Teen intensives are designed for middle/high school teens (ages 13-17) unless otherwise noted that have some experience with art and want to learn more about a specific media in depth. Each intensive focuses on a particular artistic area, allowing for teens to develop work that can be included in their portfolio and explore career opportunities by meeting local artists and professionals. Intensives are 1 week long and run for 3.5 hours each day. Morning intensives run from 9:00am – 12:30pm and afternoon intensives run from 1:30pm-5:00pm. Teens staying full day must bring their own lunch. All Intensives take place at the Durham Arts Council building (120 Morris St.) unless otherwise noted. For more information about our Teen Intensive program please call 919-560-2726.
Daily Schedule
Drop Off for morning: 8:00am-9:00am
Morning Intensives: 9:00am-12:30pm
Pick up: 12:30pm (If teen is not registered in an afternoon intensive.)
Lunch/Drop off for Afternoon Intensive: 12:30pm-1:30pm
Afternoon Intensives: 1:30pm – 5:00pm
Pick up: 5:00pm
Registration Opens February 1!
Watercolor
Learn about the versatile medium of watercolor! Students will have the opportunity to paint a variety of subject matter including animals, landscapes, and even some quick form sketches. Participants will also learn how to mix colors and to create a vibrant watercolor palette to use throughout the week.
June 15-19, 9:00 AM -12:30 PM
Kristen Solecki, Instructor
Acting
Are you interested in acting? Want to experience the thrill of performing on stage? In partnership with Bulldog Ensemble Theater and Carolina Theater, this intensive will let you explore the basics of acting – with no prior experience necessary – and will culminate in a short performance on stage at the Carolina Theater in collaboration with the Technical Theater Intensive.
June 15-19, 9:00 AM – 12:30 PM
Cheryl Edson, Instructor
Technical Theater
Interested in going behind the curtain to see how the technical side of theatre productions are built? This class will let you explore the inner workings of sound, lighting and other components that create the real magic of theatre. In partnership with Bulldog Ensemble Theater and Carolina Theater, this class culminates in the opportunity to design the lighting and sound for a short performance in collaboration with the Acting Intensive at the Carolina Theater.
June 15-19, 9:00 AM – 12:30 PM
Everett Edwards, Instructor
Illustration
During this intensive students will create drawings and paintings inspired by story and narrative. Participants will explore a variety of media and styles used in the field of illustration. We will take a deep dive into a variety of illustration markets paired with real life assignments.
June 15-19, 1:30 PM -5:00 PM
Kristen Solecki, Instructor
Anime -Manga Sketching – License to Draw Everything
Take a cue from Anime and Manga artists to design and sketch your own illustrated book or comic book in the theme of your choice. Turn kids into superheroes, make animal companions talk and pets fly, bring mythical beings and fantasy creatures into your stories, explore alien space or ride giant robots, visit underwater kingdoms, travel to Ancient Japan and witness stealthy ninjas face noble samurai warriors, or delve into whichever world your imagination takes you. (Ages 12 and up.)
June 22-26, 9:00 AM – 12:30 PM
Alberto Lung, Instructor
Landscape Painting
In this intensive students will explore how to depict visually compelling landscapes–whether real or imagined–through various painting techniques. Beginning with sketching and then a preliminary examination of color theory and other essential elements of painting, students will leave the class with a finished landscape painting they can feel proud of and a new appreciation for the potential of paint.
June 22-26, 1:30 PM -5:00 PM
Moriah LeFebrve Clayton, Instructor
Clay
In this 5 day clay Intensive participants will make projects on the wheel and learn various hand-building techniques. Students will learn how to center, open, pull up and shape their clay, as well as build pieces using pinch, coil and slab techniques. On the last day students will glaze their work. Work will be available for pick 2-3 weeks after intensive due to firing. Beginners welcome with a love of getting messy required. This class takes place at the DAC Clay Studio located at Northgate Mall.
June 22-26, 1:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Jessica Sandford, Instructor
Sculpture 3D
You will explore balance, form, stability, gravity and motion using additive and subtractive sculptural techniques with a variety of materials; toothpicks, cardboard, wood, clay, paper mache, fabric and wire in this fun intensive. Projects are designed for students to explore their own potential and creativity.
July 6-10, 9:00 AM – 12:30 PM
Larry Downing, Instructor
Bookbinding
In this intensive you will practice and play with the basics of bookbinding, especially the Coptic stitch. You will design your perfect sketchbook or journal, select and cut the paper, decorate the covers, and bind your book. Afterward, you will explore a variety of collage techniques including print, modge podge, layer, cut, combine, paint, draw and much more. Students are welcome to bring magazines or other favorite imagery.
July 6-10, 1:30 PM -5:00 PM
Jessica Sandford, Instructor
Mosaics
A mosaic is a picture or pattern produced by arranging together small colored pieces of hard material such as glass, stone or ceramic. In this class, you will learn basic mosaic design techniques and create an original mosaic. Materials will be provided but students may bring their own found objects such as broken pottery, glass, beads, mirrors and stones to incorporate in their projects.
July 13-17, 9:00 AM – 12:30 PM
Jeannette Brossart, Instructor
Jam Session
Jam Session is a week-long camp in which you will have the opportunity to engage with other musicians in an organized setting while learning to play songs as a band. Led by Durham music scene veteran Stephen Coffman (of The Beast) you work on songs from the Rock, Funk and Pop canon, as well as anything else that you are interested in playing! Students are expected to bring their own equipment and have at least 1 year of experience on his or her instrument. Basic ability to read music is encouraged, but not mandatory. (Ages 12 and up.)
July 13-17, 9:00 AM – 12:30 PM
Stephen Coffman, Instructor
Songwriting
Have you always wanted to write your own song? Now you have your chance! In this intensive for all levels, you will learn how to harness the power of melody, rhythm, and poetry to generate memorable hooks, licks, and beginnings/endings with confidence while learning the basics of music theory and improvisation. Using prompts and expressive writing, instructor Alice Osborn, published poet and singer-songwriter, will explore the process of songwriting and its art and craft, so you’ll be able to connect the truth of your personal experience to your song while having a lot of fun along the way.
July 13-17, 1:30 PM -5:00 PM
Alice Osborn, Instructor
Drawing
In this intensive you will explore a range of media and a range of different drawing techniques. The course will include multiple projects that introduce you to the many possibilities of drawing and allow for exploration and self-expression. Be ready to have fun and try new things!
July 13-17, 1:30 PM -5:00 PM
Moriah LeFebvre Clayton, Instructor
Fashion Forward
During Fashion Forward, you will learn basic sewing and design skills while making wearable garments and accessories that are both fun and stylish! You will explore both hand- and machine-sewing, up-cycling, making clothing from scratch and fine details of sewing needed to make additional projects. In addition to newfound skills, you’ll get to take home everything you design and make. Students will need to bring one size appropriate t-shirt to be embellished.
July 20-24, 9:00 AM – 12:30 PM or 1:30 PM – 5:00 PM
Amie Palmer, Instructor
Digital Pattern Design
In this intensive you will take simple drawings and learn how to create your very own repeat patterns digitally. Patterns can be applied to print-on-demand objects including, fabric, wallpaper, gift wrap, phone cases, just about anything! Digitally, you will create your own backgrounds and wallpaper to use around the web or to print out for your own use.
July 20-24, 1:30 PM – 5:00 PM
Jessica Sandford, Instructor
Graphic Design
Graphic design, defined simply as visual communication, is everywhere you look. This hands-on course will teach the basics of graphic design by introducing you to the design process, the fundamental principles and elements of design, and the basic graphic design program, Adobe Illustrator. You will learn, experience and create graphic design! Computers are provided with Adobe Creative Cloud.
July 27-31, 1:30 PM – 5:00 PM
Robyn Kelly, Instructor
