“01100100 01110010 01100001 01110111 01101110” features 20 framed artworks, 12 tote bags and even a rug printed with original imagery by Ames Artist Matthew Merritt, all drawn by hand or drawn and collaged with photography using a finger, a stylus or a conventional mouse on a 23-inch touchscreen computer. In his artist’s statement, Merritt says he draws multiple “templates” that he then brings together to “carve out” a picture.

“I love abstraction because it gives you a chance to see something unreal,” he says. “Getting lost inside your own imagination is the best feeling, and I hope that is the experience you have as you wander past the pieces.”

A public reception with the artist will be from 7 to 9 p.m. Frday, Nov. 30 at Design on Main. Refreshments will be served. Both the exhibition and the reception are free and open to the public.