Hundreds of artists have converged at the Winnipeg Tattoo Show, transforming the RBC Convention Centre into a bustling hub of creativity. Armed with tattoo guns, they stand ready to etch memories onto the skin of eager locals.
This annual event celebrates the artistry, talent, and industry that underpins the global phenomenon of tattooing. According to Abby Boivin, organizer of J&A Inked Enterprises, the growing acceptance of tattoos worldwide, coupled with the visibility afforded by social media, has fueled this trend.
Nysa Thomas, for instance, utilized social media to connect with her chosen artist and seize the opportunity to ink herself with iconic figures like Dracula and Frankenstein.
Beyond the tattooing frenzy, the event attracts a diverse crowd of 3,000 to 4,000 attendees, presenting a prime opportunity for artists like B.J. Lequire of Blaze Ink Tattoos to expand their clientele. For Lequire, this weekend serves as a platform to showcase his artistry to a broader audience, drawing in both younger and older clients alike.
Despite its status as the largest live tattooing event in central Canada, the Winnipeg Tattoo Show is more than just ink and needles. Organizer Jeff Boivin emphasizes its inclusive nature, offering activities and vendors catering to all ages and interests. From custom fabrication and motorcycle paint jobs to a stage brimming with diverse entertainment, the event embodies a celebration of art, culture, and community spirit.
In addition to fostering artistic expression, the show injects a vibrant energy into the local scene, attracting tourists and boosting Winnipeg’s profile as a cultural hotspot. As Boivin aptly puts it, it’s not just about getting inked; it’s about experiencing the joy of creativity and the sense of belonging within a thriving artistic community.