Wolfbat Wearable Sculpture Workshop

This was a two-week, come-and-go-as-you-please workshophosted by artist Dennis McNett. McNett has held these workshops across the country in which participants create wearable sculptures in the form of full head coverings. There is no fee and all supplies will be provided. These workshops culminate in a procession with McNett’s 12-foot puppets and costumes, happening this year on Hot Dog Day.

McNett gave a public lecture on April 10 at 4pm in Holmes Auditorium.

Dennis McNett is an interdisciplinary artist whose work conjures a synergistic storm of printmaking, sculpture, storytelling, and community.

A multifaceted maker of large-scale wood carvings, print editions, skateboard graphics, and beyond, McNett is also known for his iconic, larger-than-life woodcut print-covered puppets and masks that are used to lead narrative ceremonies and public processions. His unique happenings and workshops have been hosted by diverse art institutions, universities, music festivals, and special events across the US and abroad, including over thirty visiting artist and lecturer appointments.

McNett has a BFA from Old Dominion University and an MFA from Pratt Institute, where he taught from 2004 to 2013. Dennis studied under Bob Blanton of Brand-X Editions where he later was employed between 2001- 2004 to print works by artists such as Chuck Close, Helen Frankinthaler, Alex Katz and many others. He founded Wolfbat Studios in 2007 as a nomadic DIY workspace encompassing a fully functional printmaking studio, wood shop, and puppet/sculpture shop that has held space in NYC, Houston, Philadelphia, Richmond, Austin, and now Luray, VA.

His work has been displayed internationally in museums and galleries including the Victoria and Albert Museum in London, the Me Collection Museum in Berlin, the MOHS exhibit in Copenhagen, Galleria Patricia Armocida, Milano, the Museum of Print History, Houston, TX, the Museum of Contemporary Art, Jacksonville, FL, the Schneider Museum of Art, Ashland, OR, Joshua Liner Gallery, NYC, Jonathan LeVine Gallery, NYC, and Known Gallery, LA.

His imaginative creations have filled the window displays of Barney’s in NYC and have appeared on dozens of Antihero skateboards. His print-collage-like murals can be found in major cities including NYC, Philadelphia, San Francisco, and Richmond, VA. Articles about his work have been featured in The New York Times, The Washington Post, Artsy, Juxtapoz, Widewalls, and Artnet, among others.

A complete catalog of his fine art prints along with several of his sculptures are permanently archived at the Ft. Wayne Museum of Art. Additional permanent collections include the Library of Congress in DC, the Dean Collection, the New York Public Library Prints and Drawings Collection, Schneider Museum of Art and The Mexicarte Museum in Austin, TX. ­

Group photo of workshop participants.

Footage of Wolfbat Parade during Alfred, NY’s annual Hot Dog Day Parade.