Art by Taj Francis
RICHMOND, Va. — The Richmond Tattoo & Arts Convention, the longest-running tattoo convention in the world, is proud to announce PangeaSeed as its official nonprofit partner for 2026, bringing together two communities that believe in the power of art to create connection, inspire action, and make an impact.
“Art has always been at the center of this convention, but we also believe art has the ability to do something bigger,” said Jesse Smith, co-host of the Richmond Tattoo & Arts Convention and owner of Loose Screw Tattoo. “PangeaSeed has built an incredible global community around the idea that artists can use their talents to create awareness and change. That feels like a natural fit for what we’re building here in Richmond, and we’re excited to introduce their work to our community.”
Art by Marka27
PangeaSeed is an international nonprofit creative studio using art, science, and storytelling to transform how people think, feel, and act for the ocean. Through collaborations with artists, scientists, communities, and mission-aligned partners, the organization turns complex environmental issues into creative projects designed to deepen understanding and inspire action.
This partnership will come to life during the Richmond Tattoo & Arts Convention, taking place October 23–25, at the Doubletree in Richmond. The convention plans to bring together over 170 tattoo artists to celebrate three days of tattooing, fine art, live entertainment, education and creativity for its 38th year.
Art by Katun
Art With an Impact
PangeaSeed will serve as the featured nonprofit partner for the convention’s Live Art for Charity program, where more than a dozen internationally acclaimed artists create original works throughout the weekend before the pieces are auctioned following the convention.
Proceeds will support PangeaSeed and its work at the intersection of creativity and ocean conservation.
The partnership reflects PangeaSeed’s longstanding approach to what it calls “ARTivism,” using creativity as a tool for environmental education and action. Through programs including Sea Walls: Artists for Oceans, PangeaSeed has worked with hundreds of artists around the world to create public art that gives the ocean a creative voice and connects communities with marine science and conservation.
“We believe art has a unique ability to reach people in ways that facts and figures alone cannot,” said Tré Packard, Executive Director of PangeaSeed. “The Richmond Tattoo & Arts Convention brings together an extraordinary community of artists and art lovers, and we’re excited to see that creativity channeled toward ocean advocacy. Partnerships like this help introduce important environmental conversations to new audiences while giving artists another way to use their work as a force for positive change.”
A Growing Legacy of Art and Community
Since its beginnings in 1988, the Richmond Tattoo & Arts Convention has grown into a major East Coast arts and culture event while remaining rooted in the creative community that built it. Hosted by Jesse Smith, Ryan Ashley and Loose Screw Tattoo, the annual event welcomes internationally recognized tattoo artists alongside fine artists, performers and collectors.
Live Art for Charity has become an important part of that mission, creating an opportunity for artists to showcase their creative process while supporting nonprofit organizations whose work extends beyond the convention floor.
“Tattooing has always been a community built around artists supporting artists,” Jesse added. “Live Art for Charity gives us a chance to take that same energy and point it toward something meaningful. We want people to leave the convention inspired by what they saw, who they met and what art can accomplish.”
For more information about PangeaSeed and Live Art for Charity click the button below.
