An exhibition featuring artwork by the late John Lennon is set to open in New York this week (begs01Oct12) to mark what would have been his 72nd birthday.

The Beatles icon's widow, Yoko Ono, will present Gimme Some Truth: The Artwork of John Lennon in Manhattan's trendy SoHo district from Friday (05Oct12).

The display will feature 100 pieces of the singer's drawings and sketches, completed between 1964 to his death in 1980, and will be free to the public, although guests are encouraged to make a $2 (£1.25) donation to benefit hunger charity Citymeals-on-Wheels.

The gallery show will close on Lennon's birthday, 9 October (12).