I am Devin Rucker, an artist, educator and change agent who builds community through the arts. Whether I’m helping organizations integrate new technologies or lending a hand to create arts-based mentoring opportunities for teens, I use my voice and creativity to help people dream, grow greatness and reach their highest potentials. 

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Everybody starts somewhere. Like many other young people, I was “one of those kids” in the foster care system. It was certainly challenging, but my teachers saw beyond my immediate circumstances, sowed seeds of inspiration and invested in my potential. They blessed me with books and art supplies. They immersed me in all kinds of creative and academic endeavors. As a result, hope and tenacity took root. I competed in spelling bees, placed in art competitions and even got inducted in the National Honor Society! Long story short, a go-getter arose in the midst of struggle. I finished high school a whole year early with an academic scholarship and went on to graduate from Georgia State University with a degree in English and Journalism.

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My career and mission began taking shape during those college years. As a college intern and AmeriCorps volunteer, I worked to combat child abuse and neglect by knocking on doors, organizing community workgroups and helping develop a range of family supports, including a new charter school and a positive males association, the first informal community group to land a $20,000 United Way grant, which connected young black men to summer enrichment and employment opportunities. 

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Over the course of my career, I’ve had the pleasure of helping create some true masterpieces. I worked with the Community Foundation for Greater Atlanta and the Annie E. Casey Foundation to document the history of several metro-Atlanta neighborhoods and helped lead the Neighborhood Fund, providing grants and technical assistance for resident-driven community revitalization projects. One of my favorite experiences has been developing Art In Action, a program model that connects teens to arts-based mentoring. Fueled by partnerships with the juvenile court system, Converse and a host of other partners and sponsors, the Atlanta rollout of this model featured innovative workshops, youth summits and a back to school rally with R&B singer and blockbuster actor Tyrese Gibson. 

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Moving forward, I’m continuing this life-saving work by cranking out a lot more happy. I’ve been expanding my skill set through training at Oolite Arts and am planning my first solo exhibit, which will celebrate nature and remind us all to take the time to smell the roses! I’m also excited to be developing new education events, getaway spaces and other experiences dedicated to giving fellow creatives room rest, create, learn, and of course, celebrate!