In conjunction with “Ric Ocasek: Abstract Reality,” an exhibition of his visual art at the Wentworth Gallery at The Mall at Short Hills, the Cars singer-songwriter-guitarist will make an appearance there, Oct. 20 from 6 to 8 p.m. The appearance is free and open to the general public, but RSVPs are strongly suggested. Visit wentworthgallery.com.

In addition to his work with The Cars, Ocasek has produced music for artists such as No Doubt, Weezer, Suicide, Nada Surf and Bad Brains. He has been a visual artist, as well, since he was a child.

“I do canvases with acrylics, but my main medium is drawing on paper, mostly with colored markers,” he said in a press release. “Art is a way to release tension and to organize my thoughts. It’s something I do while pondering an outcome. The drawings start with a shape and explode from there.”

Ocasek, 69, was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a member of The Cars, earlier this year. He has not released an album as a solo artist since 2005’s Nexterday, though he did contribute to an album by The Cars, Move Like This, in 2011.