Richmond Tattoo Festival Names Richmond SPCA its Official 2023 Nonprofit Partner

We are thrilled to announce the Richmond Tattoo & Arts Festival’s partnership with the Richmond SPCA!

“We know our tattoo industry friends and all of our clients are enthusiastic about the wellbeing of animals in our community,” said festival co-host Jesse Smith. “We have a lot of fun ways to elevate their mission and raise important funds for the Richmond SPCA’s work this year.”

Here are a few ways festivalgoers can support the Richmond SPCA with the Richmond Tattoo and Arts Festival:

• Purchase tickets to the Family & Fur Friendly HallowInk Day on Sunday, October 22.  $1 from every ticket sold for Sunday will be donated to the Richmond SPCA. In addition, the nonprofit will be present with its well-loved Kissing Booth, pup cups, and more. In addition, the festival will host costume contests for kids, adults, and pets!
• The Live Art for Charity Auction will support the Richmond SPCA. Throughout the weekend, 10+ international mural artists will be painting large canvases to auction off during the  Live Art for Charity Auction. Festival attendees can watch the artists paint all weekend. Online bidding will open on Sunday, October 22, and remain open for a week. Proceeds will support the Richmond SPCA.
• During the Richmond Tattoo and Arts Festival Bar Takeover Program in October, restaurants will donate $1 of Signature Cocktails to the Richmond SPCA. A full list of signature cocktails and participating restaurants will be available soon.
• The Richmond SPCA and Richmond Tattoo and Arts Festival will host giveaways leading up to the event. Follow the Richmond SPCA and the Richmond Tattoo and Arts Festival on Instagram. 

“Teaming up with the Richmond Tattoo & Arts Festival is a perfect pairing for the community-centered work we do at the Richmond SPCA” said chief executive officer Tamsen Kingry. “Starting with the bar takeover and culminating in HallowInk Day, 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.” 

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.

Tickets for the Richmond Tattoo & Arts Festival are now available for 15% off. Prices will increase on September 1. Ink Master judge and internationally acclaimed tattoo artist Ryan Ashley will return as the festival’s headlining artist.  It is the only tattoo convention that she will be attending this year.

“The Richmond Tattoo and Arts Festival 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,” says Ashley. “Whether you’re into tattooing or just art in general, there’s a little piece of everything there for everyone.”

Ryan Ashley will appear as a judge in Paramount’s Ink Master Season 15, which is expected to air this fall ahead of the festival. Ashley won Ink Master’s season 8 competition and has hosted the Ink Master’s Angels, judged Ink Master’s Grudge Match, and more. Festival goers can purchase a VIP+ ticket for exclusive, private meet-and-greets with the Ink Master winner and judge. 

“Every year, we work to curate the entire festival 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.”

Dozens of daily attractions include daily tattoo competitions, artisan exhibitors, comedy competitions, kid-friendly activities, and two first-time event features: the “Thrift Garden” featuring second-hand vendors and a family-friendly HallowInk Day welcoming costumes, hosting contests, and of course, the Richmond SPCA.

The event has been a gathering place for industry founders, tattoo enthusiasts, artists, collectors, and fans since 1988. Today, It showcases the latest trends and innovations in tattooing while honoring the legacy of its founders. Hosted by tattoo legend, JD Crowe and world-renowned tattoo artist Jesse Smith will ensure that this year’s celebration is truly unforgettable.

During the 3-day festival, guests will be able to schedule appointments for tattoos with these artists, many of whom will only be in Virginia for this event making it an exciting opportunity for East Coast fans. Guests can also chat and interact with artists at their booths and at other areas of the festival for a unique and intimate experience.  

“The energy and the in-person face-to-face exchange of such positive vibes really lifts me up and allows me to realize how many people I have the honor of influencing,” said Ashley. 

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