Scranton, PA – What started as a local showcase for tattoo artists has blossomed into a magnet for ink enthusiasts from across the continent, with attendees traveling from as far as California, Canada, and Columbia. The 13th Electric City Tattoo Convention, hosted at the Hilton Scranton & Conference Center, continues to captivate tattoo aficionados, showcasing the artistry and culture of tattooing.
Charles Hollow, 43, a resident of Scranton, reminisced about his first tattoo—an intricate piece of Japanese script—inked when he was 18 years old. Returning to the convention, Hollow sought a Japanese good luck charm from Columbus-based artist Kevin Stress, who has been a fixture at the event since its inception.
Hollow’s sentiment reflects the enduring allure of the convention. “When I was wandering around last year when I got tattooed, I took a look at his stuff and decided I was going to get tattooed by him this year. It’s always fun. I have a lot of friends in the industry, and I like to see all the art and all the people,” he said.
Initially launched in 2010, the convention faced a hiatus in 2020 and 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. However, organizers Elijah Birtel and Michael “Woody” Wodock, of Electric City Tattoo, ensured its triumphant return, assembling a gathering of over 200 artists and attracting 500 to 1,000 guests annually over three days.
Birtel emphasized the convention’s significance in introducing Scranton to the vibrant culture of tattooing. “Tattoo conventions are popular, but there really wasn’t one going on in Scranton. We wanted to fill that void, so we bring all these people out to expose Scranton to the culture of tattooing,” he stated.
Dan Nelson, representing Honesdale-based Happy Tattoo, lauded the convention’s growing reputation within the tattoo community. “It’s definitely become a respected event in the tattoo community. People from all over the world are talking about it and trying to come to it. It’s one of the premier tattoo conventions in the country, if not the world,” he remarked.
With attendees drawn not only by the diverse array of artists but also by vendors like New York-based Turquoise Terrapin, the convention has evolved into a holistic experience. Kelly Ormsby, owner of Turquoise Terrapin, observed the synergy between her artisan jewelry and the aesthetic preferences of the tattooed clientele. “I do a lot with feathers and rattlesnake bones, and people here gravitate toward that—it matches their aesthetic,” she noted.
Kevin Stress, a veteran of the convention, praised the event’s unique atmosphere and sense of community. “This is the best convention I’ve ever done. Everybody always wants to get tattooed, and the community is really great,” he affirmed, highlighting the enduring bonds forged among artists and enthusiasts alike.
As the Electric City Tattoo Convention continues to flourish, it stands as a testament to the enduring appeal and cultural significance of tattooing, attracting devotees from diverse backgrounds to celebrate the artistry etched into the skin.