Start with Age and GradeThe 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 Consider Their InterestsSometimes 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.
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.
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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.  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:
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:
Apply for a ScholarshipReady to apply? Click here Support the FundInterested 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.One of the questions we hear most often from families is: “What happens after my child completes Drawing 102?”  It’s a great question—especially when your artist is enthusiastic, dedicated, and eager to “level up.” But the truth is, our Drawing 102 curriculum is designed to be repeated—and repeated again if needed. Let us explain why that’s not only okay... it’s ideal. Drawing 102 Is Built for Growth Over TimeDrawing 102 is designed for artists in grades 3rd-6th, and it’s one of our most lesson-rich classes. Students work entirely in a sketchbook provided by the studio, completing weekly exercises in topics like:
This class isn’t about producing finished pieces (with the exception of March’s art show prep). It’s about building skills through repetition, practice, and feedback.  Why Repeat It?Although the structure of Drawing 102 remains consistent each year, your child doesn’t stay the same. The way an 11-year-old hears a lesson about facial proportions is very different from how they understood it at age 9. The same goes for drawing a hand in foreshortened perspective, or applying two-point perspective to a cityscape. Each year, they approach the material with new maturity, deeper focus, and stronger foundational skills. You don’t learn to play piano in a single year. Or shoot perfect free throws. Or dance with perfect timing. Drawing is the same. Artists improve through consistent, intentional practice. By repeating Drawing 102, students get the time and space they need to grow—not just in skill, but in their confidence, voice, and understanding of the art form. So When Do You Move to Drawing 103?Drawing 103 is for 7th–12th grade artists who are ready to tackle monthly projects, build a personal style, and explore advanced creative challenges. It’s less structured, more independent, and better suited for teens who’ve spent time building their foundational skills.
We want every artist to thrive in their class. Repeating Drawing 102 ensures that when the time comes to move up, they’re not just ready—they’re empowered. At Orange Easel, we offer three levels of drawing classes—and two distinct styles of drawing exploration. Whether your artist dreams of designing original characters or mastering realism, we’ve got a place for them to grow. Not sure which class is the right fit? We’ve got you covered. Our Drawing Class LevelsWe divide our drawing classes into three age-appropriate, skill-building levels:
What do you do after you've done a full year of 102? But not old enough for 103? Click here to learn more » Realistic vs Illustrative Drawing StylesIn Drawing 102 and 103, students often begin to lean into a preferred style—either realistic or illustrative (sometimes both!). We love watching artists explore both styles—and many of our projects encourage crossover and experimentation. And here’s a quick visual summary: Want the Full Walkthrough? Watch the Live Replay!If you're the kind of parent who likes to see the whole picture, we’ve got a deep-dive just for you. In this 30-minute YouTube Live, we walk through: ✅ The difference between Drawing 101, 102, and 103 ✅ What sketchbooks we use in class ✅ A peek inside real student work from Drawing 102 ✅ Curriculum examples and weekly lesson structures It’s a great way to get a feel for how we teach—and why our drawing program is so loved by students and parents alike. Need Help Deciding?Our team is happy to help with placement or answer questions before fall registration opens on August 1st.
📩 Contact us here or just reply to any email—we’d love to learn more about your artist! |
Allison May Jensen, ownerOrange Easel began in 2012—just me, teaching art to kids in my basement studio. Archives
July 2026
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249 W Mill St Ste 107 Liberty MO 64068 816-407-9266 |
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7617 NW Prairie View Rd Kansas City MO 64157 816-216-7126 |
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