Kenny Brown & Jesse Smith
The Homecoming & Revival
After years downtown, Kenny Brown and Jesse Smith brought the convention back to its roots at the DoubleTree, answering the community’s call for a return to the "classic" Richmond vibe. This era blended nostalgia with a new wave of professionalism, introducing "Ink Master" stars alongside traditional legends. It was a period of rebuilding the intimate, family-style atmosphere that had defined the Billy Eason years. Together, they stabilized the show’s future, ensuring it could survive and thrive in a changing world.
Kenny Brown & Jesse Smith
The Homecoming & Revival
After years downtown, Kenny Brown and Jesse Smith brought the convention back to its roots at the DoubleTree, answering the community’s call for a return to the "classic" Richmond vibe. This era blended nostalgia with a new wave of professionalism, introducing "Ink Master" stars alongside traditional legends. It was a period of rebuilding the intimate, family-style atmosphere that had defined the Billy Eason years. Together, they stabilized the show’s future, ensuring it could survive and thrive in a changing world.
2016
Passing of the Torch
Nate Drew & CJ Starkey pass the torch on to Jesse Smith & Kenny Brown. They were grateful for the honor and excitedly accepted 5 months before the convention was set. It took a couple months to get organized and they were able to pull it off in an incredible 3 months' time with hard work! The two referred to themselves as the Master Blaster team and they decided to bring the event back to its original venue: the infamous DoubleTree Hotel-Koger Center.
The event expands outside to include a Street Art Festival component
so that they could bring in artists from other disciplines. In addition, the first ever Mrs. PinUp RVA competition crowns Bonnie De-Lovely.
Notable Attendees: Nate Drew, Dave Koenig, Cleen Rock One, Joe Capobianco, Phil Garcia, Megan Jean Morris, James Vaughn, Rodney Raines, Anthony Michaels, Sarah Miller, Mike Skiver, St. Marq, Sketchy Lawyer, Duffy Fortner, Miguel Del Cuadro, Hamilton Glass, Matt Lively and many more!
Convention Artwork by Jesse Smith & Kenny Brown.
2017
Tatu Baby Headlines
She makes history as our first woman headliner. Tatu Baby was in high demand by the public having been on Ink Master, voted as favorite by the public, and had cameo appearances on Ink Master Angels & the Black Ink Crew. Airsex Competition makes its debut and is a Laugh-out-loud hit with the attending public. The 2nd Mrs. PinUp RVA Competition is held. Notable attendees: Kelly Dotty, JD Crowe,
Phil Garcia, Scott Sterling, Duffy Fortner, James Vaughn, Miguel del Cuadro, Gunnar, Joshua Bowers, Mike Skiver, Bryan Sanchez, Andy Chambers, Dave Koenig, Melody Mitchell, Lalo Yunda, Sketchy Lawyer, Rodney Raines, Mike Devries, Jon Mesa, Chris Blinston and many more!
Convention Artwork by Dave Koenig.
2018
Megan Massacre Headlines
In the spirit of the original meetings of the tattoo minds that took place at the Koger Center in the 70s-80s, Jesse Smith created the Richmond Tattoo & Arts Academy. He invited some of the top names currently killing it at the time: Phil Garcia, Dave Koenig, Jose Perez, Gia Rose. Alongside super talented Fine artists: Gary Villarreal & Eliza Ivanova.
The Street Art Festival evolves into Live Art for Charity. Invited mural artists finish their weekend-long paintings which are then put up for auction. Proceeds of which were donated to the charity: Art on Wheels, an organization that helps the elderly,
disabled and chronically ill members of the community without access by providing a creative learning and therapeutic environment in which to help heal and empower them.
Notable attendees: Tony Olivas & Bob Tyrrell return. Cleen Rock One, Derek Noble, Big Island Mike, Mike Skiver, Sara Fabel, Anthony Michaels, James Vaughn, Halo, Big Jaz, Duffy Fortner, Melody Mitchell, Lalo Yunda, Amy Mymouse, Joshua Bowers, Josh Payne, St. Marq, Richard Smith, Nate Drew and many more!
Convention Artwork by Dave Koenig.
2019
Ryan Ashley Headlines
At the time, she was best known for being the first woman to win Ink Master. By then, Jesse Smith & Kenny Brown had hit their stride in organizing the convention. They invited Cervena Fox, international burlesque and fire show performer, to perform.
The first “Best of VA” competition is held. Nominations took place online, online votes happened for “People’s Choice” and a selected panel of judges decided on “Judge’s Choice”-
Judge’s Choice: Andy Chambers
People’s Choice: Jamie Martin
The 2nd Richmond Tattoo & Arts Academy takes place with Nick Baxter, Sarah Miller, Ryan Ashley, Frank LaNatra, Esao Andrews, OG Abel, Sterling Hundley & Jon Wayshak as presenters.
Convention Artwork by Dave Koenig.
2022
After A 2-Year Hiatus,
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, when the world shut down, the Richmond convention returns! Melody Mitchell, from Black Ink Crew NYC headlines the show. Unfortunately, 2022 was overshadowed by the deaths of Tony Olivas and Kenny Brown. Tony was one of the founding fathers for the Richmond convention and Kenny was Jesse's partner.
The first ever Karaoke Cage Match created by Jesse Smith & Chris Trew was a hit with the crowds. And Richmond's own Chris Adler
from Lamb of God was one of the Celebrity Judges.
Notable attendees: Cleen Rock One, Stefano Alcantara, Derek Noble, Tom Beasley, Megan Jean Morris, Cervena Fox, Amy Mymouse, Andy Chambers, Bryan Sanchez, Mike Skiver, Carlos Rojas, Jaded Moon, James Vaughn, Josh Payne, Joshua Bowers, Kiljun, Lalo Yunda, Melody Mitchell, Parry Chotipradit, Made Rich, and more!
Convention Artwork by Dave Koenig.
Got History?
We want to hear from you!
This timeline is meant to be a living document of this event’s rich history in Richmond, Virginia. It has been made possible with the help of many of you. 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
2016
Passing of the Torch
Nate Drew & CJ Starkey pass the torch on to Jesse Smith & Kenny Brown. They were grateful for the honor and excitedly accepted 5 months before the convention was set. It took a couple months to get organized and they were able to pull it off in an incredible 3 months' time with hard work! The two referred to themselves as the Master Blaster team and they decided to bring the event back to its original venue: the infamous DoubleTree Hotel-Koger Center.
The event expands outside to include a Street Art Festival component
so that they could bring in artists from other disciplines. In addition, the first ever Mrs. PinUp RVA competition crowns Bonnie De-Lovely.
Notable Attendees: Nate Drew, Dave Koenig, Cleen Rock One, Joe Capobianco, Phil Garcia, Megan Jean Morris, James Vaughn, Rodney Raines, Anthony Michaels, Sarah Miller, Mike Skiver, St. Marq, Sketchy Lawyer, Duffy Fortner, Miguel Del Cuadro, Hamilton Glass, Matt Lively and many more!
Convention Artwork by Jesse Smith & Kenny Brown.
2017
Tatu Baby Headlines
She makes history as our first woman headliner. Tatu Baby was in high demand by the public having been on Ink Master, voted as favorite by the public, and had cameo appearances on Ink Master Angels & the Black Ink Crew. Airsex Competition makes its debut and is a Laugh-out-loud hit with the attending public. The 2nd Mrs. PinUp RVA Competition is held. Notable attendees: Kelly Dotty, JD Crowe,
Phil Garcia, Scott Sterling, Duffy Fortner, James Vaughn, Miguel del Cuadro, Gunnar, Joshua Bowers, Mike Skiver, Bryan Sanchez, Andy Chambers, Dave Koenig, Melody Mitchell, Lalo Yunda, Sketchy Lawyer, Rodney Raines, Mike Devries, Jon Mesa, Chris Blinston and many more!
Convention Artwork by Dave Koenig.
2018
Megan Massacre Headlines
In the spirit of the original meetings of the tattoo minds that took place at the Koger Center in the 70s-80s, Jesse Smith created the Richmond Tattoo & Arts Academy. He invited some of the top names currently killing it at the time: Phil Garcia, Dave Koenig, Jose Perez, Gia Rose. Alongside super talented Fine artists: Gary Villarreal & Eliza Ivanova.
The Street Art Festival evolves into Live Art for Charity. Invited mural artists finish their weekend-long paintings which are then put up for auction. Proceeds of which were donated to the charity: Art on Wheels, an organization that helps the elderly,
disabled and chronically ill members of the community without access by providing a creative learning and therapeutic environment in which to help heal and empower them.
Notable attendees: Tony Olivas & Bob Tyrrell return. Cleen Rock One, Derek Noble, Big Island Mike, Mike Skiver, Sara Fabel, Anthony Michaels, James Vaughn, Halo, Big Jaz, Duffy Fortner, Melody Mitchell, Lalo Yunda, Amy Mymouse, Joshua Bowers, Josh Payne, St. Marq, Richard Smith, Nate Drew and many more!
Convention Artwork by Dave Koenig.
2019
Ryan Ashley Headlines
At the time, she was best known for being the first woman to win Ink Master. By then, Jesse Smith & Kenny Brown had hit their stride in organizing the convention. They invited Cervena Fox, international burlesque and fire show performer, to perform.
The first “Best of VA” competition is held. Nominations took place online, online votes happened for “People’s Choice” and a selected panel of judges decided on “Judge’s Choice”-
Judge’s Choice: Andy Chambers
People’s Choice: Jamie Martin
The 2nd Richmond Tattoo & Arts Academy takes place with Nick Baxter, Sarah Miller, Ryan Ashley, Frank LaNatra, Esao Andrews, OG Abel, Sterling Hundley & Jon Wayshak as presenters.
Convention Artwork by Dave Koenig.
2022
After A 2-Year Hiatus,
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, when the world shut down, the Richmond convention returns! Melody Mitchell, from Black Ink Crew NYC headlines the show. Unfortunately, 2022 was overshadowed by the deaths of Tony Olivas and Kenny Brown. Tony was one of the founding fathers for the Richmond convention and Kenny was Jesse's partner.
The first ever Karaoke Cage Match created by Jesse Smith & Chris Trew was a hit with the crowds. And Richmond's own Chris Adler
from Lamb of God was one of the Celebrity Judges.
Notable attendees: Cleen Rock One, Stefano Alcantara, Derek Noble, Tom Beasley, Megan Jean Morris, Cervena Fox, Amy Mymouse, Andy Chambers, Bryan Sanchez, Mike Skiver, Carlos Rojas, Jaded Moon, James Vaughn, Josh Payne, Joshua Bowers, Kiljun, Lalo Yunda, Melody Mitchell, Parry Chotipradit, Made Rich, and more!
Convention Artwork by Dave Koenig.
Got History?
We want to hear from you!
This timeline is meant to be a living document of this event’s rich history in Richmond, Virginia. It has been made possible with the help of many of you. 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
2016
Passing of the Torch
Nate Drew & CJ Starkey pass the torch on to Jesse Smith & Kenny Brown. They were grateful for the honor and excitedly accepted 5 months before the convention was set. It took a couple months to get organized and they were able to pull it off in an incredible 3 months' time with hard work! The two referred to themselves as the Master Blaster team and they decided to bring the event back to its original venue: the infamous DoubleTree Hotel-Koger Center.
The event expands outside to include a Street Art Festival component
so that they could bring in artists from other disciplines. In addition, the first ever Mrs. PinUp RVA competition crowns Bonnie De-Lovely.
Notable Attendees: Nate Drew, Dave Koenig, Cleen Rock One, Joe Capobianco, Phil Garcia, Megan Jean Morris, James Vaughn, Rodney Raines, Anthony Michaels, Sarah Miller, Mike Skiver, St. Marq, Sketchy Lawyer, Duffy Fortner, Miguel Del Cuadro, Hamilton Glass, Matt Lively and many more!
Convention Artwork by Jesse Smith & Kenny Brown.
2017
Tatu Baby Headlines
She makes history as our first woman headliner. Tatu Baby was in high demand by the public having been on Ink Master, voted as favorite by the public, and had cameo appearances on Ink Master Angels & the Black Ink Crew. Airsex Competition makes its debut and is a Laugh-out-loud hit with the attending public. The 2nd Mrs. PinUp RVA Competition is held. Notable attendees: Kelly Dotty, JD Crowe,
Phil Garcia, Scott Sterling, Duffy Fortner, James Vaughn, Miguel del Cuadro, Gunnar, Joshua Bowers, Mike Skiver, Bryan Sanchez, Andy Chambers, Dave Koenig, Melody Mitchell, Lalo Yunda, Sketchy Lawyer, Rodney Raines, Mike Devries, Jon Mesa, Chris Blinston and many more!
Convention Artwork by Dave Koenig.
2018
Megan Massacre Headlines
In the spirit of the original meetings of the tattoo minds that took place at the Koger Center in the 70s-80s, Jesse Smith created the Richmond Tattoo & Arts Academy. He invited some of the top names currently killing it at the time: Phil Garcia, Dave Koenig, Jose Perez, Gia Rose. Alongside super talented Fine artists: Gary Villarreal & Eliza Ivanova.
The Street Art Festival evolves into Live Art for Charity. Invited mural artists finish their weekend-long paintings which are then put up for auction. Proceeds of which were donated to the charity: Art on Wheels, an organization that helps the elderly,
disabled and chronically ill members of the community without access by providing a creative learning and therapeutic environment in which to help heal and empower them.
Notable attendees: Tony Olivas & Bob Tyrrell return. Cleen Rock One, Derek Noble, Big Island Mike, Mike Skiver, Sara Fabel, Anthony Michaels, James Vaughn, Halo, Big Jaz, Duffy Fortner, Melody Mitchell, Lalo Yunda, Amy Mymouse, Joshua Bowers, Josh Payne, St. Marq, Richard Smith, Nate Drew and many more!
Convention Artwork by Dave Koenig.
2019
Ryan Ashley Headlines
At the time, she was best known for being the first woman to win Ink Master. By then, Jesse Smith & Kenny Brown had hit their stride in organizing the convention. They invited Cervena Fox, international burlesque and fire show performer, to perform.
The first “Best of VA” competition is held. Nominations took place online, online votes happened for “People’s Choice” and a selected panel of judges decided on “Judge’s Choice”-
Judge’s Choice: Andy Chambers
People’s Choice: Jamie Martin
The 2nd Richmond Tattoo & Arts Academy takes place with Nick Baxter, Sarah Miller, Ryan Ashley, Frank LaNatra, Esao Andrews, OG Abel, Sterling Hundley & Jon Wayshak as presenters.
Convention Artwork by Dave Koenig.
2022
After A 2-Year Hiatus,
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, when the world shut down, the Richmond convention returns! Melody Mitchell, from Black Ink Crew NYC headlines the show. Unfortunately, 2022 was overshadowed by the deaths of Tony Olivas and Kenny Brown. Tony was one of the founding fathers for the Richmond convention and Kenny was Jesse's partner.
The first ever Karaoke Cage Match created by Jesse Smith & Chris Trew was a hit with the crowds. And Richmond's own Chris Adler
from Lamb of God was one of the Celebrity Judges.
Notable attendees: Cleen Rock One, Stefano Alcantara, Derek Noble, Tom Beasley, Megan Jean Morris, Cervena Fox, Amy Mymouse, Andy Chambers, Bryan Sanchez, Mike Skiver, Carlos Rojas, Jaded Moon, James Vaughn, Josh Payne, Joshua Bowers, Kiljun, Lalo Yunda, Melody Mitchell, Parry Chotipradit, Made Rich, and more!
Convention Artwork by Dave Koenig.
Got History?
We want to hear from you!
This timeline is meant to be a living document of this event’s rich history in Richmond, Virginia. It has been made possible with the help of many of you. 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
