What's Happening in Youngstown, OH…

John Mellencamp is a rock icon who has earned a place in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, but he is also an accomplished artist who just opened an exhibit at the Butler Institute of American Art in Youngstown, according to an article in the Vindicator.

The singer was in Youngstown to meet with a group of 100 invited guests and talk about his art at an opening reception held recently at the Butler. There are over 40 pieces in the exhibit, ranging from paintings Mellencamp did recently, to some he painted over 25 years ago.

The biggest piece in the exhibition is a mixed-media work that combines photography, painting, and ordinary objects, such as a child's boot and an old bottle. The piece is approximately eight feet in width and is an example of how Mellencamp works.

According to the artist, it got its name—“Monstrosity”--when someone working for him asked if they had to “move that monstrosity.” He added that he does not usually title his pieces until he is finished, and then the names simply come to him. His painting technique is much the same, as he allows his art to take whatever shape it desires, without any preconceived goal in mind when he starts painting.

The exhibit is open through November 18, and organizers often use flyer printing to create handouts to help visitors appreciate art being exhibited.