Celebrating tattoo culture and bringing community together: Winnipeg Tattoo Convention

The Winnipeg Tattoo Convention marked its seventh anniversary over the weekend in Winnipeg, drawing 270 artists.

The Winnipeg Tattoo Convention marked its seventh anniversary in the Red River Exhibition over the weekend, hosting tattoo artists from around the world.

270 artists around the world – such as Brazil and Korea, along with artists from all over North America like Vancouver Islands, Newfoundland, New York, and California – gathered in Winnipeg to tattoo Manitobans.

Attendees were able to take a photo of an art piece they like, bring it to one of the available artists, and get it tattooed while engaging in a conversation with the artist.

“We have masters of all of them – men and women from around the globe, that are passionate,” Rich Handford, event coordinator for the convention said.

“They’re here to tattoo all day, every day.”

Handford, who himself is an owner of tattoo shop Kapala Tattoo, described the skillset the artists have.

“It’s a complex set of skills done in a variation of styles.”

Handford also said that the artists offered removal and rework.

“You can cover up your tattoos and have them removed by laser. You can have them reworked with modern techniques and modern pigments – to ensure that these new tattoos last a lifetime.

“Part of our job is to give guidance and let people rely on our years of experience. As people who have made mistakes, collected many tattoos, we often have insight as to what will work, what will not, what could lead to regret, and what will lead to being a satisfied customer.”

In addition to tattoo booths, the convention offered vendor market, beer garden, and live entertainment for attendees.

Handford emphasized that the convention’s door is open for everyone.

“Whether you’re a tattoo collector or just curious, it’s a great place to take in the event.”

The convention started on Friday, Aug. 8 and will end on Sunday, Aug. 10.