Tattoo convention in Montreal celebrating two decades of ink
Posted August 17, 2024 7:18 am.
Last Updated August 17, 2024 6:56 pm.
They’re celebrating two decades of…ink!
It’s the 20th edition of Art Tattoo Montreal, a three-day convention bringing together hundreds of the world’s top tattoo artists and people who are ready to be “marked” by the event.
“We’re pretty happy,” said Valérie Emond, who spearheads the convention. “To represent the tattoo community as a positive event.”
Vibrant colours and detailed designs are splattered across the room.
Since its inception in 2003, the convention has become a must-attend for tattoo enthusiasts – or anyone who loves art.
“Sometimes people are maybe a bit afraid to go into a tattoo shop,” explained Emond. “They don’t know what to expect.”
“A tattoo convention is just like a giant tattoo shop with no restriction.”
“You don’t feel obligated to get tattooed,” she added. “You can just meet people, you can get inspired for future projects.”
“We have a side of the event which is actually free, so anybody can come in,” said Emond. “We have an art expo, and you also have lectures.”
The rich culture and artistry of tattoos, celebrated.
And for Emond – its celebrated by her whole family.
She met her husband when getting her first tattoo – they then opened their own shop together, created this convention – and now, their daughter is a tattoo artist too.
“The reason that I love it the most,” said Audrey Lune Emond Chapelan. “Is just people, like hang out with different people.”
“We have about a ratio of maybe 200 artists which are more local, regional and all over Canada,” said Emond. “And the rest is about from the United States and all over the world.”
For tattoo artist Genghis Shawn, he came in from Vancouver.
“I’ve tattooed for 16 years, I’ve done this show for 3 years now,” he explained. “My favorite show in the country.”
The fun, not a “needle” in a haystack to find — it’s happening at the Grand Quai du Port de Montreal until Aug. 18.
“We’re super happy actually that we have been doing this for so long,” said Emond. “We’re very proud of how we present the tattoo community to the general public.”
