The Palm City Tattoo Expo Q&A w/Eric Ryan
MAY 6-8 2022
This is the first Convention in McAllen what can the city/town/attendees expect?
The Palm City Tattoo Expo, is a celebration of art that shines a light on artists of ALL mediums, with an emphasis on tattooing, and tattoo art. With nearly 100 artists, piercers, and vendors participating, attendees can expect many opportunities to be tattooed, pierced, purchase unique one of a kind art. There will also be opportunities to enter contests and win prizes.
How important is the artwork and events like these to the culture of tattooing?
Events like the Palm City Tattoo Expo are extremely beneficial to the culture of tattooing. They not only provide a looking glass for consumers in an inviting way, but they also encourage artists to push boundaries and provide incentive to excel. Additionally, artists are afforded an avenue to network, learn, and make friends, which brings the tattooing community together for mutual gain.
What made you want to bring a convention here? (McAllen)
Texas is big, and a large portion of people forget there is anything further south than San Antonio. However, the Rio Grande Valley is a thriving and fast growing area rich with unique culture. Not only does the community deserve to have access to artists from out of town, but the many talented local artists deserve to be spotlighted as well.
The Palm City Tattoo Expo
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The Palm City Tattoo Expo
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The Palm City Tattoo Expo ←
How would you describe your event to someone that has never been into a tattoo shop?
Tattoo shops can sometimes be an intimidating place to walk into. If you’ve never been to one, (a tattoo shop) The Palm City Tattoo Expo is a great event to attend as a first timer. Upon entry, you will see a multitude of booths, all filled with talented artists, piercers, and vendors. You can make your way around the room looking at artist portfolios, prints and original art, and jewelry, among many other types of merch. If you’re looking to get tattooed, speak with an artist about how to schedule time with them if they are available.
Being an award winning artist yourself, you know the feeling of having your work appreciated by peers and wanting to go back the next year. Do you plan on multiple years?
Not only is it an amazing feeling being appreciated by your peers, but it is equally fulfilling seeing so many talented artists showcasing their personal art styles and pursuing growth and excellence. Part of the fun is seeing certain colleagues return year after year, pushing and inspiring each other, seeing the evolution of everyone’s art, and enjoying recreational time at the end of the night. We are not only planning on returning next year, but doing it bigger and better every time.
Who are a few artists you are most excited to see attend?
I’m most excited to see support from local favorites like Ceci, Adrian Lazo, and Chris Deleon, among others. There are artists from the Rio Grande Valley that I’ve looked up to since I began tattooing and I’m excited to have them in the public eye. I’m also thrilled to have Texas Inked magazine and their award winning pro team on board! H-town’s Cory Salls is an amazing addition to the show with his creative compositions and beautifully saturated color, as well as black and grey realism artist Feoden Jimenez from Monterrey, Mexico.
I also heard you went to Mexico and got some amazing artists which is great for the culture. What were some of their thoughts?
McAllen, and the Rio Grande Valley as a whole, is a blended cultural region with loads of Hispanic influence. Having citizens of the valley in Mexico and citizens of Mexico in the valley is a commonplace, daily occurrence. Our tattoo artist friends from across the border are excited to take part in this event and will surely feel at home, not only because the region is already more than accustomed to this blend, but because art is a bridge of understanding and connection for all races, ethnicities, and cultures.
How excited are you, and the city?
I can barely believe this is actually happening! There is definitely a buzz in the community and people are eager to attend. I’m answering lots of questions from people that are unfamiliar with an event like this, so I’m hoping we reach plenty of first timers and get them hooked!
