Tattoo Pioneer Among Celebrity Artists for Minneapolis Fest

MINNEAPOLIS - July 29, 2013 - PRLog -- One of the most influential people in modern tattoo history will be featured at the inaugural X Art Tattoo Fest at the upscale Ambiente Gallerie in NE Minneapolis on August 23 and 24, 2013.  Guests will have the unique opportunity to “get inked” by tattoo pioneer Shanghai Kate Hellenbrand along with celebrity tattoo artists Keef Cross and Infamous Tro of Infamous Tattoos, Atlanta as well as enjoy art, fashion show, live music and food and drink.

Legendary “Shanghai Kate” Hellenbrand is notably the first woman of the modern era of tattooing.  In 1972, Kate began her professional career and has worked alongside the most notable names in the business; Sailor Jerry Collins, Hawaii; Ed Hardy, San Diego, San Francisco, Los Angeles; Jack Rudy, Los Angeles.  Kate, a tattoo historian, will be giving a lecture, “From Voodoo to Vogue™” on Saturday, August 24th at noon.

Shanghai Kate who currently runs a tattoo shop in Texas brings the history while Keef Cross and Infamous Tro represent the new era of personality tattoo artists. The duo from Atlanta, GA are talented artists in various mediums with a list of superstar clients including NBA players, musicians and celebrities.  Artists from local favorite, Defiant Tattoo & Caffeine Bar, will also be onsite.

X Art Tattoo Fest began as an idea from wedding and event planner, Jameian Selmon, owner of Ruby Lavelle Boutique Planning, promoter who has always had great affection for art. And, has been intrigued by the world of body art and tattoos. Selmon admits she never quite felt comfortable at tattoo conventions and decided to create a unique event where everyone felt at home and would appeal to people like her; professionals by day and individuals by night.   “You don’t have to have a tattoo or get a tattoo to attend, just an open mind and an appreciation for art,” shares Selmon.  “We’ll have something for everyone in a space that is warm, inviting and intimate.”

Friday night’s VIP Art Opening Party highlights work by acclaimed photographer Jules Ameel, Atlanta's Keef Cross and includes "Dark Feathers: An exploration of the themes of tattoo art. Beneath every tattoo is a story. In his new mixed media series Dark Feathers, created especially for the X Art Tattoo Fest, local artist Peter Baehr explores the emotions behind popular tattoo themes in terms even the un-inked will appreciate."

VIP Friday:   6 -10PM
·      Art opening with Jules Ameel, Keef Cross, Peter Baehr
·      Celebrity meet/greet Shanghai Kate, Infamous Tro, Keef Cross
·      Live music/DJ with Venus Demars
·      "Love Thy Ink" Fashion Show produced by Amy Robinson
·      Appetizers, cocktails, champagne, wine
·      VIP gift bags

Saturday:  Noon – midnight *
·      From Voodoo to Vogue™ - Shanghai Kate presents the history of tattoos and their global appeal. (noon-2pm)
·      Tattooing on-site – reservations required**
·      Live graffiti artists, music, DJ, vendors
·      Food, drinks, shopping

Americans love their tattoos and in Minnesota, there are more than 800 licensed tattoo artists who are just scratching the surface of the trend for more ink on skin.  

Tickets are available online at www.xarttattoofest.com  or at the door

Location:    
Ambiente Gallerie
505 1st Avenue NE
Minneapolis, MN 55414

Media sponsor: My Scene Twin Cities