Dayton rock legend featured in first solo art show in Dayton

Dayton native Robert Pollard is world-renowned for his boundary-pushing rock’n’roll songwriting. What many don’t know is that he was a visual artist first, starting all the way back in his childhood. He spent hours alone in his room assembling collages.

In 1983, Pollard formed Guided by Voices and started producing a prolific amount of LPs and 45s. Each album release showcased Pollard’s thoughtful imagery. In 2008, Fantagraphics published a hardbound collection of Pollard’s work.

His collages have also been exhibited at Michael Imperioli’s Studio Dante, the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, and Merge Records headquarters, as well as private galleries.

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Skeleton Dust Records, a downtown Dayton record store, is proud to present the first Dayton art show of Pollard's work. Several new works will be on display and available for purchase at the opening reception on Friday, Dec. 13, from 7-9 p.m. The works will be hanging in the store throughout the remainder of December. Hours: Tuesday-Saturday 11 a.m.-7 p.m., Sunday 12-6 p.m.

Luke Tandy opened Skeleton Dust Records just over two years ago in the heart of downtown at 133 E. 3rd St. When deciding how to decorate the store, he wanted the aesthetic to look more intentional than “typical” record stores, with posters and flyers hung haphazardly. He also wanted to support local artists, so he started to host monthly art exhibits at the store.

"Bob is a customer and we enjoy his music and artwork, so it seemed natural to ask him to do a show at the store. We feel honored to host his first art show in Dayton. Our store is across the street from Bob's record label headquarters, Rockathon, which makes the event all the more exciting for us," Tandy explained.

>> A brief history of Robert Pollard’s Rockathon Records

This opening reception is supported by The Barrel House, which is located just down the street from the record store at 417 E. 3rd St. The owners are huge Bob Pollard/Guided By Voices fans themselves. They'll be hosting a pre-party and post-party from 5-11 p.m., where they'll be playing nothing but Bob Pollard and Guided By Voices during the evening.

WANT TO GO?

What: Robert Pollard: Don't Let Them In - Art Exhibit opening reception

When: Friday, Dec. 13, 2019, from 7-9 p.m.

Where: Skeleton Dust Records, 133 E. 3rd St., Dayton

Pre-party and post-party: Friday, Dec. 13, from 5- 11 p.m. at The Barrel House - 417 E. 3rd St.

Cost: Free admission

More info: Facebook


What: Robert Pollard: Don't Let Them In — Art Exhibit

When: Throughout December. Open Tuesday through Saturday 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., Sunday noon to 6 p.m.

Where: Skeleton Dust Records, 133 E. 3rd St., Dayton

Cost: Free admission

More info: Facebook

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