Wood Decorative Background

Our History

Dive into the rich and vibrant history of the Richmond Tattoo & Arts Convention, a prestigious event that has celebrated the artistry and skill of countless renowned tattoo artists over the years. From its inception, this convention has been a canvas for artistic innovation and a gathering place for the most talented and influential figures in the tattoo community. Join us as we explore the legacy and evolution of the longest running tattoo convention in the world.

Our History

Dive into the rich and vibrant history of the Richmond Tattoo & Arts Convention, a prestigious event that has celebrated the artistry and skill of countless renowned tattoo artists over the years. From its inception, this convention has been a canvas for artistic innovation and a gathering place for the most talented and influential figures in the tattoo community. Join us as we explore the legacy and evolution of the longest running tattoo convention in the world.

Illustrative icon of a pinup girl by Dave Koenig

1988-1989

Grandpa Groovy

& Crazy Ace

Illustrative icon of a pinup girl by Dave Koenig

1993-2000

Billy Eason

Era 1

Illustrative icon of a pinup girl by Dave Koenig

2001-2005

Billy Eason

Era 2

Illustrative icon of a big cat by Dave Koenig

2006-2010

Billy Eason

Era 3

Illustrative icon of an eagle by Dave Koenig

2011-2015

Nate Drew

& CJ Starkey

Illustrative icon of a skull by Dave Koenig

2016-2022

Kenny Brown

& Jesse Smith

Illustrative icon of an owl by Dave Koenig

2023-Now

Jesse Smith

& Co-Host

Frequently Asked Questions

I have convention history, how can I contribute?

This timeline is meant to be a living document of the conventions rich history. It has been made possible with the help of many different members of our community. If you have any additional info, stories, photos, memorabilia to add, we’d love to hear from you! Please contact us at eventcoordinator@richmondtattooconvention.com

How long has the convention been running for?

The convention has been running since 1988 right here in Richmond, Virginia. this will be our 38th year.

Is this really the longest running tattoo convention in the world?

Yes! While the first ever tattoo convention was thrown in 1976 by Lyle Tuttle and Dave Yurkew, it has not been running year over year since then.

Read all about the history of the Richmond Tattoo & Arts Convention starting with Grandpa Groovy & Crazy Ace in 1988 here!

Illustrative icon of a pinup girl by Dave Koenig

1988-1989

Grandpa Groovy

& Crazy Ace

Illustrative icon of a pinup girl by Dave Koenig

1993-2000

Billy Eason

Era 1

Illustrative icon of a pinup girl by Dave Koenig

2001-2005

Billy Eason

Era 2

Illustrative icon of a big cat by Dave Koenig

2006-2010

Billy Eason

Era 3

Illustrative icon of an eagle by Dave Koenig

2011-2015

Nate Drew

& CJ Starkey

Illustrative icon of a skull by Dave Koenig

2016-2022

Kenny Brown

& Jesse Smith

Illustrative icon of an owl by Dave Koenig

2023-Now

Jesse Smith

& Co-Host

Frequently Asked Questions

I have convention history, how can I contribute?

This timeline is meant to be a living document of the conventions rich history. It has been made possible with the help of many different members of our community. If you have any additional info, stories, photos, memorabilia to add, we’d love to hear from you! Please contact us at eventcoordinator@richmondtattooconvention.com

How long has the convention been running for?

The convention has been running since 1988 right here in Richmond, Virginia. this will be our 38th year.

Is this really the longest running tattoo convention in the world?

Yes! While the first ever tattoo convention was thrown in 1976 by Lyle Tuttle and Dave Yurkew, it has not been running year over year since then.

Read all about the history of the Richmond Tattoo & Arts Convention starting with Grandpa Groovy & Crazy Ace in 1988 here!

Illustrative icon of a pinup girl by Dave Koenig

1988-1989

Grandpa Groovy

& Crazy Ace

Illustrative icon of a pinup girl by Dave Koenig

1993-2000

Billy Eason

Era 1

Illustrative icon of a pinup girl by Dave Koenig

2001-2005

Billy Eason

Era 2

Illustrative icon of a big cat by Dave Koenig

2006-2010

Billy Eason

Era 3

Illustrative icon of an eagle by Dave Koenig

2011-2015

Nate Drew

& CJ Starkey

Illustrative icon of a skull by Dave Koenig

2016-2022

Kenny Brown

& Jesse Smith

Illustrative icon of an owl by Dave Koenig

2023-Now

Jesse Smith

& Co-Host

Frequently Asked Questions

I have convention history, how can I contribute?

This timeline is meant to be a living document of the conventions rich history. It has been made possible with the help of many different members of our community. If you have any additional info, stories, photos, memorabilia to add, we’d love to hear from you! Please contact us at eventcoordinator@richmondtattooconvention.com

How long has the convention been running for?

The convention has been running since 1988 right here in Richmond, Virginia. this will be our 38th year.

Is this really the longest running tattoo convention in the world?

Yes! While the first ever tattoo convention was thrown in 1976 by Lyle Tuttle and Dave Yurkew, it has not been running year over year since then.

Read all about the history of the Richmond Tattoo & Arts Convention starting with Grandpa Groovy & Crazy Ace in 1988 here!

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