January 1, 2013 > Matt Ritchie Retrospectacle - Multimedia Exhibition Matt Ritchie Retrospectacle - Multimedia Exhibition Submitted By Diane Leys Contemporary Bay Area artist Matt RitchieÕs work is featured in the first Olive Hyde Art Gallery show of 2013, opening January 4 and running through February 2. A reception providing the public with an opportunity to meet the artist will be held at the Fremont gallery on Friday, January 11 from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. Ritchie, through his meticulous, detailed art strives to tell stories, narratives, or make observations on a variety of themes. Working in several mediums, including ball point pen, paint, wood, paper, ink, and plastic, he enjoys creating miniatures as well as large images, often signing his work as Òmatt136.Ó He has done skateboard graphics, album covers, game board designs, animation, character design, comic books, clothing, and more. During the last five years, Ritchie has focused on producing work and curating and designing shows for gallery exhibits throughout the Bay Area as well as in Los Angeles, Austin, Brooklyn, London, England, and Naples, Italy. Influenced by Renaissance art, Victorian era images, master printmakers, cartoons, comics, pop art, animals, and music, Ritchie is fascinated with the messages that observers glean from his work, taking pleasure in hearing an individualÕs discoveries. A graduate of California State University Hayward in 1993 with a bachelorÕs degree in art, Ritchie lives in Castro Valley, California, with his wife and son. In addition to working as a freelance professional artist and gallery artist, he also serves as a park ranger for the City of Fremont. Matt Ritchie Retrospectacle - Multimedia Exhibition Jan 4 - Feb 2 Thursday - Sunday, noon - 5 p.m. Opening reception Friday, Jan 11 7 p.m. - 9 p.m. Olive Hyde Art Gallery 123 Washington Blvd., Fremont (510) 791-4357 www.fremont.gov/Art/OliveHydeArtGallery