Sacred Art: American Traditional - December 20, 2024 – March 1, 2025
Reception
Thursday, January 30
5:30 - 7:00 PM
EXHIBIT
Celebrating the artistry and history of the American Traditional tattoo, the Sacred Art exhibit features over 100 original works on identical sacred heart panels by tattoo artists from across the United States. Each artist created their unique interpretation of one of the most iconic symbols found in tattooing: the Sacred Heart. Steeped in history, both religious and visual, this symbol transcends the traditional to provide a broad canvas for multiple interpretations by select tattoo professionals.
In addition, the Arts Council partnered with artist Josh Williams, owner of Factory City Tattoo, and students in Chris Mayfield's A.P. Art class at Memorial High School in Wichita Falls. Under Josh's mentorship, the students collectively created 14 works of art inspired by and incorporating elements of American Traditional tattoo style.
Additional multimedia information about the history of the American Traditional style has been provided in partnership with Texas Folklife. Texas Folklife is a nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving, celebrating, and promoting the diverse cultural heritage of Texas.
Josh Williams has been in the tattoo industry most of his life. He got his start at a tattoo shop owned by a friend’s parents in Deep Ellum on the east side of Dallas. After serving as an apprentice for a year, Williams became a tattoo artist in 2007. From Elm Street Tattoo in Deep Ellum to the world-famous Aloha Monkey Tattoo Shop in Minnesota, he travels and works in shops across the nation and engages with community art programs. He owns and manages Factory City Tattoo at his home base in Wichita Falls, Texas.
JUDGE
Duffy Fortner is a renowned tattoo artist perhaps best known to the public for her impressive career on Spike TV's Ink Master. Fortner showcased her exceptional talent on season six, captivating judges with her unique style. She later returned as a coach in season 12, solidifying her position as a respected figure in the tattoo industry.
Duffy is a second-generation tattoo artist, following in the footsteps of her mother. The family-owned shop, Red Octopus Tattoo, was established in 1992 by her parents and has remained under their management since its inception. Duffy apprenticed under Dave Cruseman, who is well known for his American traditional style.
Artists
Jojo Ackerman • Lindsay Cadillac • Cori Crawford • Katie Davis • Hannah Edwards • Duffy Fortner • K’Lee Galloway • Tim Gillman • Jessie Green • Jeannette L. Herrera • Matt Kammerer • AJ Kappes • Misty Kilgore • Brandon Larsen • March Meadows • Issac McDonald • Avery Moorehead • Paul (Frog) Murphy • Shaun Newman • Two Eagles Norberto • Jacklyn Rich • Chad Ronilo • Nick Rose • Ben Rounds • Earl Sapp • Rodney Schneider • Emily Smith • Cindy Stroemple • Trish Jones • Leah Tate • Tif Taze • Brad Tierney • Oliva Torres • Brittanie Turpin • Shane Vick • Josh Williams • Rhiannon Winter
Wichita Falls Memorial High School AP Art Students
Phoebe Atkins • Fransisco Casas • Joanna Chen • Lauren Dillard • Sarah Elder • Karley Fisher • Ciara Franklin • Kaden Jones • Jonathan Miller • Loc Nguyen • Hunter Sparks • Dani Thorton • Cammy Tally-Drieth • Champ Wall
This exhibit is supported by
Sticker App, Blick Art Materials, Texas Folk Life, BroCro Creative, and Jeremy Howell in memory of Jason Howell
Click on the image to purchase artwork.
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The West End Gallery is on the first floor of The Kemp Center building located at 1300 Lamar, Wichita Falls, TX 76301. Call for further information: 940-767-2787 ext 117 or email galleries@artscouncilwf.org.
