B.M.Riley’s Critterz at Port Coffeehouse

I first noticed Bridgeport artist B.M.Riley‘s work when I was amuse by some marshmallow-themed temporary tattoos were sitting by the register at Rainy Faye, but there’s a lot more to him than that. He has been featured in galleries in San Francisco, New York, and New Orleans. Next up for Riley is “Critterz,” opening with a reception 4-6 p.m. Saturday, April 7 at Port Coffeehouse in Black Rock. 

His engrossing “OZlings” series has also been on view at Port, and his illustrated book “Dear Diary, My Friend,” has been published by the I Am Campaign to help raise awareness of human trafficking. Moreover, I’ve bought two of his silkscreened shirts on Etsy. His work just tickles me.

Riley says he draws his inspiration from pop culture, comic books, cartoons, TVand film, and artists like David Lynch, Dr. Seuss and Terry Gilliam.

The pieces in Critterz are soft watercolors for pet and animal lovers.  A self-published book of “Page The Cat” is  in the works, and some of these pictures will be included.  Both originals and prints will be on sale.

Also an accomplished actor, writer, and director, Riley is the Director of New Works for the Bridgeport Theatre Company.  He is developing and directing that company’s first workshop of an original rock musical, “SubUrban Decay.”  This Christmas he will be directing BTC’s “A Christmas Carol,” Goth style.