Dennis McNett and the Wolfbat Shamans have arrived in Laguna Beach – bringing with them spirits not seen in these parts for decades… spirits from a time when mystical creatures walked the earth among their human counterparts, and their stories followed them through the ages to become legend. Right now as we read this, thanks to the art of Dennis McNett, creatures are stirring once again – laying the path for stories yet to be written.

Everyone who entered AR4T Gallery last Saturday was initiated as Wolfbat Tribesman on the opening night of Wolfbat Shamans and the Whale of Gratitude. McNett’s masked shamans, portholes and shields were regarded by old and young. Each tribesman brought their gifts of gratitude to the whale, as did the haunting vocal serenade of El Mysterioso. The combination made for one of the most captivating pictures to come out of our gallery.

McNett and his girlfriend Miryam had traveled from Brooklyn on what was M’s first trip to California. She noticed that everyone smiles here. So… it’s not a myth that happiness prevails; the Whale of Gratitude succeeded in its intention. What happens to the whale after? The story continues… Come see the installation, which took McNett four days to build from the ground up, for the full explanation.

On Saturday people were able to snag their first choice McNett print (priced from $20 to $350) discounted a little something extra on opening night. If you missed the opening,  prints and artwork will be on view and for purchase through March 24, 2012 (regular gallery hours Weds.-Sat. 3-8pm).

Photos: From the Instagram feeds of Dennis McNett (top) and Jesse Fulton (here). Photos below by Pete Stow. See more at Spire1.com.

Big thank you to Vans.

Thank you Michael Hsiung for an amazing collection of photos taken at the show! View a bunch more photos here >>  Vansart.tumblr

Anika & Jon Warren with Dennis

Doug Palladini, Torrey Cook, Dennis & Greg Escalante

Annie Adchavanich and Chris O.

Ben and Marty

Mark Weiner, Russ & Jennifer Pope

Carl E Smith & the infamous Brian Cook

Jon & Bethany

On January 26th, 2012, Brooklyn artist Dennis McNett quietly arrived in Laguna Beach, CA. Since then he has been working in the shadow of secrecy to change the landscape of AR4T Gallery and the town of Laguna. Dennis continues his work up to February 4, 2012, when mythical creatures of ancient folklore take shape to live among us…

Wolfbat Shamans and the Whale of Gratitude, Art by Dennis McNett: SAT. FEB. 4, 2012

1. Please introduce us to the Whale of Gratitude. What is it’s story?
Dennis McNett: The Wolfbat tribe has made its way west across North America to Laguna Beach where shamans from the tribe have gathered to invoke the Whale of Gratitude. Each year the tribe stops to reflect on fallen tribesman, opportunities they have had, new members they have connected with, pay respect to those who have paved the path before them, and express gratitude for the energy and breath of the Wolfbat spirit. We have much to be grateful for this year.

2. Share with us a little of what you have planned for kids’ art day and what gave you the idea to have a kids day.
DM: Youth are more connected with the energy and spirit of the Wolfbat. They are less connected to material things, their hearts and minds are not cluttered with paying bills, a career,  and other worries. They are more free. I will show them how to make Wolfbat tribes masks from paper mache and woodcut prints and extend an invitation to be honorary Wolfbats.

3. Very excited that you’re bringing your art to the Orange County audience for the first time. As someone who has traveled your art all over the U.S., with a handful of art shows in California, how do west coast art audiences compare to where you live and work in Brooklyn?
DM: Brooklyn is a really great home base because it has a lot of creative energy which is encouraging and motivating. However, Wolfbats can not stay stationary for too long and need to connect with a broader spectrum of souls. California has been really responsive, calming, and kind anytime the Wolfbats have flown through in the past. We are looking forward to coming out to Orange County to share some gratitude.

4. We find that metal and punk rock bands go well with art at our gallery… how has punk rock helped define your style as an artist?
DM: The graphics coming from the early 80′s skateboard and punk rock seen grabbed hold of my guts at an early age. The raw, contrasty, energetic marks and imagery were a huge influence then and I’m still inspired by it’s vitality now.

Wolfbat Shamans and the Whale of Gratitude is presented by Vans.
View Vansart.tumblr.com.

But the story did not end with the dish. It turned a new chapter on the annual Laguna Beach Hospitality Night.

This past December Hospitality night, AR4T Gallery was hosting a kids social night to go with the Storytellers show – art supplies, pizza, warming beverages for the adults. The turnout was amazing and the gallery was packed with kids big and small. In fact it was so crowded in the gallery with little people, many parents were posted up outside on the sidewalk. Perfect time for the mystery artist to strike.

Out of the blue, resident AR4T artist Ben Brough (standing outside on the curb) turned around holding a large rectangular object wrapped in a thick blue shipping blanket strapped with packing tape. He held it up to gallery owner Torrey Cook and said “I don’t know what just happened…. This guy wearing a mask and combat boots just walked up and handed this to me… and then he ran away…weird….”

The entire group, made up of artists and professional adults quickly turned into a giddy group as Torrey quickly recounted the story of the AR4T “mystery artist” who first dropped off satellite dish the previous month: http://ar4t.com/2011/11/11-11-11-nov-11th-is-officially-a-new-holiday/

Together, the group quickly unwrapped the gift…. Mystery artist strikes again.

The painting is currently hanging at the gallery… bids accepted.