Meet Deneen L Garrett

We were lucky to catch up with Deneen L Garrett recently and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Deneen L, really happy you were able to join us today and we’re looking forward to sharing your story and insights with our readers. Let’s start with the heart of it all – purpose. How did you find your purpose?

My purpose has evolved over time, and I’m probably on its third iteration. Simply put, I prayed for it. While preparing for my 2009 move from Detroit to Las Vegas, I prayed to discover my purpose and passion. Several months later, after attending my company’s Employee Resource Group Conference, it was revealed to me. That experience inspired me to pursue a career in Diversity & Inclusion—a role that perfectly aligned with why I initially pursued a degree in Social Work: to make a difference in the lives of others.

Through my work, I created programs for diverse segments, sponsored underserved communities, and empowered the under-resourced. I often said I was being paid to “passionately pursue my purpose.”

Although I’ve retired from corporate life, I’m still operating in my excellence and continue to make a difference in the lives of others. As a coach, podcaster, and speaker, I empower women to live their dream lives. As an art curator, I expose people to the transformative power of art.

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?

I AM “a highly sought-after curator, writer, and speaker whose work inspires and transforms lives.” Speaking it into existence!

I’m proud to wear many hats:
🎨 Art Curator & Advocate for Black Art
🎙️ International Speaker & Podcaster
✊🏽 Empowering Women of Color & Detroit Artists

All of this stems from my passion for making a difference.

As a curator, I craft unique art experiences, connect people, and broker deals. As a speaker and podcaster, I provide Women of Color with platforms to amplify their voices, empower them to live their dream lives, and explore topics like African American Visual Art.

My mission as an art curator is to inspire 100 Black art collectors, amplify the brilliance of Detroit artists, and reimagine how and where art is experienced by displaying it in unexpected places. Through this work, I aim to spark meaningful conversations and create spaces that celebrate creativity and community.

Check out my initiative: CollectBlackArt.art.

I get to live my dream life traveling, attending events, and immersing myself in art. Recently, I traveled to London and Rotterdam to connect with peers and experience incredible exhibitions, including Zanele Muholi’s at Tate Modern and Thomas J. Price’s Matter of Place at Kunsthal. A delightful surprise during my trip was discovering Moments Contained, one of Thomas’ bronze sculptures of a young Black woman in sneakers, right outside my hotel at Rotterdam Central Station—such a bonus!

I also dedicate my time to volunteering on several committees at the Detroit Institute of Arts (DIA), including serving as a board chair and trainer. I’m a member of the DIA’s Friends of African and African American Art (FAAAA) and have written four articles for one of its committees, detailing my museum and gallery visits. These experiences inspired me to branch out and submit articles to other publications.

Currently, I’m pursuing writing and speaking opportunities in the art space while exploring collaborations with gallerists. I was recently asked by an artist to submit their fellowship application—successfully completed—which has added “art grant writer” to my list of roles.

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?

Looking back, the three qualities that have been most impactful in my journey are:
*Persistence
*Passion
*Pursuit

When I want something, I’m persistent in the passionate pursuit of it. You have to want it to have it.

To empower others, I developed my 3+D’s framework to coach people to live a Dream Lifestyle™️:

1.Dream big.
2.Decide/Design a clear plan.
3.Drive your actions to make it happen.

No matter where you are in your journey, following the 3+D’s will provide clarity and a strong foundation to pursue your dreams.

Learn more about me: https://deneenlgarrett.com/about.

How can folks who want to work with you connect?

Yes! I’m currently in my Build, Connect, Learn phase and looking to connect with:
*Art publications
*Gallerists
*Collectors
If you share my passion for Black/African American Visual Art and are open to collaborating, let’s connect!

📧 Email: deneen@deneenlgarrett.com

💼 LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/deneenlgarrett/
🌐 Website: DeneenLGarrett.com

Contact Info:

• Website: https://deneenlgarrett.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/deneensdreamlife/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/deneenlgarrett/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@DeneensDreamLife
• Other: https://collectblackart.art/