Tonight begins the tradition of a new annual event: Tommy’s Tattoo Convention. Perhaps you’ve encountered the TV or radio ads or the Facebook page. Perhaps since the convention actually began almost six hours ago, you are there rather than reading this. Or maybe you have plans to go this weekend. Yes, I’m a little bit late to the party on talking about this, but better late than never (at least in some cases).
Tommy’s Tattoo Convention is happening at the Connecticut Convention Center. This is the same venue that held ConnectiCon. It began at 4 today and runs until midnight. Tomorrow (Saturday) the doors open from 11 to 11, and then on Sunday from 11 to 8. While online tickets sales have closed, you can still get passes at the door. As far as I know, they are still available. However, based on my experience at other conventions, if you do need to buy them at the door, you’ll want to get to the venue as early as possible.
Once you get in, you’ll be surrounded by artists from all over the country, many of whom are from Connecticut. Celebrity artists Amy Nicoletto from LA Ink, Stéfano Alcántara, and Philadelphia Eddy will also be on hand, and Kirt Silver will be holding seminars. The official convention website did give directions on how to contact each of the artists in order to set up appointments over the weekend as well as how to register for the seminars. I’m not sure if any are working on a walk-up basis. I assume they will be pretty booked up.
In addition to the artists, there will be vendors. Most of these booths will be selling tattoo supplies. Remember that even though there are all these cool aspects of the convention, it is still a trade show. But I’m guessing there will be things to buy for the rest of us who love tattoos but can barely draw a stick figure let alone create a skin art masterpiece.
Also for the rest of us, and even for those who are artists, Tommy has brought in musical guests and sideshow performers. The artist list is pretty interesting, and this alone is worth going to the convention. Tragically Said, The 860 Stu, V, and Tester will be bringing the music. The Enigma and Serana Rose and The Lucky Daredevil Thrillshow will amaze and probably at some point disgust. These sideshow troupes haven’t hit Connecticut for a while so don’t miss them here. In addition, the Inkllusionist will also be there to dazzle.
Last but not least, the convention will hold daily tattoo contests for multiple categories. So if you have something you think is prize-worthy, pay the minimal $10 fee and show off the goods.
The full schedule of events can be found here.
I have plans to go tomorrow, although there is a possibility a family situation will keep me from doing so. I do hope to make it. I’ve never been to a tattoo convention, and you know how obsessed I am with ink. Plus with so many talented artists around, the atmosphere will be teeming with creativity. I love that. Speaking of atmosphere, tattoo conentions are a place of acceptance. It’s a place where the body is a canvas and all ink is beautiful. A place where stigmas regarding body image as well as having tattoos do not exist. So even if you don’t enter a contest, go and show off the pieces of art that have such significance to your life. And if you don't have any, well, then it's okay to go and just admire (as long as you are respectful).
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