Devi P.

Visual Arts, Digital Art, Design, Clay, Cartoons, Collage

Washington D.C

• I ran cross country in college
• I lived in Japan
• My favorite subject in school was art (of course)

Hi, I’m Devi, an Opening Minds Through Art (OMA)-certified art instructor with a BA in Psychology from Whitman college, and a background in UX design. I love helping students discover that art doesn’t have to be perfect to be meaningful. My teaching philosophy is centered on curiosity, encouragement, and giving students the freedom to make art their own. I believe the best art classes are ones where students feel comfortable experimenting, trying something new, and expressing themselves without worrying about getting it “right.” I use a supportive, neuro-inclusive approach and adapt activities so that students with different learning styles, abilities, and levels of experience can participate and feel successful. My background in Psychology and design shapes the way I teach. I think a lot about how people learn, what helps them feel confident, and how to make creative activities approachable and engaging. I also have experience teaching art to older adults, including individuals living in memory care communities, which has taught me to be patient, flexible, and attentive to each student as an individual. Outside of teaching, I’m a freelance designer and content creator, and I’m passionate about animal welfare. I’m happiest when I’m making something, learning something new, or helping someone else discover their own creativity. I’m excited to create a classroom where students can have fun, make things they’re proud of, and leave feeling a little more confident than when they arrived.