Exhibit of rock-legend Dylan's pastel portrait coming to Butler

YOUNGSTOWN

An exhibition of pastel portraits by Bob Dylan will open May 17 at the Butler Institute of American Art and remain on view until July 12.

The exhibition of a dozen pieces, titled “Bob Dylan: Face Value,” premiered in September 2013 at the National Portrait Gallery in London.

The folk music icon created the portraits expressly for the London exhibit. They depict everyday citizens, and not famous or identifiable people.

In an interview given by Dylan for the London exhibition, the artist was intentionally vague on the identity of the subjects.

Louis A. Zona, director of the Butler, said he does not expect Dylan will come to the Butler for the exhibition. The musician was last in Youngstown in August 2012 for a concert at Covelli Centre.

The Butler has a reputation for exhibiting artwork by famous actors and musicians. Recent years have brought exhibitions by Peter Falk, Tony Bennett, Jessica Lange, Ronnie Wood, Kim Novak and John Mellencamp.

It is the latter who played a role in landing the Dylan exhibit.

Read more about the exhibit in Saturday's Vindicator or on Vindy.com.