young artists to learn, create, and grow. Orange Easel may periodically match fundraising efforts or make additional contributions to help grow the fund.

Apply for a Scholarship

Ready to apply? Click here

Support the Fund

Interested in helping future artists create? Donate here
Every dollar contributed to the scholarship fund stays in the scholarship fund.

The world needs more artists—and together, we can help ensure more young artists have the opportunity to become one.

A Lasting Legacy of Creativity

6/3/2026

There are some people who leave the world brighter than they found it.
Lynda Mead Alsbach was one of those people.

Many of our Orange Easel families knew Lynda as the grandmother of one of our preschool artists, Luca Clay. After every art class, Luca Clay would call Bambi to tell her all about what he had created that day. Lynda loved hearing about his projects, his discoveries, and the joy he found in making art.

Art wasn't just something Lynda enjoyed—it was woven throughout her life.

As a child, when people asked what she wanted to be when she grew up, her answer was always the same: an artist.

She went on to study graphic design in college and spent her life sharing creativity with others. She served as a volunteer librarian and art teacher at St. Peter School in Marshall, Missouri. She also worked as a paraprofessional at Northwest Elementary in Marshall in the Kindergarten and Special Education classrooms. She connected naturally with children. Her daughter shared that Lynda believed she was really just forever nine years old inside, and perhaps that's why she understood the wonder, curiosity, and imagination of childhood so well.

Lynda working on creative endeavors at home

A collage of Lynda Mead Alsbach’s colorful illustrated patterns, whimsical bird artwork, and painted wooden chairs.

In her own creative work, Lynda created cheerful illustrations and colorful designs through her business, Bananas & Macaroni Co. Her favorite tools were Sharpies and Prismacolor colored pencils, though like many creative people, she could make just about anything. Her artwork was bright, playful, happy, and delightfully silly—an extension of who she was.

Lynda Alsbach standing in her booth at an arts festival

On her website, Lynda wrote:

"When I was a little kid, if someone asked me what I wanted to be when I grew up, I always said 'an artist.' Unfortunately, it took a long, long time for me to realize that my style of 'cutesy' art is actually legitimate. Bright and happy colors and designs are just fine and goodness knows the world can always use more bright and happy! So I'm just here doing my part to help the world out with that."

Those words feel especially meaningful today.

Following Lynda's untimely passing, her family chose to direct memorial gifts toward helping young artists continue to create. Combined with a matching contribution from Orange Easel, those gifts became the foundation of the Orange Easel Scholarship Fund.

The Orange Easel Scholarship Fund

This scholarship fund will help provide art classes, camps, and creative opportunities for children who might not otherwise be able to participate. While the fund will continue to grow and serve artists for years to come, it began with one family's desire to honor someone who believed deeply in creativity, joy, and the importance of making art.

We are honored that Lynda's legacy will continue through the artists this fund supports.
The world needs more artists.
And thanks to Lynda, more young artists will have the opportunity to become one.

With gratitude to the Alsbach and Duran families for sharing Lynda's creativity, kindness, and love of art with our community.

2025–26 Orange Easel Student Art Show Gallery

5/6/2026

here’s something magical about seeing an art show come to life.

After months of creating, experimenting, revising, and preparing, our studio transformed into a gallery filled with color, imagination, personality, and heart. From tiny details to large-scale displays, every corner of the show reflected the creativity of our artists and the joy they bring to our community.

Collage of young artists posing beside their displayed artwork and families visiting the 2025-26 Orange Easel Student Art Show.

We loved watching artists proudly stand beside their work, families explore the gallery together, and friends celebrate one another throughout the event.
Below are some of our favorite moments from this year’s show. 🎨✨

2025-26 Art Show Photo Gallery

Families viewing student artwork on display panels at the Orange Easel Student Art Show.

Two children looking at artwork displayed on white gallery panels.

A young artist standing beside their displayed artwork.

A young artist holding a certificate beside displayed artwork and award ribbons.

A visitor photographing a child on the art-show red carpet.

A young artist smiling beside artwork displayed at the student art show.

A child holding an art-show certificate with a blue award ribbon.

Families gathered in a gallery room filled with student art displays.

A young artist posing beside their framed artwork at the student art show.

Children posing beside large illuminated ARTIST letters at the art show.

A young artist posing beside illuminated ARTIST letters.

A young artist holding an art-show certificate.

Visitors looking at student artwork on gallery display panels.

A young artist standing beside large illuminated ARTIST letters.

A child holding a certificate on the art-show red carpet.

A family standing together among student art displays.

A visitor photographing a young artist on the red carpet.

Children posing together on the art-show red carpet.

Children smiling together beside the red carpet and balloon decorations.

An adult speaking with a child beside displayed student artwork.

A photographer taking a picture of two children on the art-show red carpet.

An adult and children posing together at the student art show.

A smiling child wearing a cowboy hat beside displayed artwork.

A family posing together behind illuminated ARTIST letters.

An Orange Easel Art Show lawn sign in front of a large brick building.

A young artist holding certificates outside the art-show venue.

A child seated with arms raised beside illuminated ARTIST letters.

Two children posing playfully beside illuminated ARTIST letters.

A family posing together beneath colorful balloon decorations.

A young artist holding a certificate beside their colorful artwork.

Two adults smiling together in an art-show selfie.

A young artist beside a colorful drawing of overlapping circles.

A child smiling beside displayed artwork and a red award ribbon.

A child posing in front of the colorful Orange Easel Student Art Show backdrop.

A young artist and an adult posing together at the art show.

A smiling young artist standing beside displayed artwork.

Two adults smiling together in a selfie at the art show.

A child peeking around a gallery display panel beside a blue painting.

A young artist standing in front of framed student artwork.

A smiling child posing beside their framed landscape artwork.

Two visitors seated on a staircase holding colorful printed programs.

A staff member talking with young artists at an art-show table.

A child posing in a patterned black dress at the art show.

A photographer taking a picture of two children against a colorful paint-splash backdrop.

A young artist holding a certificate at the student art show.

A young artist in a white dress posing at the art show.

A child standing beside illuminated ARTIST letters.

A young artist with colorful hair holding an art-show certificate.

Three young artists holding certificates against a colorful paint-splash backdrop.

A child and an adult posing together at the student art show.

A family smiling together while holding art-show programs.

A visitor photographing a child holding a large Orange Easel Art Show photo frame.

A visitor photographing a child against the colorful art-show backdrop.

A young artist holding flowers and a student art-show certificate.

A child smiling beside displayed artwork and a blue award ribbon.

Three adults smiling together in an art-show selfie.

A young artist posing with one arm raised at the student art show.

A smiling young artist holding a blue award ribbon outside the art-show venue.

A group of adults posing together beneath colorful balloon decorations.

A young artist smiling beside displayed artwork and award ribbons.

Three children looking together at framed student artwork.

A child holding a large Orange Easel Art Show photo frame against a colorful backdrop.

An adult taking a selfie with children among the student art displays.

A visitor photographing a family on the art-show red carpet.

A young artist at a table with art materials during the art show.

A family posing with a child holding a certificate beneath balloon decorations.

A young artist in a peach dress standing beside framed artwork.

A young artist posing in a patterned dress at the art show.

An adult and young child smiling together in an art-show selfie.

The exterior of the large brick art-show venue with a lawn sign.

Four adults posing together at the student art show.

A child and an adult smiling together in a selfie.

Two adults posing beside illuminated ARTIST letters.

A young artist posing against the colorful paint-splash backdrop.

An adult posing beneath balloons against the colorful art-show backdrop.

An adult in a red top posing against the colorful art-show backdrop.

A young artist holding a certificate and blue ribbon beside an adult.

A young artist holding a certificate beside a table of student sculptures.

Children viewing framed artwork on white gallery display panels.

Visitors browsing student artwork displayed in the gallery.

A visitor photographing a family on the balloon-lined art-show red carpet.

A young child looking around the student art show.

A family posing together beside student artwork on display.

A young artist smiling beside their colorful artwork on a gallery panel.

A child holding a red sculpture beside a colorful woven artwork and blue award ribbon.

Visitors gathered around tables in the student art-show gallery.

Families browsing student artwork displayed around the gallery.

A family posing on the balloon-lined art-show red carpet.

An adult helping a young child with an art activity at a table.

A young artist posing with arms raised beside their colorful artwork.

Adults and children looking together at student artwork on gallery panels.

A young artist wearing a sash and posing with arms raised on the red carpet.

Children and adults browsing artwork on gallery display panels.

Visitors gathered among white panels displaying student artwork.

A young artist pointing toward their artwork on a gallery panel.

Families viewing student art in the gallery room.

A young artist holding a certificate beside their artwork and a red award ribbon.

Adults and children working on an art activity at a table.

Visitors gathered around a table with colorful art activity supplies.

A smiling young artist beside a drawing and a red award ribbon.

An adult and child smiling together outside the art-show venue.

A young artist posing beside a framed drawing and a blue award ribbon.

A young artist holding a certificate beside a painted dog portrait.

Art-show staff handing out colorful materials at a welcome table.

Families browsing student artwork near the art-show welcome table.

Visitors smiling among the student artwork displays.

Families arriving outside the brick art-show venue.

Young children attending the student art show.

A young artist smiling beside framed artwork and a red award ribbon.

Two children posing on the art-show red carpet.

An adult and young artist smiling in a selfie beside displayed artwork.

An adult and young artist smiling together in an art-show selfie.

Three visitors smiling together near the venue staircase.

A child holding a drink near the art-show refreshments area.

A young artist standing beside their pencil portrait and a red award ribbon.

An adult smiling inside the art-show venue.

A young artist posing in a blue dress at the student art show.

Visitors gathered in the art-show entrance hall beneath a staircase.

A young child reaching across an art activity table.

A young artist posing on the balloon-lined red carpet.

Three adults posing playfully behind illuminated ARTIST letters.

Families discussing student artwork beside gallery panels.

Two staff members standing behind a table displaying award ribbons.

Staff members at a table covered with colorful art activity supplies.

Three adults posing together on the art-show red carpet.

Staff greeting visitors near the art-show entrance.

Families walking through a hallway lined with student artwork.

A child wearing a blue hat looking at student artwork on display.

An adult talking with a young artist near the art-show refreshments table.

Visitors viewing student artwork on white gallery panels.

Two young artists posing together on the balloon-lined red carpet.

Families walking through the student art-show gallery.

Visitors holding programs and browsing artwork in the gallery.

Orange Easel instructors before the show

A huge thank you to our incredible Orange Easel instructor team for the countless hours spent planning, organizing, hanging artwork, preparing displays, and making this event possible. The art show is truly a team effort, and so much happens behind the scenes in the weeks leading up to opening night.

We also want to thank the families of our instructors, who generously give up their Sunday to support our studio and help us create a meaningful experience for our students and community.

And finally — thank you to our artists and families for being part of this tradition. We’re already excited for next year’s show. 💛

2025–26 Orange Easel Student Art Show: Exhibiting Artists & Award Winners

5/6/2026

Every spring, we get to witness something really special.

The Orange Easel Student Art Show is more than an exhibition of finished artwork — it’s a celebration of growth, courage, creativity, and the incredible artists who fill our classrooms all year long.

Three children looking together at framed student artwork on a gallery display panel.

For many of our artists, this is their first time seeing their work professionally displayed in a gallery setting.

For others, the art show has become a yearly tradition — a chance to look back and see how much they’ve grown. From preschool artists proudly pointing to their paintings to teen artists sharing deeply personal work, every single piece tells a story.

Collage of children and families celebrating on the art-show red carpet, beside illuminated ARTIST letters, and at the photo backdrop.

We believe artists deserve moments like this.
Athletes have games. Musicians and dancers have performances.
This is our artists’ moment to shine.

This year’s show featured artwork from students across both studio locations and a wide range of ages, styles, and media. We are so proud of the creativity, originality, and effort represented throughout the exhibit.

Below you’ll find a full list of our exhibiting artists as well as this year’s award recipients.

Exhibiting Artists

Aashni D. (10 years) - Perfectly Different , 3D Mixed Media & Sculpture
Abigail G. (10 years) - Out of jam , Illustrative Drawing
Abigail S. (10 years) - “The Eye”, Realistic Drawing
Adalind M. (10 years) - Pencil Holder, 3D Mixed Media & Sculpture
Adleigh F. (12 years) - Egypt, Realistic Drawing
Adriana L. (9 years) - Pizza party, Illustrative Drawing
Akira A. (INSTRUCTOR) - The Kiss, 3D Mixed Media & Sculpture
Alaina M. (INSTRUCTOR) - Utah Moon, Illustrative Drawing
Alex K. (6 years) - My Masterpiece , 2D Mixed Media & Printmaking
Alivia O. (12 years) - Honolulu , Realistic Drawing
Aliza c. (8 years) - The ice cream , Realistic Drawing
Allison M. (INSTRUCTOR) - Snowy Owl, Realistic Drawing
Amaya S. (11 years) - Heaven Monkey, 2D Mixed Media & Printmaking
Amber G. (16 years) - Taylor Swift, Realistic Drawing
Amelia M. (8 years) - Macaroni Penguin, 3D Mixed Media & Sculpture
Amelia T. (7 years) - The Cute Birdy , 2D Mixed Media & Printmaking
Andrea B. (INSTRUCTOR) - Eat at Ed’s, Painting
Andy K. (10 years) - 3AM Monster, Illustrative Drawing
Angelo C. (10 years) - Untitled, not categorized
Anna C. (3 years) - Baby Kate in the Rain, 2D Mixed Media & Printmaking
Anna G. (9 years) - Santa Dog, Realistic Drawing
Annabelle F. (8 years) - Sun Light , 2D Mixed Media & Printmaking
Annabelle T. (11 years) - Spring flowers , Realistic Drawing
Annalise R. (7 years) - Parrot, 2D Mixed Media & Printmaking
Aria E. (9 years) - Dark Future Hallway, Realistic Drawing
Aria W. (10 years) - The Seal and the Orca, Painting
Autumn P. (6 years) - Flower, Illustrative Drawing
Ava L. (10 years) - Sunny Day, 2D Mixed Media & Printmaking
Ava M. (14 years) - Sakura the Elf Mage , Illustrative Drawing
Avery B. (6 years) - Sparkles, Painting
Avery B. (7 years) - Checkerboard , Painting
Bekah J. (9 years) - The Unusual Blue Parrot, 2D Mixed Media & Printmaking
Ben D. (6 years) - Fruit Show, Illustrative Drawing
Bexley N. (6 years) - A Unicorn, Painting
Blake O. (3 years) - Bunny, Painting
Blakely G. (9 years) - Happy Bird, Painting
Braelynn K. (7 years) - Gabbys dollhouse, Illustrative Drawing
Braxton P. (5 years) - Cool-Jay, 2D Mixed Media & Printmaking
Brooke w. (7 years) - Sunset, Realistic Drawing
Brooklynn G. (17 years) - Glass Study, Realistic Drawing
Carly M. (11 years) - The Great Worm Depression , Illustrative Drawing
Caroline J. (11 years) - The Starry Flamingo, Painting
Carter B. (13 years) - Wonderful Wacky World, Illustrative Drawing
Carter N. (6 years) - Snakey, Illustrative Drawing
Cecilia C. (9 years) - Peacock , Painting
Chandler M. (INSTRUCTOR) - Blueberry Braids , Illustrative Drawing
Charlie C. (7 years) - Untitled, not categorized
Charlotte B. (7 years) - The Pink Rose of Love, 2D Mixed Media & Printmaking
Charlotte D. (5 years) - Flowers of Colors, 2D Mixed Media & Printmaking
Chloe R. (12 years) - The Boy that went Missing, Illustrative Drawing
Chloe S. (8 years) - "The Mom Masterpiece", Painting
Claire B. (15 years) - Untitled, not categorized
Clara C. (8 years) - The bird of the word, 3D Mixed Media & Sculpture
Clara E. (8 years) - El Buho, Realistic Drawing
Clare L. (6 years) - Central Park , 3D Mixed Media & Sculpture
Clark M. (13 years) - Blue The Titan, Illustrative Drawing
Clementine S. (13 years) - Hues of Orange, Illustrative Drawing
Cohen B. (8 years) - God’s Heart, Realistic Drawing
Cole S. (10 years) - Sun and Moon Guardians , Illustrative Drawing
Cora S. (11 years) - Be Chaotic, Painting
Corrie C. (10 years) - Caught in rainbow rain., Painting
Daniela A. (11 years) - My pond, Illustrative Drawing
Daxton w. (6 years) - 6-7 bird , 3D Mixed Media & Sculpture
Declan E. (7 years) - Species of sandworm , Illustrative Drawing
Delaney C. (13 years) - Tropical Viewpoint, Painting
Delia B. (10 years) - Untitled, not categorized
Delia L. (8 years) - Flowers, Realistic Drawing
Devyn h. (11 years) - Pitpull playing with tennis ball, Illustrative Drawing
Dexter D. (11 years) - Tentacled Breakthrough, Illustrative Drawing
Dustin E. (10 years) - divine beast vah rudania, 3D Mixed Media & Sculpture
Dylan B. (11 years) - The Special Jellyfish , Realistic Drawing
Dylan W. (15 years) - Vase Memorial, 2D Mixed Media & Printmaking
Eden F. (6 years) - Daisy the Cat Hero , Illustrative Drawing
Eden H. (10 years) - Bombpop, Realistic Drawing
Edgar B. (5 years) - Beast Boy, 2D Mixed Media & Printmaking
Eleanor B. (11 years) - Camping in the Jungle , 2D Mixed Media & Printmaking
Eleanor B. (11 years) - Summer days, 2D Mixed Media & Printmaking
Elena T. (12 years) - A Stroll in the Woods, Illustrative Drawing
Eli P. (11 years) - Night of the Cockatoos , Illustrative Drawing
Elizabeth M. (10 years) - Food Fun, Illustrative Drawing
Ella C. (INSTRUCTOR) - Empyrean Flore (Space Jellies), Painting
Ellie R. (9 years) - The Great Idea, Illustrative Drawing
Elsie C. (6 years) - Circles, Painting
Elsie M. (14 years) - Sleepy eepy Lion, 2D Mixed Media & Printmaking
Ember H. (8 years) - Love Bird, 2D Mixed Media & Printmaking
Ember M. (13 years) - The Silent Shrub, Painting
Emerson S. (10 years) - Majestic Girl, Illustrative Drawing
Emery H. (8 years) - Me Outside, Illustrative Drawing
Emery S. (11 years) - Casoh, Illustrative Drawing
Emery-Jakob G. (10 years) - The spring filled Ocean, Realistic Drawing
Emila S. (6 years) - Pinky the Bird , 2D Mixed Media & Printmaking
Emily W. (14 years) - The Fallen Angel , Illustrative Drawing
Emma B. (11 years) - Dark Wolf , Realistic Drawing
Emma H. (11 years) - Sunset Llama, Painting
EmmaLee K. (10 years) - TV girl Jellys, 2D Mixed Media & Printmaking
Eva S. (6 years) - Jungling in the Forest, 2D Mixed Media & Printmaking
Evan C. (12 years) - Voynich #125, 2D Mixed Media & Printmaking
Evelyn C. (6 years) - Silly Bird, 2D Mixed Media & Printmaking
Evelyn M. (12 years) - Chaos, Illustrative Drawing
Everly L. (9 years) - Grooming Cat , Illustrative Drawing
Evie N. (12 years) - Blossom Rose, 2D Mixed Media & Printmaking
Eza S. (11 years) - Untitled, not categorized
Fritz D. (6 years) - Untitled, not categorized
Gemma J. (8 years) - My Favorite Fruit , Realistic Drawing
Goldie K. (11 years) - Inflated Constellations , Painting
Grace P. (10 years) - Nyctophobia, Illustrative Drawing
Grace V. (INSTRUCTOR) - Battle of Eden, Painting
Gracie H. (10 years) - The Black Dog, Realistic Drawing
Graham H. (11 years) - Monster Club, Illustrative Drawing
Griffin A. (8 years) - Bird, 3D Mixed Media & Sculpture
Guinevere R. (10 years) - Giraffe-in around, Painting
Hadley S. (7 years) - Emmy bird, 3D Mixed Media & Sculpture
Harper B. (13 years) - Chameleon, 2D Mixed Media & Printmaking
Harper C. (7 years) - Horeland, Realistic Drawing
Harper S. (9 years) - My best friend , Painting
Harris S. (10 years) - Pencil Mountains, Illustrative Drawing
Harrison G. (7 years) - Diamond Gold and Her Chicks , Painting
Harrison M. (8 years) - Untitled, not categorized
Hazel D. (12 years) - Untitled, not categorized
Hazel S. (8 years) - Your Moms Bird , 2D Mixed Media & Printmaking
Henry K. (10 years) - Thunderstrom fire, Illustrative Drawing
Hughy B. (10 years) - Young Quackenstein, 3D Mixed Media & Sculpture
India R. (15 years) - Frog House, Illustrative Drawing
Indiera G. (16 years) - A swing & A slash, Illustrative Drawing
Isaac H. (10 years) - The Dunk, Realistic Drawing
Ivaan P. (13 years) - Curious Eyes , Realistic Drawing
Jack N. (7 years) - Vincent, Illustrative Drawing
Jackie A. (INSTRUCTOR) - Goldie, Painting
Jane B. (8 years) - Eyeball, Painting
Jaxson W. (17 years) - Steppe and Marsh and Celestial Bridges, Illustrative Drawing
Jocelyn L. (11 years) - Untitled, not categorized
Jocelyn R. (14 years) - Welcome To The Circus, Illustrative Drawing
Joe F. (10 years) - Camel, Painting
Johanna J. (12 years) - Just Doodle, Illustrative Drawing
Jordan H. (11 years) - Remesmae and Figaro , Realistic Drawing
Jovie B. (5 years) - Chop the Dog, 3D Mixed Media & Sculpture
Judd G. (6 years) - Millions of hats, 3D Mixed Media & Sculpture
Julianna P. (8 years) - A Day at the Park, Illustrative Drawing
June P. (10 years) - Cat, Illustrative Drawing
Kaden B. (6 years) - Magic stack, 3D Mixed Media & Sculpture
Kais M. (8 years) - Sunny and Friends, Illustrative Drawing
Kaley D. (10 years) - Peaceful Bear , Realistic Drawing
Katherine W. (6 years) - Love my Cats, Painting
Katie R. (6 years) - Untitled, not categorized
Katy C. (14 years) - Geisha , 3D Mixed Media & Sculpture
Kimberly H. (8 years) - Outside Sunlight , Illustrative Drawing
Kinley D. (13 years) - Untitled, not categorized
Kya M. (10 years) - Tiger in the woods, Painting
Kyra S. (11 years) - Blood Moon, Realistic Drawing
Laurel S. (6 years) - Sweet Land, Illustrative Drawing
Layla B. (11 years) - Jack, My Loving Dog, Painting
Layla M. (5 years) - Rainbowly Gods Eye, 3D Mixed Media & Sculpture
Leliana M. (9 years) - Rainbow Show, Illustrative Drawing
Lennon M. (10 years) - Lennie + Lou, Realistic Drawing
Leslie S. (12 years) - The Depths , Realistic Drawing
Lewis R. (10 years) - Tree Frog Jumping Around, 2D Mixed Media & Printmaking
Lexi N. (15 years) - Scribble Fire, Painting
Liala M. (15 years) - Penguin’s Family, Painting
Liam M. (12 years) - Dragon, Illustrative Drawing
Lila M. (14 years) - Disney princesse , Illustrative Drawing
Lila P. (10 years) - Swirl of things , 2D Mixed Media & Printmaking
Liliana B. (8 years) - Cup of Noodles, Realistic Drawing
Lily G. (10 years) - In the Jungle, the Mighty Jungle, the Kitty Sleeps Tonights, Painting
Lily G. (9 years) - Realistic red eye tree frog , Illustrative Drawing
Lily M. (17 years) - Banana Cheesecake , Painting
Lilyanna B. (16 years) - I’ll See You in 2 Years., 2D Mixed Media & Printmaking
Lincoln H. (7 years) - The rainbow bird, 3D Mixed Media & Sculpture
Liz R. (INSTRUCTOR) - Pancakes, Realistic Drawing
Liz Z. (13 years) - The Yellow Dress, 2D Mixed Media & Printmaking
Loral F. (7 years) - The world of wise , Painting
Luca C. (3 years) - Peanut Plama, 2D Mixed Media & Printmaking
Lucy G. (11 years) - Jungle of Happyness, 2D Mixed Media & Printmaking
Luke D. (8 years) - Ancient Dinosaur, Illustrative Drawing
Luke G. (11 years) - Life of The Party, Painting
Luna N. (5 years) - Rainbow, 2D Mixed Media & Printmaking
Luna S. (11 years) - The Great Meteor , Realistic Drawing
Maci T. (9 years) - The Bluebird, Realistic Drawing
Madeline D. (10 years) - Animal Wonder, Illustrative Drawing
Madison S. (10 years) - Sun is shining , Painting
Madisyn C. (7 years) - Sunny Side, Illustrative Drawing
Maia B. (8 years) - Detective Alley Cat & Friends , 2D Mixed Media & Printmaking
Maisy D. (6 years) - The Backpack, Illustrative Drawing
Malcolm R. (11 years) - Australia , Realistic Drawing
Marley J. (9 years) - Circle Bank, 2D Mixed Media & Printmaking
Melissa M. (INSTRUCTOR) - Lennie Lou Who, Realistic Drawing
Mia B. (7 years) - Horses, Realistic Drawing
Mia R. (6 years) - The Rainbow Birdy , 2D Mixed Media & Printmaking
Milana W. (8 years) - Snow Cat, 3D Mixed Media & Sculpture
Miles h. (9 years) - Bird culprit , 3D Mixed Media & Sculpture
Murphy S. (12 years) - Queen Penguin, Painting
Mya S. (8 years ) - Untitled, not categorized
Natalie E. (11 years) - Daisy the cubby chiken, 3D Mixed Media & Sculpture
Nicolette J. (7 years) - The Best Ever!, 2D Mixed Media & Printmaking
Nima A. (8 years) - Dotty, Painting
Noah C. (9 years) - The best bread, Illustrative Drawing
Noah M. (14 years) - Paladins Fighting at Dracolitch Cavern, Illustrative Drawing
Noah V. (8 years) - Rainbow, 3D Mixed Media & Sculpture
Noelle G. (9 years) - A Shot At Love, Illustrative Drawing
Noelle R. (9 years) - Pencil Puppy, Realistic Drawing
Nolan W. (11 years) - Sir Brochacho, Illustrative Drawing
Nora C. (12 years) - Rainbow sloth, Painting
Nora R. (8 years) - The First Koala Artist, Illustrative Drawing
Oakley R. (6 years) - Sunset, Realistic Drawing
Oliver B. (10 years) - Gorilla, 2D Mixed Media & Printmaking
Oliver G. (7 years) - Metal Fish, Illustrative Drawing
Owen G. (10 years) - Birthday Surprise for Grandma!, Painting
Paisley B. (13 years) - The Beach, Painting
Paxton B. (14 years) - Home Sweet Home, Realistic Drawing
Penelope D. (9 years) - Untitled, not categorized
Penelope J. (12 years) - Overgrown Hallway, Illustrative Drawing
Penelope S. (7 years) - I Belong, 3D Mixed Media & Sculpture
Phoebe M. (7 years) - Mix, Painting
Piper C. (12 years) - Lilies, Realistic Drawing
Rae W. (8 years) - The Blue Parit Thit is rare, 2D Mixed Media & Printmaking
Raegan D. (10 years) - A day at sea, Illustrative Drawing
Rand T. (10 years) - The legandary najel, Illustrative Drawing
Remi G. (10 years) - Apocalyptic stary sky, Illustrative Drawing
Riley M. (5 years) - Meatball, 2D Mixed Media & Printmaking
Rilynn T. (9 years) - The Outdoors, 2D Mixed Media & Printmaking
Rory B. (7 years) - Peacock, 2D Mixed Media & Printmaking
Ryan D. (9 years) - Froggie, Illustrative Drawing
Sadie D. (6 years) - Untitled, not categorized
Safa A. (5 years) - The Invisible Machine, 3D Mixed Media & Sculpture
Sam G. (10 years) - Just LeDoux It!, Realistic Drawing
Samantha F. (8 years) - Moonlight, Realistic Drawing
Sara W. (INSTRUCTOR) - Gladys, 2D Mixed Media & Printmaking
Sarah K. (13 years) - The Interstellar Agreement, Illustrative Drawing
Sarah T. (10 years) - Cat Alien, 2D Mixed Media & Printmaking
Scarlett S. (7 years) - Moonlight, 2D Mixed Media & Printmaking
Serah D. (12 years) - Native Warrior, Realistic Drawing
Shiloh C. (8 years) - Koi fish, Realistic Drawing
Sofia W. (10 years) - Blood Moon, 2D Mixed Media & Printmaking
Sophie M. (16 years) - Shining Green, 2D Mixed Media & Printmaking
Stella R. (12 years) - The Ripple, Painting
Tammy X. (8 years) - Queen Lady, Illustrative Drawing
Tanner F. (9 years) - Tom the Toucan, Illustrative Drawing
Tanner P. (9 years) - Good Penguin, Realistic Drawing
Tara L. (11 years) - Bella, Painting
Tom F. (10 years) - Ornament, Painting
Tommy M. (16 years) - The Old Tree of Love, Illustrative Drawing
Vala R. (14 years) - Light in the dark , Illustrative Drawing
Valentina R. (8 years) - The Random, Painting
Van B. (12 years) - Panda Pot, 3D Mixed Media & Sculpture
Van M. (7 years) - A Goat, Realistic Drawing
Violet C. (14 years) - Frida!, Realistic Drawing
Vivien C. (10 years) - Monday Morning , 2D Mixed Media & Printmaking
Weslie K. (7 years) - Green Jay, 2D Mixed Media & Printmaking
Willow M. (9 years) - Willow Style, Illustrative Drawing
Wren P. (4 years) - Groot, 2D Mixed Media & Printmaking
Zoe B. (12 years) - Shelly the Turtle, Painting
Zoe R. (11 years) - The Angel’s Note, Illustrative Drawing
Zoe T. (11 years) - Clover, Illustrative Drawing
Zoey F. (8 years) - Perfect, Painting

Collage of young artists posing with their artwork, award ribbons, and certificates at the 2025-26 Student Art Show.

2025–26 Award Winners

Congratulations to this year’s award recipients! While only a handful of pieces receive formal awards, we want to emphasize how difficult these selections are each year. The quality, creativity, and heart shown throughout the exhibit was extraordinary.

We are endlessly proud of every artist who chose to share their work with our community.

Best in Show - Dylan W., Vase Memorial - 2D Mixed Media & Printmaking (8th-12th Grade)

1st Place - Luca C., Peanut Plama - 2D Mixed Media & Printmaking (Preschool)
2nd Place - Edgar B., Beast Boy - 2D Mixed Media & Printmaking (Preschool)
3rd Place - Wren P., Groot - 2D Mixed Media & Printmaking (Preschool)
Honorable Mention - Charlotte D., Flowers of Colors - 2D Mixed Media & Printmaking (Preschool)
Honorable Mention - Anna C., Baby Kate in the Rain - 2D Mixed Media & Printmaking (Preschool)

1st Place - Nicolette J., The Best Ever! - 2D Mixed Media & Printmaking (K-3rd Grade)
2nd Place - Maia B., Detective Alley Cat & Friends - 2D Mixed Media & Printmaking (K-3rd Grade)
3rd Place - Rilynn T., The Outdoors - 2D Mixed Media & Printmaking (K-3rd Grade)
Honorable Mention - Braxton P., Cool-Jay - 2D Mixed Media & Printmaking (K-3rd Grade)
Honorable Mention - Riley M., Meatball - 2D Mixed Media & Printmaking (K-3rd Grade)
Honorable Mention - Mia R., The Rainbow Birdy - 2D Mixed Media & Printmaking (K-3rd Grade)

1st Place - Lucy G., Jungle of Happyness - 2D Mixed Media & Printmaking (4th/5th Grade)
2nd Place - Vivien C., Monday Morning - 2D Mixed Media & Printmaking (4th/5th Grade)
3rd Place - Sofia W., Blood Moon - 2D Mixed Media & Printmaking (4th/5th Grade)
Honorable Mention - Ava L., Sunny Day - 2D Mixed Media & Printmaking (4th/5th Grade)
Honorable Mention - Lewis R., Tree Frog Jumping Around - 2D Mixed Media & Printmaking (4th/5th Grade)

1st Place - Evan C., Voynich #125 - 2D Mixed Media & Printmaking (6th/7th Grade)

1st Place - Dylan W., Vase Memorial - 2D Mixed Media & Printmaking (8th-12th Grade)
2nd Place - Harper B., Chameleon - 2D Mixed Media & Printmaking (8th-12th Grade)
3rd Place - Lilyanna B., I’ll See You in 2 Years - 2D Mixed Media & Printmaking (8th-12th Grade)
Honorable Mention - Elsie M., Sleepy eepy Lion - 2D Mixed Media & Printmaking (8th-12th Grade)
Honorable Mention - Sophie M., Shining Green - 2D Mixed Media & Printmaking (8th-12th Grade)

1st Place - Layla M., Rainbowly Gods Eye - 3D Mixed Media & Sculpture (Preschool)
2nd Place - Safa A., The Invisible Machine - 3D Mixed Media & Sculpture (Preschool)

1st Place - Clare L., Central Park - 3D Mixed Media & Sculpture (K-3rd Grade)
2nd Place - Penelope S., I Belong - 3D Mixed Media & Sculpture (K-3rd Grade)
3rd Place - Clara C., The bird of the word - 3D Mixed Media & Sculpture (K-3rd Grade)
Honorable Mention - Jovie B., Chop the Dog - 3D Mixed Media & Sculpture (K-3rd Grade)
Honorable Mention - Milana W., Snow Cat - 3D Mixed Media & Sculpture (K-3rd Grade)

1st Place - Aashni D., Perfectly Different - 3D Mixed Media & Sculpture (4th/5th Grade)
2nd Place - Hughy B., Young Quackenstein - 3D Mixed Media & Sculpture (4th/5th Grade)
3rd Place - Adalind M., Pencil Holder - 3D Mixed Media & Sculpture (4th/5th Grade)
Honorable Mention - Dustin E., divine beast vah rudania - 3D Mixed Media & Sculpture (4th/5th Grade)

1st Place - Van B., Panda Pot - 3D Mixed Media & Sculpture (6th/7th Grade)
2nd Place - Natalie E., Daisy the cubby chiken - 3D Mixed Media & Sculpture (6th/7th Grade)

1st Place - Katy C., Geisha - 3D Mixed Media & Sculpture (8th-12th Grade)

1st Place - Noelle G., A Shot At Love - Illustrative Drawing (K-3rd Grade)
2nd Place - Kais M., Sunny and Friends - Illustrative Drawing (K-3rd Grade)
3rd Place - Noah C., The best bread - Illustrative Drawing (K-3rd Grade)
Honorable Mention - Kimberly H., Outside Sunlight - Illustrative Drawing (K-3rd Grade)

1st Place - Graham H., Monster Club - Illustrative Drawing (4th/5th Grade)
2nd Place - Zoe R., The Angel’s Note - Illustrative Drawing (4th/5th Grade)
3rd Place - Eli P., Night of the Cockatoos - Illustrative Drawing (4th/5th Grade)
Honorable Mention - Grace P., Nyctophobia - Illustrative Drawing (4th/5th Grade)
Honorable Mention - Nolan W., Sir Brochacho - Illustrative Drawing (4th/5th Grade)
Honorable Mention - Abigail G., Out of jam - Illustrative Drawing (4th/5th Grade)

1st Place - Elena T., A Stroll in the Woods - Illustrative Drawing (6th/7th Grade)
2nd Place - Evelyn M., Chaos - Illustrative Drawing (6th/7th Grade)
3rd Place - Carter B., Wonderful Wacky World - Illustrative Drawing (6th/7th Grade)
Honorable Mention - Chloe R., The Boy that went Missing - Illustrative Drawing (6th/7th Grade)

1st Place - Indiera G., A swing & A slash - Illustrative Drawing (8th-12th Grade)
2nd Place - Emily W., The Fallen Angel - Illustrative Drawing (8th-12th Grade)
3rd Place - Jocelyn R., Welcome To The Circus - Illustrative Drawing (8th-12th Grade)
Honorable Mention - Clementine S., Hues of Orange - Illustrative Drawing (8th-12th Grade)
Honorable Mention - India R., Frog House - Illustrative Drawing (8th-12th Grade)

1st Place - Blake O., Bunny - Painting (Preschool)

1st Place - Harrison G., Diamond Gold and Her Chicks - Painting (K-3rd Grade)
2nd Place - Chloe S., "The Mom Masterpiece" - Painting (K-3rd Grade)
3rd Place - Katherine W., Love my Cats - Painting (K-3rd Grade)
Honorable Mention - Elsie C., Circles - Painting (K-3rd Grade)
Honorable Mention - Blakely G., Happy Bird - Painting (K-3rd Grade)

1st Place - Cora S., Be Chaotic - Painting (4th/5th Grade)
2nd Place - Joe F., Camel - Painting (4th/5th Grade)
3rd Place - Guinevere R., Giraffe-in around - Painting (4th/5th Grade)
Honorable Mention - Kya M., Tiger in the woods - Painting (4th/5th Grade)

1st Place - Murphy S., Queen Penguin - Painting (6th/7th Grade)
2nd Place - Delaney C., Tropical Viewpoint - Painting (6th/7th Grade)
3rd Place - Nora C., Rainbow sloth - Painting (6th/7th Grade)

1st Place - Liala M., Penguin’s Family - Painting (8th-12th Grade)
2nd Place - Ember M., The Silent Shrub - Painting (8th-12th Grade)
3rd Place - Lexi N., Scribble Fire - Painting (8th-12th Grade)

1st Place - Maci T., The Bluebird - Realistic Drawing (K-3rd Grade)
2nd Place - Noelle R., Pencil Puppy - Realistic Drawing (K-3rd Grade)
3rd Place - Shiloh C., Koi fish - Realistic Drawing (K-3rd Grade)
Honorable Mention - Oakley R., Sunset - Realistic Drawing (K-3rd Grade)
Honorable Mention - Delia L., Flowers - Realistic Drawing (K-3rd Grade)
Honorable Mention - Liliana B., Cup of Noodles - Realistic Drawing (K-3rd Grade)
Honorable Mention - Aria E., Dark Future Hallway - Realistic Drawing (K-3rd Grade)

1st Place - Sam G., Just LeDoux It! - Realistic Drawing (4th/5th Grade)
2nd Place - Abigail S., “The Eye” - Realistic Drawing (4th/5th Grade)
3rd Place - Lennon M., Lennie + Lou - Realistic Drawing (4th/5th Grade)
Honorable Mention - Jordan H., Remesmae and Figaro - Realistic Drawing (4th/5th Grade)
Honorable Mention - Annabelle T., Spring flowers - Realistic Drawing (4th/5th Grade)
Honorable Mention - Malcolm R., Australia - Realistic Drawing (4th/5th Grade)

1st Place - Serah D., Native Warrior - Realistic Drawing (6th/7th Grade)
2nd Place - Ivaan P., Curious Eyes - Realistic Drawing (6th/7th Grade)
3rd Place - Leslie S., The Depths - Realistic Drawing (6th/7th Grade)
Honorable Mention - Piper C., Lilies - Realistic Drawing (6th/7th Grade)

1st Place - Violet C., Frida! - Realistic Drawing (8th-12th Grade)
2nd Place - Amber G., Taylor Swift - Realistic Drawing (8th-12th Grade)
3rd Place - Paxton B., Home Sweet Home - Realistic Drawing (8th-12th Grade)
Honorable Mention - Brooklynn G., Glass Study - Realistic Drawing (8th-12th Grade)

Thank you to all of the families, friends, instructors, and artists who made this year’s show possible. Events like this only happen because of a creative community that values the arts and believes children deserve opportunities to create, explore, and be celebrated.

And most importantly — thank you to our artists. Thank you for sharing your ideas, your imagination, your hard work, and your voices with us. We can’t wait to see where your creativity takes you next.

Be sure to check out our companion gallery post (coming soon) featuring photos from the show, artwork displays, and moments from throughout the event!

Our Story: From a Dining Room Table to Orange Easel

4/4/2026

If you had walked into my house during spring break in 2012, you would have found a group of kids gathered around my dining room table, covered in paint, paper, and big ideas.
That week wasn’t part of a grand business plan.
It was an experiment.
A “let’s try this and see what happens” kind of moment.
I had no idea at the time that it would grow into what we now know as Orange Easel.

The original basement art studio, with child-sized tables, art supplies, easels, and artwork on the walls.

The basement art studio where it all started. Less than 350 square feet but full of potential.

2012: The Beginning (a.k.a. The Dining Room Days)

Spring break camp. My dining room. A handful of kids.
That’s where it all started.
Later that year, we moved the chaos (and the creativity) downstairs and built out a basement studio. It felt official… but still very much homemade in the best way.
Back then, it was simply called Miss Allison’s Art.
And it was small, personal, and full of possibility.

2014: A Name, A Team, A Leap

By early 2014, I knew something had to shift.
This was becoming bigger than just me.

A February 2014 announcement introducing Sara Woolfolk as the second teacher at Miss Allison’s Art, alongside her portrait.

I hired my first teacher in 2014 to help me with classes.

Children attending an evening art class around a table in the original basement studio.

An evening art class inside Miss Allison's Art.

Children making art at tables during Winter Break Art Camp in 2013.

Winter Break Art Camp 2013 (phone camera quality has really come a long way since then!)

February 2014 — The First Hire
Miss Sara joined the team as our very first employee.
At the time, I didn’t fully realize how much I needed a teammate—but she was a game changer.
Having someone beside me in this work changed everything.

The Naming Night
As we prepared to open our first commercial space, I knew one thing for sure:
We couldn’t keep the name Miss Allison’s Art.
We were building something bigger—a team, a community—and it needed a name that reflected that.
So I gathered a group of my closest, creative mom-friends.
We covered the tables in butcher paper, opened a couple bottles of wine, grabbed Sharpies, and started brainstorming.
We asked big questions:

Who is this studio for?
What kind of art will live here?
What do we want people to feel when they walk in?

We knew what we didn’t want:

Not too cutesy
Not too girly
Not limited to just painting
Not just for little kids

We wrote words. Colors. Ideas. Associations.
By the end of the night, two words were circled:
Orange. Easel.
That night, before going to bed, I designed the logo and bought the URL.
And just like that—Orange Easel was born.

August 2014 — First Studio Opens (Liberty location)
We opened our first commercial location.
It was a huge leap… and the beginning of something real.

The original Liberty studio lobby, with a desk, orange easel, and bench.

Yes, this is what the lobby looked like when we opened...

The newly opened Liberty studio with tables, chairs, orange easels, and a large blank painting wall.

Inside a sparkling clean, brand new Liberty studio

2018: Growing Up

August 2018 — Second Location (Platte Woods)
We expanded and opened our second studio.
More space. More artists. More opportunities to grow.

Expanding Our Classes
Up until this point, we focused on multimedia art.
In 2018, we introduced drawing classes for the first time—opening the door for students who wanted to go deeper, build skills, and grow in new ways.

An adult standing inside the Platte Woods studio during construction in summer 2018.

Summer 2018 - checking in on construction

Children and an adult posing in front of a splatter-painted speech bubble at the new Platte Woods studio in August 2018.

August 2018 - painting the speech bubble at the new Platte Woods studio

2020: Pivoting & Creating Something New

Lke many small businesses, 2020 tested us in ways we never expected.
But it also pushed us to think differently.
That’s when we launched Creation Nation Art Club—our online art program.
What started as a way to stay connected became something so much bigger:

A growing online community
A library of on-demand lessons
A way to reach artists beyond our local studios

It changed how we think about access, flexibility, and what art education can look like.

An instructor teaching an online art class from a studio table beside a laptop.

Teaching live online classes during the pandemic

A grid of families participating in an online art class during the pandemic.

Believe it or not, this is what our zoom screens looked like at the height of the pandemic.

2021: Growing Leaders

We introduced our Junior Staff Program—designed to give Orange Easel students their first job experience while building leadership skills.

It’s become one of the things I’m most proud of:
Watching students grow up in our program… and then step into leadership roles?
That’s full-circle in the best way.

2024 Junior Staff

2025 Summer Staff

2023–2024: Meeting Artists Where They Are

As we’ve grown, one thing has stayed at the center of everything we do:
Different kids learn differently.

So we’ve continued to expanded our class offerings to reflect that.
Creation Explorations
For artists who thrive in open-ended, process-driven environments.
Drawing 103
For students ready to level up, take on challenges, and really see what they’re capable of.
These additions weren’t about adding more—they were about serving our artists better.

Children in an early Liberty kindergarten and first-grade class holding their framed artwork.

One of our first K/1st grade classes in the Liberty studio. Most of these kids are seniors in high school now!

A young artist and instructor holding a certificate and award ribbon at the 2022 studio art show.

2022 was the last time we held art shows at our studios. We've outgrown the spaces and now we rent BIGGER spaces to celebrate our artists!

Today

What started at a dining room table has grown into:

Two studio locations
A full team of instructors
Hundreds of students
An online art community
A space where kids come not just to make art… but to grow, connect, and build confidence

And somehow, it still feels like those early days—just on a bigger scale.

Orange Easel team members seated together in front of a fountain with horse sculptures.

What’s Next?

We’re still dreaming.
On our “dream big” board, you’ll find ideas like:

More studio locations
Expanding our online programs beyond the Kansas City area
Scholarship programs to make art more accessible for families
A future college scholarship for graduating seniors

We don’t have all the answers yet.
But if there’s one thing I’ve learned since 2012, it’s this:
Start small. Stay curious. Keep listening. Keep building.

Thank You

If you’ve been part of this journey—as a student, a parent, an instructor, or a supporter—thank you.
You’ve helped shape what Orange Easel is today.
And we’re just getting started.

Creative Easter Basket Fillers

3/29/2026

This year, we’re filling baskets with things kids will actually use, love, and create with—because the world needs more artists, right? 🎨
Here are some of our favorite creative Easter basket ideas:

The links in this post are affiliate links, which means we may earn a small commission if you choose to make a purchase—at no additional cost to you. As an Amazon Associates Program participant, I earn from qualifying purchases.

We only share products we genuinely love and use in our studio or at home. Thanks for supporting Orange Easel!

Art Supplies

These are our go-tos in the studio:

Project photo: Kwik Stix Solid Tempera Sticks

On the Go Fun

Perfect for travel, restaurants, or quiet time:

Project photo: Ocean Animals Sticker Coloring Book

Project photo: LCD Drawing and Writing Tablet, 2 pack

Project photo: Handheld water game, ring toss

Fine Motor Development

Build those little finger muscles through play:

Project photo: Mini playdough containers, 42

Project photo: Crayon rocks with canvas bag

Project photo: Wikki Stix in cylindar containers

New Tools for Creativity

Inspire a new project with unique tools:

Project photo: Hole Punches for crafts, 6 different shapes

Project photo: Crazy cut patterned scissors

Project photo: Stencils, assorted geometric shapes

A little bit of magic

Add something a little different to spark curiosity:

Project photo: Shrink plastic sheets for crafts

Project photo: Rainbow scratch art paper

Project photo: Glitter glue pens, 24 pack

The best Easter baskets aren’t the ones packed with stuff--
they’re the ones that invite kids to make something, explore something, and feel proud of what they create.

And bonus?
These are the kinds of things that stick around long after the candy is gone.

<<Previous

Allison May Jensen, owner

Orange Easel began in 2012—just me, teaching art to kids in my basement studio.

Since then, we've grown into two studio locations and team of artists teachers who share a passion for kids and creativity.

We're not a franchise. We're not a big corporation. We're a small, local business built on heart and art.

I'm so glad you're here! This blog is full of ideas, activities, and resources to inspire process-based art at home, in classrooms, and beyond.

​A space to make their own

Meet the artists behind the work

​A new tradition for our April art show

Gallery of September Class Photos

More Than a Craft

The Process Matters

​We Teach Choice

We Teach Skills, Too

​Growing Artists, Not Just Artwork

​Start with Age and Grade

Consider Their Interests

​Don't Worry About Being "Good at Art"

​Still Not Sure?

Who can apply?

​What Does a Scholarship Cover?

​When Should I Apply?

​How Are Scholarships Funded?

​How Can I Support the Scholarship Fund?

​Apply for a Scholarship

​Support the Fund

​The world needs more artists—and together, we can help ensure more young artists have the opportunity to become one.