‘A convention for everyone’: 37th annual Richmond Tattoo Convention celebrates art in all forms

RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) -- The Richmond community celebrated 37 years of tattoo history with one of the longest-running tattoo conventions this weekend.

The 37th annual Richmond Tattoo and Arts Convention at the Doubletree in Richmond brought more than 170 tattoo artists from Friday, Oct. 17, to Sunday, Oct. 19.

"[The convention] is absolutely a convention for everyone, not just people [who] are interested in tattoos," said Ryan Ashley, "InkMaster" winner and judge. "It's so art-centric and art-based that there's live oil painting happening all weekend long by 20 incredible artists -- fine artists."

Ashley and Jesse Smith, a world-renowned tattoo artist, joined forces again for the annual Richmond Tattoo and Arts Convention at the Doubletree in Richmond.

Ashley competed on Season 8 of "InkMaster," becoming the first woman to win the competition, and later appeared on a spin-off, "InkMaster Angels."

According to Ashley, this is the first convention of the U.S. and began decades prior with tattoo artists "coming to share information and help each other figure out the industry," she said.

"Now, after all of these, it's been preserved and we're trying to keep the tradition alive and involving the community as much as we can. But we're bringing so many incredible tatooers -- some of the best in the world -- here in Richmond," she said.

(Photo: Ethan Thompson, 8News)

(Photo: Ethan Thompson, 8News)

(Photo: Ethan Thompson, 8News)

(Photo: Ethan Thompson, 8News)

(Photo: Ethan Thompson, 8News)

(Photo: Ethan Thompson, 8News)

(Photo: Ethan Thompson, 8News)

(Photo: Ethan Thompson, 8News)

The convention brought 175 tattoo artists from multiple localities around the world, including Venezuela, Belarus, Portugal and Canada. The event includes jewelry vendors, clothing, art merchandise and a portrait photographer, serving as a celebration of all things art, tattoo, family and fun since 1998.

"We all come together for this weekend to do the most beautiful art we can on people of Richmond and whoever flies in for this convention," Ashley said.

The event has been described as "the latest trends and innovations in tattooing while honoring the legacy of its founders," per the Richmond Tattoo Convention's website.

"I would encourage everybody, even if you're just curious, come check it out," Ashley said.

For more information about the convention, click here.