The first-ever Charm City Tattoo Invitational Conference is set to take place on the initial weekend of May at The Butterfly Room in Pigtown. A novelty of the conference is that many participating artists have never tattooed in Baltimore prior to this event.
From May 1 to May 3, over 30 highly regarded tattoo artists from across the nation will gather for live tattooing demonstrations. Attendees can also enjoy a variety of offerings from local vendors, which will include food, beverages, music, and art. Sponsored by Rose Hill Gift Shop and Transmission Tattoo, this event aims to foster a close-knit atmosphere where tattoo professionals and enthusiasts can connect. The organizer’s vision is to merge the enchantment of tattoo art with Baltimore’s distinctive culture.
In an interview with Baltimore Fishbowl, Andy Hefner, the owner of Transmission Tattoo, emphasized how this conference stands apart from other events like the Baltimore Tattoo Arts Festival, which is typically held at the Baltimore Convention Center and operates on a much larger scale.
“This conference is designed to be more intimate, placing greater emphasis on the artistry,” Hefner noted. “We’ve carefully curated a selection of tattoo artists from across the U.S., each with their distinct style. Many have never had the opportunity to work in Baltimore, so we aim to spotlight talent that is pushing the boundaries of tattoo art in a world where styles have become increasingly uniform due to internet trends.”
Hefner is using a framework established by his friend, Nick Sharratt, who created the Windy City Tattoo Invitational in Chicago, which has been successful for three years. However, Hefner plans to customize this template to improve the event’s alignment with Baltimore’s unique culture.
While the tattoo artists hail from various parts of the country, attendees can look forward to a plethora of local food and drink options.
“All vendors involved in the event, aside from the tattooing, are local,” Hefner confirmed. “Our friends from Animal Boy, a sandwich shop in Lauraville/Hamilton, will be present. We’ll also have Tia’s Italian Ice from right in Hampden, alongside Black Acres Roastery.”
Hefner also mentions that while beer and wine will be offered, there will be a wide range of non-alcoholic beverages and mocktails available. A highlight will be Modern World, a boutique in Hampden that he co-owns, featuring various non-alcoholic drinks, conservas (tinned fish), and home goods.
The event will commence on Friday evening from 7–10 p.m. with an art exhibition showcasing both past and current tattoo talents. Note that live tattooing will not take place on the opening night, and entry to the art show is complimentary. Saturday’s schedule is from 12–10 p.m., while Sunday will run from 11 a.m.–7 p.m.
Entrance tickets are priced at $20 for either Saturday or Sunday, or a £30 pass for the entire weekend. Tickets will be available exclusively at the venue, as pre-sales or online transactions will not occur. Although Friday night’s exhibition is free, Hefner advises attendees to prepare for cash or credit card payments at the gate for the weekend events, as different artists and vendors have varying payment policies.
While there’s no minimum age requirement to attend the conference, it is important to note that individual must be at least 18 years old to receive a tattoo in Baltimore. Due to the presence of beer and wine vendors at the event, wristbands will be issued in two categories: one for those aged over 18 and another for patrons over 21 years of age.
For those interested in learning about the artists attending, their profiles can be found on the Charm City Tattoo Invitational’s Instagram page. This will give visitors insight into where the artists are from, a preview of their work, and assist in planning their visit to the event accordingly.
