Richmond Tattoo & Arts Convention Raises $10,000 for Richmond SPCA

 The Richmond Tattoo & Arts Convention celebrated 35 years in American tattoo history this October. This year, the festival raised $10,000 to support the Richmond SPCA. 

“We are so grateful for our tattoo industry friends and all of our clients who were enthusiastic about supporting the Richmond SPCA and all of its great work for animals,” said festival co-host Jesse Smith. “We really enjoyed having them and their furry friends as part of this year’s event.”

In addition to donating a portion of ticket sales, the festival raised funds in a number of creative ways for the animal welfare organization. Local bars Bingo Beer, Get Tight Lounge, Neighbor, Bar West, Brambly Park, and Hatch Local  hosted a bartakeover ahead of the festival with $1 of signature cocktails and beer selections benefitting the Richmond SPCA. 

Every year, a highlight of the annual arts event is the Live Art for Charity auction.  Festival attendees watched muralists hailing from around the world create one-of-a-kind pieces available for auction to support the Richmond SPCA. This year’s Live Art for Charity mural artists included Cleen Rock One,  Dan Hazelton, Genius, Jason Vogt, OG Abel, Toobz Muir, Gary Villarreal, Ugonzo, and RVA’s very own Humble and Nico Cathcart. 

Finally, festival sponsor and Richmond-based business River City Tattoo hosted a flash tattoo fundraiser during the festival with animal designs. Those flash tattoo sale proceeds were also donated to the nonprofit.

“We’re so proud of our partnership with the Richmond Tattoo & Arts Festival,” said chief executive officer Tamsen Kingry.  “It was a perfect pairing for our community-centered work and all of the talented artists were so generous with their time and platforms sharing our mission.” 

The Richmond SPCA is a nonprofit, no-kill humane society that serves more than 18,000 animals annually, including nearly 4,500 pets sheltered at its humane center last year. The nonprofit provides extensive veterinary medical treatment and behavioral rehabilitation to dogs and cats in its care who arrive with significant illnesses, injuries or behavioral challenges before finding them lasting homes. In addition to this important work, the Richmond SPCA operates a low-cost veterinary hospital, offers a free behavior helpline and resource library, delivers free sterilization surgeries and rabies vaccinations, provides educational programming and training, and advocates for progressive, humane legislation in our community and state.

The 26th Annual Richmond Tattoo & Arts Convention will take place on October 18-22, 2024. 

“The Richmond Tattoo and Arts Convention is a great convention for people to get up close and personal with so many incredible artists, witness amazing pieces happening live, and to just support the tattooing and arts community,” said Ink Master star and 2023 Headlining artist Ryan Ashley. “Whether you’re into tattooing or just art in general, there’s a little piece of everything there for everyone.”

Plans are already in motion for 2024 and ticket sales will go live in early 2024. The annual Convention features daily attractions including tattoo competitions, artisan exhibitors, comedy competitions, kid-friendly activities, and a family-friendly HallowInk Day welcoming costumes, hosting contests, and more.

“Every year, we work to curate the entire Convention experience so it’s even more special than the last year,” said Smith. “We hope everyone will join us as we carry on important traditions for the national tattoo industry and spur economic growth here in our own community.”

Learn More About the Richmond Tattoo & Arts Convention.

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