CALL FOR ARTISTS: The Art of Tattoo
| Exhibit Dates: | September 18-November 7, 2026 |
| Opening Reception: | September 18, 7:00-9:00 p.m. |
| Location: | Studio 659, Whiting, Indiana |
| Curators: | Chantene Z-Delgado and Patti Herbst |
Arts Alive is seeking artists for The Art of Tattoo, a fall exhibit celebrating tattoo art, history, cultural traditions, symbols, and creative expression. The exhibit will feature original artwork inspired by tattoo styles and the history of body-art traditions.
Artists of all backgrounds and experience levels are welcome. Tattoo artists, painters, illustrators, sculptors, printmakers, henna artists, apprentices, collectors, and community artists are invited to participate. You do not need to be a professional tattoo artist to submit work.
Artwork and Educational Displays We Are Seeking
We welcome original tattoo-inspired artwork, objects, and educational displays, including:
- Paintings, drawings, illustrations, mixed-media work, fiber art, sculpture, and prints
- Original tattoo flash and tattoo designs
- Henna-inspired artwork
- Artwork exploring tattoo history, culture, symbolism, identity, remembrance, folklore, or personal stories
- Historical objects or educational displays related to tattoo traditions, flash, tools, machines, inks, symbols, and cultural history
Historical and cultural information must be presented respectfully. Please include sources whenever possible, especially when presenting Indigenous, traditional, religious, or culturally specific practices.
Tattoo Artists, Henna Artists, Apprentices, Collectors, and Shops
Local tattoo and henna artists, apprentices, collectors, and tattoo shops are invited to participate in the gallery exhibit, opening reception, and approved exhibit programming. Participants may:
- Submit original framed artwork, tattoo flash, henna designs, objects, or educational displays
- Bring a printed or digital professional portfolio
- Host an approved artist table during the opening reception to meet guests, share business cards, and book future appointments
- Sell gift certificates, original artwork, prints, stickers, or other approved art-related items
- Propose an artist demonstration or educational presentation
Please note: Photographs of completed tattoos may be included in a professional portfolio, but they will not be hung as artwork in the gallery exhibit. Live tattooing on a person will not be part of the exhibit. Only safe, natural henna may be used; black henna and products containing PPD are not permitted.
Artist Demonstrations
We hope to include approved demonstrations during the opening reception and other scheduled exhibit events. Demonstrations should focus on the artistic or educational process and allow visitors to watch an artist create or explain a technique.
- Drawing original tattoo flash or developing a design from sketch to finished artwork
- Creating a tattoo stencil
- Demonstrating techniques on synthetic practice skin
- Henna design and application
- Hand lettering
- Presenting traditional tools, design methods, or tattoo-art history
All demonstrations must be discussed with and approved by a curator in advance.
Artwork and Display Requirements
- All artwork must be family-friendly and appropriate for visitors of all ages. Work containing graphic violence, sexual content, nudity, hate symbols, or other mature imagery will not be accepted.
- Two-dimensional artwork must arrive framed, wired, and ready to hang. Gallery-wrapped canvases do not require frames but must have finished edges.
- Sculptures and other three-dimensional work must be stable, safe, and ready to display on a pedestal, table, or another approved gallery surface.
- Each piece must be labeled with the artist’s name, artwork title, medium, and price, or marked NFS if it is not for sale.
- Artwork must remain at Studio 659 for the full exhibit unless another arrangement is approved in advance.
How to Submit
Artists may submit more than one piece. Send submissions and questions to artsaliveinwhiting@gmail.com
Email subject line: The Art of Tattoo Submission – Your Name
Please include:
- Your name and contact information
- A short artist biography and a short description of your artwork
- Clear JPG or PNG images of each original work you would like to submit
- The title, size, medium, and price of each piece, or NFS
- How you would like to participate: artist, tattoo artist, apprentice, henna artist, collector, tattoo-shop representative, or another role
- A short description of any demonstration, educational display, or artist table you would like to offer
Important Dates
- Submission deadline: September 4, 2026 (send submissions asap before this date)
- Artist notification: Within a few days of submission
- Artwork delivery: September 12-17, 2026
- Opening reception: September 18, 2026, 7:00-9:00 p.m.
- Exhibit dates: September 18-November 7, 2026
- Artwork pickup: November 8-14, 2026