College Times

Grit your teeth and prepare for the needle as tattoo artists from all over the world swarm the Mesa Convention Center for the seventh annual Arizona Tattoo Expo.

"We have (artists) come in from Spain, Japan, France, everywhere," said Club Tattoo owner Sean Dowdell, who took over the expo last year with partner Sage O'Connell, owner of Urban Art Tattoo and Piercing.

The event, expected to draw over 12,000 people, allows Arizonans the chance to get inked by the masters of the craft. Visitors can rub elbows with world-renowned artists and interact with a wide range of people who are united in their respect for the body art culture.

The three-day exposition features on-site tattoos and piercing - though you are urged to call beforehand if you have anything too drastic in mind - and covers everything from clothing to jewelry. It will even showcase a live suspended body modification show.

But if you're not keen on needles, the Tattoo Expo still has you covered.

"We have a full art gallery where people submit their artwork," Dowdell said. "Different tattoo artists have different mediums. (Visitors) can walk through the gallery and purchase art. It's a different feel all together."

Also available: seminars in which spectators can learn from Bob Tyrell and Jack Rudy, two of the most famous portrait-tattoo artists.

Chester Bennington of Linkin Park is slated to host the event "to do some contests, make general announcements as well as shake hands and sign some autographs for fans," Dowdell said. "It's a fun-filled event for three days, and anybody who comes can expect to have good time."

Mesa Convention Center, 201 N. Center Street, Mesa, 480.644.2178, March 16 to March 18, Friday, 3 p.m. to 11 p.m., Saturday, 11 a.m. to 11 p.m., Sunday, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., $20-$45

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