Robert Dyer @ Bethesda Row: Def Leppard's Rick Allen at Wentworth Gallery in Bethesda (Photos)

Celebrity sighting!
Rick Allen greets fans at Wentworth Gallery
Saturday at Westfield Montgomery Mall

A packed house greeted Def Leppard drummer Rick Allen Saturday afternoon at Wentworth Gallery in Bethesda, which hosted an exhibit of his fine art titled, "Angels and Icons." There was a long RSVP list to start with. But a sign announcing the presence of a member of Def Leppard (on the busiest shopping day of the week, no less) naturally drew walk-ins at the gallery, which is in Westfield Montgomery Mall. The crowd included at least one local celebrity, Fox 5's Steve Chenevey.

Montgomery County Police officers
were on hand to provide security for Allen

Allen's works took up the entire
gallery's wall space

Allen (center) meets his fans

While full VIP meet-and-greets were granted to those who purchased Allen's works, the rock star was gracious enough to remain afterward to greet fans who stood for the full 3 hour show. Of course, free beer and wine helped them pass the time.

The packed house included Fox 5
anchorman Steve Chenevey (right)

British phone booths

The U.S. Capitol (Allen now lives in
America)

America and the U.K. are major
themes in Allen's works

These smaller works were under $800

Allen tackles the complexities of
America in several variations on
this theme, which centers
on his hand

LED lights on Allen's drumstick tip
capture every strike in a live performance
of the Hysteria hit, "Rocket"

You can see Allen's face at the top center,
from the original, long-exposure photograph
that provides the basis for this mixed-media
piece on canvas, titled, "RhythMantra"

There was also a lot of detail to examine in Allen's mixed-media on canvas art - at least while they remained on the wall. Many pieces were snapped up by fans, with the lowest priced works being just under $800. You can still purchase works from the exhibit from those that remain at the gallery. Call 301-365-3270, or visit their website for more details.

This London scene, like the Capitol painting,
sold at the show yesterday

A younger Joe Elliott performs on a flatscreen
near some of Allen's works in the lobby of the
Wentworth Gallery

America...

...and back to the U.K, to Def Leppard's
birthplace of Sheffield

A portion of each painting's proceeds went to Project Resiliency's Warrior Resiliency program. The program, co-founded by Allen and his wife, Lauren Monroe, helps wounded servicemembers through workshops, retreats and holistic care. Allen does more than lend his name to the charity. He is an active participant. While he did not trumpet it himself at yesterday's event, Allen reportedly spent many hours visiting with wounded servicemembers at Walter Reed on Friday.