Art has the power to tear down barriers by offering people something they can share.
This is what happens as dozens of Dallas area Muslim artists are set to showcase their work, tell their stories and break stereotypes during “The Divine Beauty: Dallas Muslim Art Exhibition” hosted by the Dallas Fort-Worth chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-DFW).
Free and open to everyone of all faiths and backgrounds, the program will be held on Saturday, August 20.
“This exhibition is designed to challenge stereotypes of the Muslim community by showing our rich diversity through art, poetry and storytelling,” Faizan Syed, executive director of CAIR-DFW said in a statement.
“A saying of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) is ‘God is beautiful, and He loves beauty.’ It’s time to show Dallas this beautiful side of our faith.”
Gathering at the event, dozens of local Muslim artists will showcase and sell their works.
The program will also feature local Muslim performers who entertain through poetry, spoken word, Nasheed (Islamic songs), and more.
Family Too
Along with a kids’ zone, the exhibition’s program will also include a writing competition for students from 1st – 12th grade.
“We believe in highlighting Muslim artists, not necessarily ‘Islamic art.’ Our artists are as diverse as our community,” said Bismah Syed, Art Curator of CAIR DFW.
“Some are animators, painters, ceramic artists, calligraphers, clothing designers, graphic designers, and more,” she added.
In 2021, the University of Michigan also opened an exhibition to showcase the narratives and diversity of Detroit Muslim community.
Earlier in 2018, CAIR’s Missouri chapter hosted the annual ‘Creativity and Identity: An American-Muslim Art Exhibition at the Contemporary Art Museum’.
The event aimed at bringing different communities together while exhibiting contemporary Muslim art.