The second edition of the Huntsville Tattoo Expo is set to captivate the Rocket City this weekend, with expectations of over 3,000 visitors converging at the Von Braun Civic Center in downtown Huntsville. Running from Friday to Sunday, starting at 2 p.m. daily, this annual event promises a vibrant showcase of artistic talent featuring around 200 artists from across the globe.
Among the distinguished artists gracing the expo is Steve Butcher, a renowned figure with a massive Instagram following exceeding 1.2 million. Butcher’s work has garnered national recognition, appearing in media outlets from ESPN to USA Today and People Magazine. Attendees can anticipate diverse art styles, including realism, black and grey, neotraditional, watercolour, and more.
For those who aspire to enter the tattoo industry, the expo offers a valuable opportunity to attend seminars on colour theory, light sourcing, brainstorming, and the business aspects of running a studio. Errick Long, the expo’s owner and proprietor of The Platinum Koi’s local tattoo studio, emphasizes the positive impact on novice and seasoned tattoo artists.
Long states, “For those artists who are just starting in this industry, it will give them a chance to see the hope of where their careers may end up [and] what they can aspire to be. I think for the other artists that have been in this industry for a long time, it will give them a chance to reach back down and help raise these aspiring artists through their communication, friendships, and bonds built at this expo.”
The Huntsville Tattoo Expo is not merely an affair for artists; it transcends into a holistic experience for attendees. Beyond the inked masterpieces, the expo boasts food and drink vendors, live music, and family-friendly entertainment. Doctor Finnegan’s Circus, renowned for its comedic twist on superhuman circus performances, will enthral children and parents alike. Additionally, casino tables create excitement for families willing to try their luck.
In just its second year, the Huntsville Tattoo Expo has already established itself as one of the premier tattoo shows in Alabama. Errick Long takes pride in offering a Vegas-style show, emphasizing its appeal as “more upscale” than a typical tattoo event. He envisions the event fostering greater acceptance and appreciation for tattoos in the state.
“I believe it’s going to normalize people getting tattoos, from politicians to doctors [and] lawyers,” Long affirms. “It’s going to help the community get together around understanding that [this] is not just [a] taboo industry. This is an art. This is a culture, and this is a career.”
Significantly, the event’s proceeds will benefit Still Serving Veterans, an organization that empowers veterans and their families by connecting them with careers, benefits, and services.
Tickets are available at the gate, with a single-day ticket priced at $30. Online purchases at www.huntsvegastattooexpo.com offer an option of $75 for access to all three event days. Military members and veterans enjoy half-price tickets.
Attendees interested in getting inked during the expo can book a tattoo appointment directly through the website, connecting with their preferred artist via social media or email.