SAINT PAUL, Minn. — Elliot Looney is passionate about art living on. So he opened The Z1 art gallery and pop-up location in his hometown of St. Paul.
You'll find the gallery nestled next door to the Fitzgerald Theater, and the revitalized space is already catching eyes and interest.
"I think people just want art down here," Looney said. "A space to hang out before they go to a show, or a concert or bop into the History Center. But there's not really an adult space to chill quite yet."
Yet is the keyword. Looney aims to create a diverse art space that is accessible to all St. Paul residents.
Currently, The Z1 provides creative services and products, including graphic design, apparel design, photography, and website design. The online shop offers Looney's own collection of "Afromations" canvases, as well as other art and music.
But Looney said he is just getting started.
"Art classes, or community development. Even just putting together art supplies for schools or kids," Looney said. "And raising awareness about art in the Twin Cities is something that I think is going to make the art speak to the community."
That's important in a community where not everyone has a say in the art on display.
"When I was growing up, to be able to see Black business owners, especially in the art space, is something I felt like I needed or I wanted to see," Looney said.
Looney said he's been an artist his whole life.
"A lot of my art's about rhythm, pattern and affirmations," he said. "It's just become who I am. Art makes me feel inspired."
Now Looney wants to pass the baton so others can feel inspired, too.
"I think an art space allows you just to move throughout the world and showcase a lot of different artists and a lot of different people," Looney said. "We're kind of excited to show it off."
Click here to learn more about the art gallery, pop-up space, or digital art available.
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