ROCK ISLAND, ILLINOIS (January 22, 2020) — From January 30 through March 20, 2020, see works of art by regional artists who are best known as tattoo artists. Fine art and tattooing go hand in hand. Both utilize skills such as ability to draw and an eye for color. Although not required for a license to tattoo, many tattoo artists have degrees in fine art, studied art, or at the very least, have a lifelong passion for drawing or cartooning. Good people skills and the ability to interpret a client’s idea visually are other essential skills for tattooing, but “The Artist Behind the Tattoo” provides an opportunity to see the fine art of several regional tattoo artists and learn what inspires them when not limited by the shape and size of an area of skin or a client’s wishes. Vintage flash art and tattoo equipment will also be on display.
Artists exhibiting include Aaron Vanderhart ("Graf-Stick"), Dan Bonowski ("The Oddfellow Arms"), Jorge Tapia ("Aquemini Ink"), Sam McFarland ("Painted Monkey"), Kevin Smith, Frank Hoffmaster ("3D Skin Lab"), Beth Gray and Alice Lorraine "Gray Goat Tattoo," West Branch), and Juan Alvarez ("Red Owl Collective," Davenport).
The public is invited to meet the artists and enjoy complimentary food and beverages from 7-9PM on Friday, February 7 at Quad City Arts in Rock Island. Famed hair designer Miguel Rosas will demonstrate portraiture in hair starting at 7:30PM. Celestial by Design will paint henna designs for interested patrons throughout the night. Free temporary tattoos will be available while they last.
Quad City Arts is a nonprofit local-arts agency dedicated to enriching the quality of life in the Quad City region through the arts. Support for art exhibitions is provided by the Iowa Arts Council, a division of the Iowa Department of Cultural Affairs, and the National Endowment for the Arts. Quad City Arts Gallery is located at 1715 Second Avenue in the Arts and Entertainment District of Rock Island. Gallery hours are Monday-Friday, 10AM-5PM, and Saturday, 11AM–5PM.
