The International Hudson Valley Tattoo Convention returned for the second year in a row to the Majed J. Nesheiwat (MJN) convention center in Poughkeepsie. The convention, which lasted from the middle of each day to late into the night, was an incredibly popular event. The convention hosted artists from all over the United States, featuring renowned artists from various parts of the Hudson Valley, as well as artists from as far as California, the U.K. and Spain. Artists from New Paltz also made an appearance, such as Billy Berard, an artist who works at Dog Street Tattoo. The convention lasted three days, starting Friday, April 5 at 11 a.m. and ending on Sunday, April 7 at 7 p.m. Guests could get entrance passes for either one day or for the entire three-day event.
The convention boasted over 200 hand-selected artists. The MJN convention center had nine rows of tightly packed booths. Each booth was like a miniature shop, allowing customers to talk to the artists, look at collections of their work and art and get tatted. Even though the booths were small, the artists and attendees made the most of the space, tattooing patrons wherever it was safe and feasible to do so. Attendees were getting tattoos while sitting in chairs and laying on tables. Some artists even put mattresses on the floor, making difficult and time-consuming tattoos more comfortable. Throughout the course of the convention, there was rarely a moment when the booths were not full of people getting a tattoo or inquiring about doing so.
On the stage, various live music acts performed throughout the convention. The live music, mixed with the humming of tattoo pens created a great atmosphere to receive a tattoo. If one was not getting a tattoo, there was still plenty to do. Attendees could admire and purchase artwork from the various artists, purchase food and alcohol and peruse the various vendors that were selling everything from tattoo care products to fine jewelry to decorative signs. Attendees could also participate in one of the various tattoo contests held each day. Contests such as “Best Portrait/realism,” “Best Black and Grey,” “Best Neo Trad” and “Worst Tattoo,” which was presented by a tattoo removal company, were just a few of the many contests held throughout the convention. At the end of each day, there was also a “Tattoo of the Day” contest, and on Sunday the winners of each day competed in a “Best Of Show” contest. Any attendee could register a tattoo to as many categories as they would like and were judged by a panel of judges before a decision about their tattoo was made.
Each day of the convention was accompanied by a party, either during or after the event at local bars in Poughkeepsie, allowing artists to connect with one another and to further interact with their customers. “Collecting such great people in the craft for a weekend lends itself to forming a stronger community of high-level artists sharing ideas and practices,” said Shaun Smith, one of the featured tattoo artists who works out of Planet New York Tattoos in Poughkeepsie. “The experience was great. It was wall to wall talent for three days straight … It was difficult not to stop at every single booth, stare at the art and chat with the artists.”
Tattoo conventions are a unique opportunity for tattoo artists from all over the world to interact with people who either have or are interested in receiving a tattoo. As an attendee, one can view various styles and artists, develop their own ideas of what they like and interact with talented artists face to face. It also gives those who want to work with a particular artist who may be located in a different area the chance to do so. “The public is given the opportunity to meet amazing artists from around the world face to face, as well as local ones who they may not be aware of before,” said Smith.
Conventions also allow artists to connect with one another, share ideas and stories, sell artwork, reach new audiences and interact personally with more people. “I believe everyone should do a convention at least once,” said Jessica McHugh, an artist who prefers to go by Gutter Teeth. “You get inspired by the amazing art and people you meet … You get to travel and discover a new area. Regardless of if you love it or hate it, see where your reach can go.”
As an artist, Gutter Teeth spoke about the benefits of the convention. “It definitely puts yourself out there so others can see your art,” they said. “It’s awesome being surrounded by so many friends and cool artists … Seeing amazing art, meeting new people, having fun with friends and getting to do rad tattoos … Conventions are rad.” Gutter Teeth works out of Golden Hammer Tattoo Studios in Milford, Pennsylvania.
Another artist Blaise Locasio, who works out of King’s Ransom in Troy, New York, gave his perspective on tattoo conventions. “My experience at the HVTC is always amazing.” As someone that grew up looking up to major tattoo artists, Locasio felt honored to be at the convention. “I never imagined being in this position today and I’m beyond grateful and blessed to be here. So much respect for everyone’s character and talent. Paving the way and inspiring me to be the man and artist I am today.”
He continued, “I’ve truly been working very hard at this craft; respecting it as much as it blesses me. To have so many notice and give their support gives me the strength and motivation to tackle another dozen conventions … So many diverse humans having the opportunity to educate themselves on what’s available, so many different styles, artists and personalities,” Locasin said. It is likely that the Hudson Valley Tattoo convention will return to Poughkeepsie again next year. To stay updated on the news regarding future events, follow them on Instagram @hvtattooconvention.
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