Debbie (Yati) Garrett is a multifaceted artist, filmmaker, educator, and cultural curator whose creative work bridges visual arts, media, and community engagement. Originally from New York City, Debbie studied at Pratt Institute and later earned her degree in Visual Arts and Business Management from Eckerd College, where she received the Excellence in Visual Arts Award.
Her artistic practice spans fiber arts, ceramics, quilting, sewing, painting, drawing, and mixed media, with a special focus on incorporating Adinkra symbols into jewelry, garments, and home décor through her entrepreneurial venture, ART FROM THE SOUL D.Y.G. Her work is both expressive and purposeful—exploring themes of cultural identity, emotional healing, and spiritual connection.
Debbie’s career includes a strong presence in the film and television industry, with her original series SIMI garnering numerous awards at international film festivals. She has worked as a director, production designer, and makeup artist in several independent film projects, and was the creator and host of a DIY craft segment on Studio 10 at 10 Tampa Bay.
As an educator and community arts leader, Debbie has over a decade of experience teaching visual arts to youth and young adults, developing curriculum that blends traditional fine arts with urban and cultural expression. She currently serves as an instructor and is a founding member of the Pinellas Diaspora Arts Project.
Her role as curator and coordinator for events like the Tampa Bay Chalk Art Festival, the Black Art and Film Festival, The Factory and Studio@620 underscore her commitment to creating platforms for underrepresented voices in the arts.
Debbie Garrett’s dynamic body of work continues to inspire and engage, positioning her as a creative force dedicated to storytelling, education, and community transformation through the arts.
