Former Elgin Mayor Ron Ramirez often heard, “You’ll never get elected with those tattoos,” when he announced his candidacy. However, he remained firm, stating, “I don’t hide my tattoos.” Ramirez believes the stigma around tattoos has decreased over time.
Ramirez is now involved in organizing the Stories Inked in Skin exhibit at the Bastrop Museum and Visitor Center. The museum is collecting photos of tattoos and the stories behind them from Bastrop County residents, both past and present, until Sunday. Sixteen of these stories will be featured in the exhibit, which opens on July 6.
By Friday, Heather Bloom, the museum’s collections manager, had received about 40 submissions. “The community’s interest is really exciting for me,” Bloom said. “Museums should include community involvement.”
Bloom noted that this exhibit differs from the usual historical artifacts and documents displayed at the museum. She hopes it will challenge existing stereotypes about tattoos. “We often associate tattoos with certain fringe groups, but I think even people like me, who aren’t edgy, want them,” Bloom said, adding that she currently doesn’t have any tattoos but is considering getting one.
Ramirez is also contemplating adding to his collection. He shared the story of his first tattoo, a black outline of Texas with a yellow rose and his last name. He got this tattoo nearly 50 years ago while stationed in Alaska as an Air Force veteran. “I wanted everyone to know that I’m a Texan,” he said.
Ramirez got his first tattoo at a shop on Guadalupe Street in Austin and now has 12 tattoos. He hasn’t gotten a new one in about 15 years but said the exhibit has inspired him. “I will get another one probably within the next month,” he said.