Tattoo artists, pin-up girls, hot rods and more at expanded Asheville tattoo fest this weekend

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Jason Sandford

Jason Sandford is a reporter, writer, blogger and photographer interested in all things Asheville.

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avl_tattoo_fest_2014Press release here:

The third annual Asheville Tattoo and Arts Expo is coming March 14-16, 2014. This year’s festival will be bigger and better than ever and, for the first time, will expand to two venues. The Renaissance Hotel will once again host 100 of the best tattoo artists in the industry practicing their craft all weekend long. This will also be the site of the “Rat Rod Rumble” hot rod show hosted by the Bootleggers Car Club, the Pinup contest presented by Sailor Jerry Rum and Pinups for Pitbulls as well as the tattoo contests, a demo bout by the Blue Ridge Roller Girls and other events. The Masonic Temple in Asheville will be the site of our pop up art gallery (proceeds to go to the restoration of the Temple) and the Food Truck Showdown on Satuday the 15th (benefitting Pinups for Pitbulls, Manna Food Bank, Asheville Humane Society and Masonic Temple).

Already one of the most respected tattoo conventions in North America, the expanded activities and locations are part of our commitment to make every year better than the last. The artists will include both legends of the industry like Mike Skiver and Philadelphia Eddie who helped create the modern tattoo industry as well as today’s pioneers like Dave Tavenal and Marshall Bennett who are bringing it into the 21st century. TV stars from Tattoo Nightmares and Inkmaster will be available to meet and tattoo their fans when they are not enjoying the vendors or sampling the offerings of Sailor Jerry, PBR or Carolina Distillery.

The Asheville Tattoo and Arts Expo is about showcasing all types of art in our region. The pop up gallery will feature the work local and regional artists as well fine art from tattoo artists set in one of the most architecturally significant buildings in Asheville. We will also feature Asheville’s amazing culinary arts with Saturday’s Food Truck Showdown where dozens of local trucks will compete for “Best Truck in Asheville” as chosen by our panel of celebrity judges. Paying homage to the amazing craft of our local breweries and distilleries, we will feature craft beers and free liquor tastings of Carolina Distilleries family of moonshine flavors and Sailor Jerry Rum.

With everything from live music to artistic face and body painting, unique vendors and amazing tattoo artists, fine art, food, cars and contests the third annual Asheville Tattoo and Arts Expo is a weekend with something for everyone. “We are thrilled to once again kick off the festival season in Asheville and excited to have so many new events to offer people this year” said JR Yarnall one of the organizers of the event. “as we expand the festival across downtown we are confident we have something for everyone to enjoy.”

Dates: March 14-16, 2014

Time: noon-midnight Friday and Satuday noon- 8pm Sunday

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Jason Sandford

Jason Sandford is a reporter, writer, blogger and photographer interested in all things Asheville.

  • 1

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