Who is DeeDee?
I moved from Hollywood, Florida, to Oakland to attend California College of the Arts, where I earned my BFA in Photography. I spent years photographing children's sports and school portraits, capturing milestones and memories. In 2016 I transitioned into childcare, drawn to the community and connection that comes with working closely with kids.
During the pandemic, while running a learning pod, I found myself naturally incorporating art into our days—bringing supplies, encouraging creative expression, and watching kids gain confidence through making. That experience ignited my passion for sharing art, leading me to open Small Steps Art Studio.
Photo by AVO Photography
Teachers
Mela Delgado is a mosaic artist and photographer from Puerto Rico. She moved to the bay area in 2005 to pursue a degree in museum studies. Has worked at SFMOMA and OMCA.
Dean Stuart is an author and illustrator and a gallery artist who’s been making work for children’s books, magazines, and comics. His debut graphic novel ‘Cassi and the House of Memories’ will be published with Viking/Penguin Random House in 2025 and received starred reviews from Kirkus, Bookpage, School Library Journal, Publisher’s Weekly, and The Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books .
Dean is also teaches comics to kids and teens in the Bay Area and beyond.
Phoebe Deutsch has been an artist and educator for 20 years. “There’s nothing quite like watching creativity come to life through someone else’s hands. Teaching art isn’t just about technique, it’s about unlocking confidence, sparking imagination, and curiosity. The best part is watching students realize they are the storytellers.
Grateful for every moment spent inspiring and being inspired.”
Small Steps ART Studio
Small Steps Art Studio is an independent, North Oakland-based creative space offering art programs and camps for children ages 4-12. Our focus is on hands-on exploration, building confidence through creativity, and fostering a deep appreciation for the materials we use.
At Small Steps, we believe that art is not just about the final product—it’s about the process. Our programs emphasize sustainability, creative reuse, and recycling, encouraging kids to see the potential in everyday materials. By introducing young artists to a variety of tools and techniques, we give them the confidence to experiment, problem-solve, and express themselves in new ways.
Through guided projects and open-ended exploration, children at Small Steps discover how to transform ordinary materials into something extraordinary—all while developing foundational skills in art and design.
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