The College for Creative Studies Announces Darcel Deneau ‘02 Fine Arts as the New President of the Alumni Council

The College for Creative Studies (CCS) is thrilled to announce Darcel Deneau, ‘02 Fine Arts, as the new President of the CCS Alumni Council. With her deep connection to Detroit and commitment to the artistic community, Darcel brings a wealth of experience and a vision for transformative leadership. Her appointment promises to foster growth and innovation within the Council, aiming to elevate alumni engagement across the CCS art and design community.

“I am deeply honored to serve as the President of the CCS Alumni Council,” Darcel said. “Art has been a healing and empowering force in my life, and I am excited to work with our talented alumni to make a meaningful impact in our community. Together, we can celebrate the transformative power of creativity and champion the incredible city of Detroit.”

For nearly 20 years, Darcel has drawn creative inspiration from the vibrant city of Detroit. Specializing in mosaic paintings crafted from locally sourced glass and found objects, her artwork serves as a poignant reflection of Detroit’s evolution. Her widely collected and publicly displayed body of work offers a unique blend of beauty and narrative, reflecting both the grandeur and the everyday life of the city.

Darcel’s journey into art was catalyzed by a personal tragedy. After the devastating loss of her father and the near-fatal injury of her mother during a home invasion, she gained clarity in her purpose and decided to make art a central part of her life. Although she had always considered herself an artist, it was this pivotal moment that led her to fully immerse herself in her craft. She enrolled as a full-time student at CCS while raising two school-age children, finding Detroit’s vibrant and complex landscape the perfect canvas for her artistic expression.

With an initial focus on painting, Darcel captured the essence of Detroit through images of its skyline and streets, both bustling and abandoned. Her work aimed to challenge the negative perceptions of the city and reveal its inherent beauty. Several years ago, she transitioned to mosaics, finding in stained glass a medium that offered greater dimension and perspective. This shift allowed her to create “mosaic paintings,” meticulously assembling pieces of broken glass and objects to reflect the city’s revival.

Darcel’s artistic dedication and talent have been recognized with numerous awards. In 2021, she was honored as a Kresge Arts in Detroit Fellow, a prestigious recognition celebrating her significant contributions to the arts in Detroit. Her work also earned Best in Show at the Anton Art Center’s 2020 Michigan Fine Arts Competition, juried by Detroit Institute of Arts Director Salvador Salort-Pons. Additionally, Darcel served as the juror for the CCS Alumni Exhibition in 2022.

Darcel has been an active member of the CCS Alumni Council for many years, previously serving as Secretary. Her deep understanding of Detroit’s creative community and the College positions her well to lead the Council in its mission to connect and cultivate the alumni network.

CCS would like to thank the outgoing Council President Antone Amye for his dedicated service and impactful legacy. Antone is looking forward to the future under Darcel’s leadership. “Darcel’s story and her dedication to the arts, Detroit and CCS make her an inspiring leader for our Alumni Council.”

We encourage all alumni to join us in welcoming Darcel as the new president of the Alumni Council and to participate in the diverse programs and activities planned for the upcoming year. Join us in celebrating this new chapter for the College for Creative Studies Alumni Council, and stay tuned for more updates and opportunities to engage with our vibrant community. For more information on how to participate or to reach out to the Alumni Council, please visit CCS Alumni Community.