Hundreds of artists set up shop at the Winnipeg Tattoo Show

The Winnipeg Tattoo Show has made its way to the city, as hundreds of artists filled the RBC Convention Centre with tattoo guns at the ready, to give locals a memory that lasts forever.

The tattoo show pays homage to the art, artists, vendors, and suppliers, that support, promote, and supply the ever-growing tattoo industry here in Winnipeg and around the world.

“More people are getting tattoos not just Winnipeg, all over the world is more accepting and the art that can be done and social media can show off all your stiff right,” said Abby Boivin, the organizer of J&A Inked Enterprises.

One local who used social media to find their artist got the chance to get a tattoo done at the showcase.

“He asked me to come in and get it done, so I’m getting a Dracula and Frankenstein,” said Nysa Thomas.

Those who came to get a tattoo weren’t the only ones taking advantage of the weekend. Around 3,000 to 4,000 people are expected to stop by, giving artists the chance to grow their clientele, which is exactly what B.J. Lequire of Blaze Ink Tattoos is doing. He says this weekend as a whole is a huge opportunity to showcase his work.

“It really opens up the horizons of the type of clientele, lots of younger and older people coming in and getting lots of work after for sure,” said Lequire.

While it is the largest live tattooing event in central Canada, the event is for all ages and lifestyles with various other activities and vendors to check out.

“It’s not just about coming to get a tattoo, it’s coming in and enjoying art and culture, so we see that with custom fabrication and paint with motorcycles, our stage is ability packed with entertainment of all sorts,” said Jeff Boivin, organizer of J&A Inked Enterprises.

“Just for what it gives back to the community, the art community, the tourism boost we get in Winnipeg is great and it’s just fun.”