
About Me
Hi! I'm Camille Donne, the owner and operator of Village Studio Arts. I believe art should be fun and accessible to everyone. I follow the choice-based art philosophy, which means I teach students art techniques and encourage them to make creative choices. You'll rarely see me teaching a "cookie-cutter" style class where everyone creates the same piece of art.
My favorite art techniques are printmaking and pottery, but I love to make and teach many art forms. My passion is helping students discover (or rediscover) the joy of making art--especially children and teens.
I believe in making positive changes in my community. I offer reduced group pricing to several local non-profits, especially those that serve women and children in crisis, veterans, and individuals with disabilities.
I believe all children deserve the opportunity to create and offer need-based discounts upon request.
I hold BA degrees in Psychology and Fine Arts from Christopher Newport University. After graduating, I worked in costume as a Historical Interpreter for Colonial Williamsburg for several years and later returned to CNU to attend the teacher certification program. I was a classroom teacher for Newport News Public Schools for many years before taking time off to be a stay-at-home mom. I re-entered the workforce when I was hired to grow family and school programming at the Peninsula Fine Arts Center. I was the Director of Education and the Studio Art School at the Peninsula Fine Arts Center until it closed in 2020 after the merger with CNU "went south". I began teaching virtually and privately in early 2020 and opened Village Studio Arts in June 2021.
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I have more than 25 years of experience working as an educator. I'm a licensed classroom teacher for grades PreK-6 and a licensed visual arts teacher for grades PreK-12 in Virginia. I'm CPR and First Aid certified for pediatrics and adults. I have extensive experience working with individuals with disabilities and am an advocate for diversity and inclusion.