Fans of tattoos and body art won’t want to miss this year’s 20th Annual Richmond Tattoo Arts Festival in Richmond, Virginia.

Image: philippe leroyer

The Tattoo Arts Festival is one of the largest tattoo conventions in the United States. Tattoo artists from all over the world gather to trade ideas and techniques, while showing off their work to an appreciative public, as they have for the past twenty years.

The Festival was founded by tattoo artist Billy Eason, and it was through this convention that he earned himself a place on a list of the 101 most influential people in tattooing. Eason passed away in 2010, during the 18th Annual festival. Flaco Productions has taken over the Festival, and tries to continue it in a way that honours its founder, by offering a convention that combines a tattoo trade show with a public exhibition to make a fun weekend for all.

The 20th Annual Tattoo Arts Festival in 2012 will be held at a larger location than ever, the Greater Richmond Convention Center, to accommodate growing crowds of tattoo artists and fans. World-renowned tattoo artists from over sixty studios from as far away as Germany will be offering their services and showing off their portfolios from the 16th to the 18th of November. Daily prizes are given for the best tattoo, and contests are held throughout the weekend, with cash prizes for the best tattoos in a variety of categories, including Best Black and Grey, Best Color, Best Sleeve, and Best Traditional American.

The Tattoo Arts Festival has more to offer than just tattoos. Vendors offer everything from tarot cards and tattoo supplies to t-shirts and skateboards. For those who wish to feel the buzz of a tattoo needle, many artists are working by appointment only, but some will take walk-ups. Tickets can either be purchased one day at a time for $20 per day, or as a three-day pass for $40. Children under 12 get in free, and teens from 12 to 17 pay only $5. Discounts are available for military, police and fire fighters. Tickets are available online or at the door.