Holiday Ink

Once again, the art of the tattoo is celebrated in St. Louis. Lyle Tuttle's Saint Louis Old School Tattoo Expo returns Friday through Sunday (November 13 through 15), this year at the Holiday Inn Select (811 North Ninth Street; www.oldschooltattooexpo.com). Tattoo artists and the people who love them gather to discuss the latest in techniques and shop practices, and to trade the usual tips, stories and jokes. For those who aren't in the business but love the artistry, the expo provides a veritable bonanza of opportunities to get new work done — dozens of national and international artists are attending and ready to work you over — and to show off the ink you're already sporting (contests in all categories take place all three days). It doesn't matter if you're a fan of portraiture, color, black-and-white, old school flash or the latest in custom work: You'll find it all at the expo. Appointments are strongly recommended if you're planning to have work done, and it's best to get your name in your new favorite artist's book as early as possible. The expo's hours are 2 to 10 p.m. Friday, noon to 10 p.m. Saturday and noon to 8 p.m. Sunday. Admission is $15 per day, or $35 for a weekend pass.
Nov. 13-15, 2009