Ink for Impact, a flash tattoo event, returns Sunday, October 6th at Spirit (242 51st St) in Lawrenceville.
Last year’s inaugural event proved so successful that this year the event has double the amount of artists! Each of the 30+ artists from across Allegheny County will bring a catalog of works that participants can select from on-site. This popular event is especially perfect for someone looking to get ink for the first time.
Proceeds from this event benefit Pittsburgh Action Against Rape (PAAR), a nonprofit that has been providing essential no-cost services to victims of sexual violence in Allegheny County for more than 50 years. PAAR provides comprehensive services to victims of sexual violence and to their families, serving children and adults of all gender identities, ages, and socioeconomic backgrounds.
The Ink for Impact event is free to attend. This year’s event will also include an artist market, live music, community partners, and food and drink for sale by Spirit. Guests who do not plan to get a tattoo are still welcome to attend to support PAAR’s mission and enjoy the day. Doors open at 12pm.
Last year’s at-capacity event saw over 300 attendees so the event is returning this year to the same venue, but with an expanded footprint to accommodate all guests. It is recommended for guests to get in line early.
“We were truly overwhelmed with the love and support from the tattoo community and beyond at last year’s event,” said Cory Hart, PAAR’s Director of Development and Marketing. “For many survivors, tattoos have provided a way for them to reclaim agency of their bodies. These artists are not only providing their clients incredible work, but they also work in a ‘high-disclosure industry’, which means they form meaningful bonds with their clients and act as a listening ear for many of them. So many in this community have a true understanding and appreciation for what their work means to survivors of trauma.”
Each participating artist will also be required to attend a training by a PAAR educator to ensure they are enabled with the appropriate skills and empowered in how to respond to disclosures of sexual violence and also assist them in creating safe spaces for their clients.
“Tattooing is a universal, worldly language and experience that challenges us to be very present in our bodies. I see PAAR is an organization that gives the people resources to do just that, at their own pace, after trauma or extremely difficult situations,” says artist Jess Scutella of Kyklops Tattoo. “So, when we worked together for the first Ink for Impact, and people showed up in crowds — to express joy, freedom, hurt, and strength — I knew this collaboration was going to amplify the healing and restoration of people’s lives. I believe strongly that tattooing and healing are wildly intertwined. As a tattooist, it’s my responsibility to show people that path, that freedom, and that pain. I believe in tattooing and I believe in PAAR.”
“Last year’s event was full of joy, healing, fun, emotion and connections. Tattooers from all across the city got together to create a safe and healing space,” said artist Sara Eve Rivera of PMA Tattoo. “Having space to support one another and to share tattoos and memories to help one another to connect and heal is such an honor. So looking forward to this year’s event!”
Image via Jess Scutella
Image via Wild Native Photography
2024 Ink for Impact Artists:
- Erin Hosfield – Kyklops Tattoo
- Jess Scutella – Kyklops Tattoo
- Pete Larking – Kyklops Tattoo
- Jeff Sotace – Kyklops Tattoo
- David Montoya – Kyklops Tattoo
- Erica Mirella – The Kindred Spirit Tattoo Co.
- Tara Woods – The Kindred Spirit Tattoo Co.
- Justin Palencsar – Rock n Forever Roll
- Ella Trick – Rock n Forever Roll
- Marisa Mathews – Electra Baby Tattoo
- Laine DeTillo – Three Rivers Tattoo
- Tyler Gregorchick – Three Rivers Tattoo
- Ronald Caldwell – Black Horizon Tattoo Co.
- Jacob Dylan – Black Horizon Tattoo Co.
- Sara Eve Rivera – PMA Tattoo
- Nick Nemetz – PMA Tattoo
- Jay Lechner – PMA Tattoo
- Terrell Tuttle – PMA Tattoo
- Lee Burkhardt – PMA Tattoo
- Donovan Petri – PMA Tattoo
- Michelle Babkes – Gypsy Tattoo Parlor
- Emily Mazur – Gypsy Tattoo Parlor
- Amy Maurine Edwards – Snaggletooth Tattoo Studio
- Ashley Karpa – Sanctuary Pittsburgh
- Kayla Streussing – Sanctuary Pittsburgh
- Cheyanne Swaney – Sanctuary Pittsburgh
- Haley Gibson – Queen of Swords Tattoo Collective
- Paul DeMarco – Queen of Swords Tattoo Collective
Whether it’s your first ink or your latest ink, at Ink for Impact you can “Express yourself and make a difference.” Learn more here!
This content was provided by a local, independent contributor to Made in PGH, a lifestyle blog.
