The Doodle Academy, Located at 103 E. Grand Ave. in Ponca City, celebrated five years of business on Friday, May 5 with a ribbon cutting and a day full of activities.

The Doodle was founded by Alena Jennings, whose background is in Liberal Arts such as drawing, painting, pottery, sculpture and jewelry. After receiving encouragement to start an art-based business, Jennings opened The Doodle Academy in 2018.

The Doodle Academy exists today as a community resource that provides artistic opportunities in education, appreciation, and experiences for all ages. It offers a variety of activities including adult and child art classes, art camps, birthday parties, fundraisers, ceramics for walk-ins and monthly art exhibitions.

“I really and truly appreciated everyone that has been supporting us for five years. Covid obviously was a hard time, but our community has come together and supported the arts, as well as the Doodle. And I truly appreciate all of you,” said Jennings.

Throughout its five years, the Doodle gave back to the community in several ways. During the pandemic, Jennings hosted “Doodle Time” on Facebook Live for seven days a week with various art projects and sessions; a pottery studio called “The Pottery Place” was opened at nearby 109 N. 1st; the Doodle has held 85 fundraiser events since May 1, 2018, partnered with 60+ non-profits and programs, 350+ books given away at Free Little Library program since July 2022, 400+ families impacted by Scibbles and Nibbles Program since June 2022, and hosted 3100+ students for field trips.

The Doodle is introducing several new events and activities including an adults night twice monthly, and seven weeks worth of kids art camps this summer.

“We are almost doubling what we’ll be able to provide for children in our community, including scholarships” Jennings has expressed gratitude to the community for its continued support of not only the Doodle, but artists in the community as well.

“I am absolutely blessed for the support the community has provided, not just for myself, but artists in our community,” said Jennings. “And I’m excited to see the growth that continues to happen and expand, not just in Ponca, but northern Oklahoma.”

For more information on upcoming events for the Doodle Academy, or information on how to register for classes, visit The Doodle Academy’s Facebook page or the website at www.thedoodleacademy.

com.