International Artists Join Together for Live Art for Charity

October 17, 2023

The Richmond Tattoo & Arts Festival will celebrate 35 years in American tattoo history this October 20-22, 2023. With more than 180 internationally acclaimed tattoo artists and 60+ exhibitors, the weekend will be full of fun for the whole Family.  Every year, a highlight of the annual arts event is the Live Art for Charity auction.  

Festival attendees can watch muralists hailing from around the world create one-of-a-kind pieces for a cause. This year, muralists will be creating pieces for auction to support the Richmond SPCA. 

“We’ve always been advocates for helping animals,” says festival co-host Jesse Smith of Loose Screw Tattoo. “This is always a highlight of our festival weekend and we’re excited to see what our Live Art artists create this year.”

This year’s Live Art for Charity mural artists include Cleen Rock One,  Dan Hazelton, Genius, Jason Vogt, OG Abel, Toobz Muir, Gary Villarreal, Ugonzo, and RVA’s very own Humble and Nico Cathcart. 

Here’s a look at artist Gary Villarreal at work in 2022: 

Richmond Tattoo Festival Live Art for Charity

“Watching these artists do their thing live is incredible and it’s a really special opportunity to take home a one-of-a-kind piece home and feel going knowing you made a difference,” says Smith. 

The Giving Arts Foundation (GAF) is Smith’s charity with a mission to connect and empower artists in localities around the country to positively impact the community at large. GAF uses the funds raised for causes that are urgent and meaningful to its members based on current needs. The foundation’s fundraising events have supported local animal shelters, Lyme Disease treatment, art-related nonprofits, and more. 

“There are so many opportunities to enjoy this festival that’s bringing uniquely talented artists to our city while supporting local pets and the people who love them,” says Richmond SPCA CEO Tamsen Kingry about this year’s Live Art for Charity supporting their mission.

To learn more about the muralists participating at this year’s festival click here. 

Artists will begin painting on Friday, October 20, as early as 2:30 p.m. when festival doors open to the public. The online auction will go live on Friday, October 20 at 2:30 p.m. when festival doors open and remain open until Sunday, October 29 at 11:59 p.m. 

Those wishing to bid on Live Art for Charity pieces can do so here.


Purchase festival tickets here.

Become an Exbihitor

Please enable JavaScript in your browser to complete this form.
Name

Artist Submission

Artist Contact Form

Artist Submission

Please enable JavaScript in your browser to complete this form.
Name

Become a Volunteer

Please enable JavaScript in your browser to complete this form.
Name
T-Shirt Size
(All volunteers will receive a Free Richmond Tattoo & Arts Convention T-Shirt for helping out)
When are you able to help out?
(For every hour that you Volunteer at the Richmond Tattoo & Arts Convention, Loose Screw Tattoo will give you free tattoo time. On Wednesday, Thursday, Friday Morning and Monday Morning you will receive $15 of FREE TATTOO TIME for every hour worked and on Friday Evening, Saturday and Sunday you will receive $10 of FREE TATTOO TIME per every hour worked)
What events/Locations would you be willing to hand out flyers at?
(For every hour that you Volunteer to help the Richmond Tattoo & Arts Convention, Loose Screw Tattoo will give you free tattoo time. You will receive $10 of FREE TATTOO TIME per every hour worked)
Where are you comfortable working?
What type of work do you prefer to do?
Have you volunteered with us before?

Book Your Hotel!

Please enable JavaScript in your browser to complete this form.

Book your Room at the Doubletree (SATURDAY SOLD OUT)

We’re taking over the DoubleTree by Hilton Richmond – Midlothian and we're sharing our convention discount with you! Stay the night, enjoy the full convention experience, but most importantly, party safe knowing you can have a drink or two and don’t have to drive.
Address
Preferred Floor
(We will do our best to accommodate, however due to availability we cannot guarantee that we will be able to put you on your preferred floor)
Preferred Room Type
(We will do our best to accommodate, however due to availability we cannot guarantee that we will be able to put you in your preferred room type. If we cannot get your preferred room, we will let you know immediately)
Each night is $193.80 + 3% processing fee. (Cancellations: 24 hours notice prior to check-in date is required. Cancellations after that point are subject to be charged a total of one night's stay. There is a $50 early check-out fee for any reservation that vacates the room early)
Saturday Night rooms are sold out. If you need a room for Saturday use the link on our website to book with the neighboring hotel the Residence Inn.

Official Richmond Tattoo & Arts Convention Merchandise

(If you have purchased multiple T-Shirts then please list any additional sizes below.)
(If you have purchased multiple T-Shirts then please list any additional sizes below.)
$0.00