"Double Trouble"- A Two-Person Exhibition featuring Dennis McNett (Wolfbat) and Ben Venom

Punk meets precision. Raw energy meets intricate craftsmanship.

Parlor Gallery is pleased to present Double Trouble, a groundbreaking exhibition uniting the strong works of Dennis McNett (Wolfbat) and Ben Venom. These boundary-pushing artists transform traditional techniques into bold cultural statements that challenge, provoke, and inspire.

Opening May 24th and running through July 7th, 2025, this exhibition showcases the artists' individual works that explore the intersection of punk culture, environmental sustainability, and traditional craft, showing a commitment to DIY ethos

WHERE COUNTERCULTURE MEETS CRAFT

McNett's large-scale wood carvings and intricate prints stand in powerful dialogue with Venom's punk-infused quilts and textile works. Both artists breathe new life into traditional techniques:
Dennis McNett (Wolfbat) creates immersive visual worlds through printmaking, sculpture, and storytelling. His larger-than-life puppets and carvings draw on mythology and punk culture to create experiences that transcend conventional art boundaries.

Ben Venom reimagines quilting through a rebellious lens, contrasting "menacing and aggressive counterculture components with the comforts of domesticity." His reclaimed textiles—each with "unexplained stains, tears, and rips"—are transformed into functional art that tells stories of personal history and cultural

Through their diverse, yet complementary practices, McNett and Venom ask important questions about cultural tradition, humanity’s impact on the environment, and the tension between fine art and craft. Their work speaks to the fragility of materials and the indelible mark of culture, while also showcasing the artists' shared interest in community and collaboration. In Double Trouble, the duo takes on new creative challenges and invites viewers to experience their shared artistic journey.

Both McNett and Venom share a connection to Asbury Park—a city known for its vibrant music and arts scene. McNett’s community-focused work has been a part of the Wooden Walls Project, with this yearly Residency in the Carousel House and his popular mask-making workshop and larger than life puppets. This past year, Wolfbat invited his friend and collaborator, Ben Venom to join him during his most recent visit to Asbury Park. Ben already had a connection to Asbury Park, being featured at Parlor Gallery, where he exhibited his dynamic quilts. During Ben’s Residency, he led a patch-making workshop for the community. McNett and Venom are also close collaborators and friends, having worked together on various artistic projects over the years.

Their collaboration is a testament to the power of artistic community and the importance of fostering long-lasting, creative partnerships.
A public opening reception will take place on Saturday, May 24th, from 6:00–10:00 pm,

About Parlor Gallery

Located in the heart of Asbury Park, Parlor Gallery is a contemporary art space known for its eclectic mix of emerging and established artists. The gallery's mission is to present dynamic and thought-provoking exhibitions that engage the community and foster creativity. Parlor Gallery is dedicated to providing a platform for artists who push boundaries, challenge conventions, and spark dialogue through their work. With a strong commitment to fostering connections between artists and the public, Parlor Gallery has become a cornerstone of Asbury Park’s thriving arts scene.

About the Artists

Dennis McNett is an interdisciplinary artist whose multifaceted work includes printmaking, sculpture, storytelling, and community-based art. McNett is best known for his large-scale wood carvings, detailed prints, and life-sized puppets that often serve as the centerpiece of public processions. His art invites viewers into immersive worlds, challenging traditional notions of art and culture. McNett’s work has been exhibited internationally in prominent institutions such as the Victoria and Albert Museum (London), the Museum of Contemporary Art (Jacksonville, FL), and the Library of Congress (Washington, D.C.). He founded Wolfbat Studios, a nomadic, community-driven workspace that has supported his ever-evolving creative process. McNett’s work has been featured in The New York Times, Juxtapoz, and Artnet, among others.

Ben Venom is a textile artist who transforms the traditionally domestic craft of quilting into a bold, countercultural form of self-expression. Drawing inspiration from punk and heavy metal music, Venom’s work explores themes of personal history, societal rebellion, and environmental sustainability. Venom’s quilts are made from repurposed materials, with each piece telling a story of transformation, durability, and resistance. His work has been shown at renowned institutions including the Levi Strauss Museum (Germany), the National Folk Museum of Korea, and the Craft and Folk Art Museum (Los Angeles). Venom has been featured in major media outlets such as NPR, Playboy, and Maxim, and has lectured at institutions including the California College of Arts and MASS MoCA. He is currently Visiting Faculty at the San Francisco Art Institute.

Exhibition Details:
Title: Double Trouble
Artists: Dennis McNett (Wolfbat) and Ben Venom
Dates: May 24 – July 7, 2025
Opening Reception: Saturday, May 24th, 6:00–10:00 pm
Location: Parlor Gallery, Asbury Park, NJ

You may also like the following events from Parlor Gallery:

• This Sunday, 18th May, 04:00 pm, Sunday Salon- Introductory Transcendental Meditation Talk with Randy Mackenzie in Asbury Park
• Next Thursday, 22nd May, 06:30 pm, Re-scheduled- "The Clairvoyant Canvas", 4 Week Psychic Art Class with the world renowned, Nini Grace in Asbury Park

Also check out other Arts events in Asbury Park, Exhibitions in Asbury Park, Fine Arts events in Asbury Park.