Creation Z, New Skokie Studio And Gallery Opens Thursday

SKOKIE, IL — Skokie artist Zeeshan Farooq is scheduled to celebrate the grand opening of Creation Z, his new art gallery.

A ribbon cutting ceremony will be held on Thursday, June 11 at 12 p.m. at 4913 Oakton Street. The event is expected to bring together the mayor of Skokie, elected officials, community leaders, artists, supporters and residents for the opening of a new studio and gallery featuring Farooq's globally inspired artwork and handcrafted calligraphy.

"It will be a space where people can come in, discuss ideas, and challenge each other in a very respectful setting. Art is one thing that unites us all, right? It doesn't have any language. You look at Arabic, even though you don't understand it, you can tell it looks beautiful," Farooq told Patch in May.

Creation Z marks the first time Farooq's global artistic experience will be centered in Chicago's North Shore suburb of Skokie. The new space is described as a studio and gallery that will showcase artwork shaped by global influences and Farooq's handcrafted calligraphy.

Farooq spent years installing artwork in homes, businesses, houses of worship and coffee shops, among other places. Those installations were intended to bring cultural experiences to individuals through gifts, murals and displays. The new Skokie location will offer a dedicated place for that work.

Farooq's work has been displayed at the Chicago History Museum through community exhibitions and cultural showcases, and more recently at the Skokie Public Library.

The opening of Creation Z connects that background with his art practice and brings a new gallery and studio to Oakton Street.