STUDIO DAYS 2026-27

Hello! My name is billy dee

I am a Durham-based visual artist and educator. I currently work as a high school art teacher at Insight Colearning Center , a summer camp art teacher at Carolina Friends School and an adjunct professor of art at Elon University. I have over 15 years of experience working as a teaching artist and educator and take care of several rescue animals at my small home sanctuary in North Durham.

(pronouns= they/them)

CONTACT: billy.dee.mail@gmail.com

Spots still Available!

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STUDIO DAYS

for Youth Ages 8-14*

*I am open to campers outside of this age range on a case by case basis.

I will be facilitating a series Studio Days at my home in North Durham where I have an animal sanctuary and art studio. These days are scheduled to coincide with teacher worksdays and school holidays throughout the 2026/2027 school year.

During each studio day, I will offer a facilitated art workshop alongside open studio time in my home studio where participants will have access to a variety of art materials including drawing and painting supplies, sewing and embroidery materials, and mixed media materials for sculpting and crafting.

Participants will also have an opportunity to spend time with my (very friendly!) farm animals and can help with feeding and animal care if desired.

I will also offer a simple cooking/food preparation workshop where we will bake or prepare a snack or treat that aligns with the dietary needs of the group.

TIME: 9am-3pm

You are welcome to drop off participants between 8:30-9am.

EXTENDED DAY: 3-5pm

I will provide optional extended day programming from 3-5pm.

2026 DATES:

SEPT. 7 — (Labor Day)

SEPT. 18 — (Teacher Workday @ Carolina Friends School)

SEPT. 25 —(Teacher workday @ Central Park School for Children)

SEPT. 30 — (Teacher workday @ Durham Public Schools)

OCT. 12 — (Teacher workday @ Carolina Friends School)

NOV. 11 —(Veterans Day Holiday)

NOV. 13 — (Teacher workday @ Carolina Friends School)

NOV. 23 & 24 — (Thanksgiving Holiday @ DPS, Carolina Friends School)

DEC. 21, 22, 29, 30 — (Winter Break)

2027 DATES:

COMING SOON

COST

SLIDING SCALE PRICING

Please self-assess what price category is feasible for your family.

Full Cost price is geared toward families for whom paying this amount for camp does not require major changes to a household budget or financial stress.

Sustainable pricing is geared toward families who are not able to make the the full cost payment without significant financial stress or budget changes, but can affordably cover this baseline rate.

Solidarity pricing is slighty below what I need to cover all costs, however, that is why we have a sliding scale :)

*If the solidarity pricing rate unaffordable for your household, please contact me regarding barter or worktrade options. I often need support maintaining my animal sanctuary and gardens, and am always happy to come up with a creative solution whenever I am able!

STUDIO DAY FEE

The sliding scale rate is as follows:

FULL COST = 100$/DAY

SUSTAINABLE PRICE = 75$/DAY

SOLIDARITY PRICE = 50/$ DAY

EXTENDED DAY FEE

Each hour of extended day will cost a flat rate of $15 (for example, if you want to pick up your child at 4pm, you would add $15 to your selected rate from the sliding scale).

LOCATION:

North Durham — Near intersection of Carver and Old Oxford Roads (exact address given upon registration).

*(Images below)

  • Lyra & Cookie

  • The Art Trailer

  • View from Trailer

  • Art Trailer Interior

  • Comix!

  • Venus and Gilbert

  • Lulu

  • Lulu & Cyanotype Project

  • Cyanotype on Fabric Pnoject

  • Beloved Barn Cat

  • Big Garden

  • Baby Chick!

  • Chickens in the field

  • Venus and Gilbert

  • Outdoor hangout spot

8:30-9:00 DROP OFF

9:00-9:15 MORNING CIRCLE

9:15-9:30 ANIMAL CARE

Feed and care for sheep, pigs and chickens

9:30-10:00 GARDENING/OUTDOOR FREE PLAY TIME

Planting in the garden, harvesting veggies, planting starts, outdoor exploring & free play etc.

10:00-10:30 SNACK AND OUTDOOR HANGOUT TIME

10:30-Noon COOKING/FOOD PREPARATION PROJECTS/INDOOR FREE PLAY

Option to work together on a simple baking or cooking project OR indoor free play time (board games, art time, reading, etc.).

Noon-1pm- LUNCH AND FREE PLAY/REST

1pm-1:30 - ART LESSON/COLLABORATIVE ART EXPERIENCE

1:30-2:45 OPEN STUDIO ART TIME

2:45 END OF DAY CIRCLE

3PM PICKUP

*3PM-5PM = POSSIBLE EXTENDED DAY OPTION

DAILY SCHEDULE

Past Workshops

(Summer Camp 2026):

  • June 8 -12: Exploring Cyanotype

    Campers will learn about an early photographic technique called “cyanotype” which is used to create vibrant cyan-blue prints.

    Cyanotype on Fabric

    We will learn about cyanotype printing on textiles using natural and found materials to create patterns and designs. Campers will have an opportunity to create printed fabrics that can be used as patches or incorporated into sewing projects.

    Cyanotype on Paper

    We will learn about cyanotype printing on paper using natural and found materials to create patterns and designs. Campers will also have the opportunity to create cyanotype prints using original drawings.

    *(Image Source: https://www.gathered.how/arts-crafts/guide-to-cyanotype-printing/)

  • July 6-12: Comics & Zines

    Campers will learn about the amazing world of comics and zines with a focus on independent and self-published artworks.

    COMICS

    Campers will dive into creating characters, scenes, and storylines through a welcoming intro to comics (suitable to artists of all levels from absolute beginner to expert cartoonist).

    ZINES

    Campers will dive into the extraordinary history and contemporary resurgence of the zine! (short for magazine). We will experiment with collage, “found poetry”, and creative writing in order to create our own mini zines on the topics of our choice.

    *(Image Source: https://www.dbnbooks.com/zines)

  • July 13-17: Printmaking!

    Campers will learn about the history and contemporary use of printmaking and create their own original works.

    Printmaking on Paper

    Campers will learn about the history of printmaking as a tool used by activists and artists all over the world. We will look at contemporary examples of printmaking, and create original work using the medium of linoleum block printing.

    Printmaking on Fabric

    Campers will learn the technique of linoleum block printing to print original designs onto fabric/garments of their choice.

    *(Image Source: https://www.essdee.co.uk/learn-how-to-lino-print-onto-fabric/)

  • August 18-21: Observational Drawing/Creative Sketch booking

    *PLEASE NOTE, THIS CAMP RUNS TUESDAY AUGUST 18TH- FRIDAY 21ST AND WILL BE OFFERED AT REDUCED PRICE.

    FULL COST: 240$

    SUSTAINABLE: 160$

    SOLIDARITY: 120$

    ***

    Campers will learn about creative practice through observational drawing (drawing from life) and working creatively in a sketchbook.

    Observational Drawing

    Campers will spend time outdoors noticing what draws their attention visually, and learning how to draw from life with a range of art materials through a series of guided drawing exercises.

    Creative Sketch booking

    In addition to our focus on observation or “realistic” drawing skills, we will focus on how we can creatively interpret what we see. Campers will follow creative drawing and writing prompts which encourage them to interpret what they see. We will explore found poetry, comics, sketches, doodles and collages in our sketchbooks throughout the week.

    *(Artwork above from book “Creature: Paintings, Drawings, and Reflections” by Shaun Tan.

    Image Source: https://www.shauntan.net/creature-book-1

Private/Small Group Art Lessons:

In addition to summer programming, I offer private and small-group art lessons. Please get in touch if you would like to learn more!

Email me at billy.dee.mail@gmail.com

Portfolio Development & Support for Rising Juniors and Seniors:

I offer one-on-one support and guidance to rising high school juniors and seniors who are interested in pursuing study in fine arts at the college-level. I can work with students to develop a visual art portfolio and navigate the application process for school in visual arts/creative fields. I can also help demystify what an education in the visual arts actually entails, and the wide range of potential pathways available for students who want to study in these fields.

*(This programming is offered on a sliding scale basis to ensure accessibility, no one turned away for lack of funds).