Tattoo Festival To Help Injured Soldiers, Families
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DALLAS (CBSDFW.COM) - The Elm Street Music and Tattoo Festival is in full swing this weekend at the Bomb Factory.
Artists from around the world are be putting their permanent mark on willing canvases while nationally-known touring acts take the stage Friday and Saturday.
But on Sunday, there is a special gallery popping up in Deep Ellum that will help benefit injured soldiers.
Tattooer and author Jonathan Shaw for the first time is publicly sharing his collection of vintage tattoo art.
Up until now, the pieces have only been released in Shaw's book, "Vintage Tattoo Flash: 100 Years of Traditional Tattoos."
"In its original state like these flash cards, it's priceless," said Shaw.
Some of the "flash" sheets were sketched in the early 1900s and many were painted in Texas.
"To see the originals in person, it's just like going to the museum and seeing a real Picasso," said Oliver Peck, who owns Elm Street Tattoo.
Peck said at the birth of American tattooing, it was solider who wore the permanent designs.
"Most of these images are patriotic or military designs in some way, shape or form," said Peck.
In a nod to those brave men and women, 100% of the money they earn from admission to the gallery will go to the Aleethia Foundation. It is a charity that helps injured soldiers and their families.
Shaw said he is happy for folks to finally see the slices of Americana on paper or on skin, at least while the art form lasts.
"It ain't going nowhere," laughed Shaw.
The gallery will take place on Sunday at 4:00 p.m. at Heart in Hand at 2614 Elm Street #120.
Admission is $10 and will go towards the charity.
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