The College of the Canyons Art Gallery will host a rare exhibition of more than 30 abstract collages produced by celebrated singer, songwriter, producer and longtime visual artist Bob Neuwirth, who only infrequently exhibits his art in public.

Though primarily known for his music career, Neuwirth has never stopped being a visual artist. He began his career as an art student in Boston. While there, Neuwirth became immersed in Cambridge’s local blues-folk music scene, and soon began playing shows across the country and around the world.

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Over the years Neuwirth maintained close working relationships with Bob Dylan, Janis Joplin and John Cale, while seeing his written work performed by Bonnie Raitt, T Bone Burnett, Kris Kristofferson and many others.

In the mid-1960’s Neuwirth worked and traveled with Dylan, including time spent on the chaotic tours depicted in the films “Don’t Look Back” and “Eat the Document.” Neuwirth also filmed the Monterey Pop Festival, attended Woodstock, and later co-wrote the song “Mercedes Benz” with old friend Janis Joplin.

However, during his long and illustrious music career Neuwirth never stopped creating visual art. He maintains studios in New York City and Santa Monica, and is actively engaged in the Venice, CA art scene.

“I met Bob in the 1980’s while we both served on the Artist’s Advisory Committee for the prestigious Cedars-Sinai Medical Center collection, and was struck with his great energy, honesty and humor,” said Larry Hurst, COC Art Gallery director. “His work exemplifies his free spirit and creative integrity. I am very pleased that he has agreed to this exhibition.”

The exhibition “Bob Neuwirth: Collages” will begin Monday, Feb. 7, and run through Thursday, March 3. A special artist’s reception for Neuwirth will be held from 1 to 4 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 12, in the COC Art Gallery, located on the college’s Valencia campus.

The COC Art Gallery is open 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Thursday. Visitors unable to visit the gallery during these hours are welcome to call (661) 362-3612 to make a viewing appointment. All gallery exhibitions and related events are free and open to the public.

For more information regarding the COC Art Gallery or any of the upcoming exhibitions please visit www.canyons.edu/artgallery/.