LENOIR – The Carolina Tattoo and Arts Gathering was held on Sept. 2 – Sept. 4 at 1016 Harper Ave. SW in Lenoir, N.C.
This year’s Carolina Tattoo and Arts Gathering featured 60 tattoo artists including nationally celebrated tattoo artists and “Ink Master” contestants Mark Longenecker, James Vaughn, and Jime Litwalk.
It was estimated over 1,000 tattoo enthusiasts attended the festival.
Event host Chris Hollifield said that the gathering took months of planning that involved communication with the tattoo artists, coordination with the City of Lenoir to complete necessary paperwork and obtain permits, as well as planning with food, beverage, and artisan vendors.
“We start in January planning for the next year. It takes all year to put together,” said Hollifield.
Hollifield said the open floor concept of the tattoo gallery took roughly a month to design and construct. The design of the floor plan lends to a fun, relaxed atmosphere that lets intrigued attendees pass through and watch artists create their next masterpiece.
Among the well-known national artists were Devin Coley of Boston and Harlan Kantner of Maryland whose teamwork skull tattoo on Steve Panzera earned them Friday’s (Sept 2) “Tattoo of The Day” title. Kantner also walked away with the “Tattoo of The Day” on Saturday (Sept. 3) for his colorful bird tattoo on Allison Buckles.
The story behind every tattoo is as unique as the individual who wears, what tattoo would tell your story?
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