By Rachel Gobep
Over 80 Ohio tattoo artists and vendors will be under the same roof at the inaugural Youngstown Tattoo Classic in March.
The tattoo classic will take place at the Metroplex Expo Center located on 1620 Motor Inn Dr., Girard, Ohio, 44420 on March 8, 9 and 10 from noon to 8 p.m.
Hope Sweany, owner of Intuitive Ink, along with Doc Fields, who works at the shop, are working together to showcase the event, something Sweany said she wanted to bring to Youngstown because there used to be a tattoo convention in the area about 10 years ago.
Sweany said the goal of the show is to bring local tattoo shops and artists together. She said they want everyone to be able to see the amazing tattoos they have in the area.
“Some people we have coming are mind blowing talent-wise,” she said.
Local tattoo shops such as Artistic Dermagraphics, Bitter Hearts Tattoo, Bulldog Custom Tattooing, Intuitive Ink, Street Tattoo and Twisted Metal will have artists inking people’s skin at the event.
To book an appointment with a tattoo artist at the show, contact the individual artist directly. Sweany recommends contacting the artist prior to the show, as bookings fill up quickly. A full list of artists can be found at: https://www.ytowntattooclassic.com/artists/.
Vendors at the event will include Molnar’s Concession, EndTime Grafix, Citizens Bank, Damsel in Defense, American National, Sullen Art Collective, Lacey and Leather Exotic Attire, Youngstown Apparel, Pat-t-Shirt, Shane Harris Design Co., The Barber Shop, 80 Proof Candle Co. and Dr. Joseph G. Protain laser tattoo removal and fading.
Additionally, Kathleen Moore, known as “the tattooed medium” will be doing readings at the event. Moore has practiced as a medium for more than 25 years, and she has attracted a clientele from around the world through her abilities.
A beer and liquor bar will be at the tattoo classic with a portion of the proceeds going to Falcon Animal Rescue.
There will also be tattoo competitions held each day with a $10 entry fee. Only artists tattooing in the show can enter to compete. First, second and third place trophies will be awarded in each category.
Presale tickets are $12 for a one-day pass and $30 for a weekend pass. Only a limited number of presale tickets are available at Intuitive Ink on 5620 Mahoning Ave. Suite C, Austintown, Ohio 44515. The shop is open Tuesday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Tickets can also be purchased at the door each day of the event, $15 for a one-day pass and $40 for a weekend pass.
All tickets sales will be cash only and ATMs will be available at the event. Children under 12 years old are admitted free.
