Tattoo artists to show their stuff at OKC convention

More than a hundred artists will set up shop at the second annual OKC Tattoo Convention, held Friday through Sunday at the Farmers Public Market, 311 S. Klein. The convention will be the first of its kind in Oklahoma since tattooing became legal last year.
 
"There were artists in Oklahoma that we'd look at and say, 'They're the best.' Then, last year at the convention, it was eye-opening," said Tracy Brady, co-owner of First Amendment Tattoo Company. "Even the people who thought they were the best saw these people and said, 'This is crazy; it looks like a sticker.'"
 
BOOTH INFO
Last year's convention had the artists working nonstop, with a few staying over until Monday to finish work. The buzz it generated has brought out even better artists this year.
 
"There is a higher demand for our booths this year, because the people who came last year talked to their friends in other cities, and they contacted us wanting booths, saying they'd heard our convention was off the hook," Brady said.
 
There also will be a laser tattoo removal booth for those who want to clear the canvas, as well as a permanent makeup specialist. The Oklahoma Health Department will be maintaining a booth, too.
 
"There are still individuals and artists with questions, so it will be more of an information booth," said Tressa Madden, director of consumer protection. "We will also be monitoring the booths to make sure they have a temporary license." "?Charles Martin