This weekend marks the inaugural Villain Arts Tattoo Festival in Colorado Springs, bringing together 350 tattoo artists from across the globe.
The three-day event at the Colorado Springs Event Center will feature tattoo competitions, live entertainment, and special guests. While this is the first time Villain Arts has held the festival in Colorado Springs, the tour is now in its 27th year.
“We’ve taken the traditional tattoo convention concept and transformed it into a more engaging festival,” said organizer Troy Timpel. “There will be plenty of entertainment, including appearances by various TV stars from shows like ‘Black Ink’ and ‘Ink Master.’ It’s going to be an exciting weekend.”
The festivities will kick off on Friday and continue through Sunday, featuring acts such as sword swallower Reggie Bügmüncher, Ringling Bros. performer James Maltman, and the “America’s Got Talent” sideshow duo Captain and Maybelle. Late-night performances on Friday and Saturday will include burlesque artist Verona Fink and live human suspension acts, where aerialists are suspended using body piercings, Timpel explained.
“Live human suspension is a fascinating and visually captivating performance,” Timpel noted.
Tattoo competitions will occur throughout the weekend, with nearly two dozen categories, including best portrait, best traditional, most unusual, and best lettering. At the end of each day, judges will select a “Tattoo of the Day” based on work completed that day. The festival will culminate on Sunday with the “Best of Show” award.
Several notable guests will be in attendance, including competitors from “Ink Master” such as Dave Robinowitz, E-MAC, Al Fliction, and Kito Talbert.
“You’ll have the opportunity to get tattooed by outstanding artists from across the country, offering a variety of styles. All these talented artists specializing in unique tattooing styles will be in one room, ready to help you fulfill your tattoo dreams,” Timpel said.
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