First Time Festival Guide: WV Tattoo Expo, Morgantown, WV. (PLUS Meet two local artists!)

The WV Tattoo Expo is held in Morgantown, WV

Over 200 talented artists come together; Open and Available.

Tattooing and Piercing on site.

Meet two talented artists from Morgantown.

Patty Colebank is one of the longest running female tattoo veterans in West Virginia.

Anna Delozier is a Deaf artist who specializes in Tattooing and Woodcarving.

Is the WV Tattoo Expo good for kids?

Is the Tattoo Expo dog friendly?

Everything you need to know before heading to the WV Tattoo Expo!

I have tattoos.

Other people have tattoos.

I like tattoos.

I like tattoos on other people.

Tattoos tell stories.

Stories share experiences.

Experiences bring Life.

Life is a Journey.

15 Signs that you are Visually Oriented…

As someone who is Visually Oriented; I see everything. Which makes it so easy to recognize a tattoo. I’ve been a part of a few great conversations that began with;

“I really like your tattoo!”

In the Greater Morgantown area; most respond with “Thanks! I got it at Pattys!”.

Check out this mural at “Pattys”!
WV Legends: Exploring the Cryptid Mural in a Morgantown Tattoo Parlor

Others respond by showing me more. Then there’s a few special folks that share their story. Friendships have formed this way.

Stories brought to Life

I’ve got 14 tattoos. Most were done by my sister. Each one of my tattoos; I can point and tell you a story from a part of my life. Most were planned; months of planning and deliberating. My first tattoo from the WV Tattoo Expo was random gumball machine surprise!

My *last* tattoo from the **WV Tattoo Expo**.
I grew up watching Arthur.

The Artist Perspective

As they say; “Art is an expression!”. Most tattoos are meaningful; showing individuality on the body. It forms from an idea. Art can be inspired by the past, present, or future.

Ink-spiring Ideas

Whether it be a character or an uplifting quote. Tribal. Crosses. Flowers. Or a really good portrait. Ideas become design. And by design; an artist brings an idea to life.

Visibly Designed

We all see things differently. An artist delicately takes your own idea. Visibily creating your thoughts into life. Whatever the medium; paint, pencil, or tattoo gun. It takes communication.

Art is not what you see. But what you make others see.

–Edgar Degas

Meet two talented artists from Morgantown

Patty Colebank is one of the longest running female tattoo veterans in West Virginia.

Meet Patty, she is the co-owner of PattysArtspot. She has owned and operated her business in Morgantown since 1990. The “Mistress of Pain” has made a significant mark on the Greater Morgantown area.

How long have you been an artist?
- I’ve been an artist since I could hold a pencil. Even in Kindergarten kids would ask me to draw things for their parents.
How did you get into tattooing?
- When I was in college, I started hanging out at the tattoo studio in Fairmont (Thinkin Ink)whenever I had free time(I worked full time and went to school full time, so there wasn’t a LOT of extra time). I would help customers find patterns, draw things for them, sweep the floor–anything to help the owner (so he wouldn’t think I was just loitering there). After a while he asked if I wanted to learn to tattoo. It didn’t take me long to say YES!!! I was a junior in college when I started my apprenticeship.
In your opinion, what’s the best thing about tattoos?
- The best part of tattooing is the time I get to spend with people from all over the world, and all walks of life. I learn so much from my customers!
What advice would you give to fellow artists and creative minds?
- The advice I would give artists: never stop making art! If you are a true maker, you can’t help yourself -you’ll make art anywhere, any how, by any means with any product you can get ahold of.
Ballpark estimate: How many tattoos have you given over the years?
- I would guess I’ve done 25-35 thousand tattoos in the last 36 years (but, that’s just a guess).

Anna Delozier is a Deaf artist who specializes in Tattooing and Woodcarving.

**Anna’s ASL name sign;**
**Woodcarver + Artist**

Anna began her tattoo apprenticeship in 2021. Anna walked into the shop, and inquired to learn the art of tattooing. Patty knew some sign language from taking community courses. Since their friendship; they have both learned so much from each other. Full circle; giving and receiving. In the Fall of 2023; Patty enrolled into Pierpont Technical to learn sign language.

How long have you been an artist?
- I grew up drawing and thankful to pappyland to make me grow my favorite experience.

Anna grew up watching Pappyland.

How did you get into tattooing?
- I was starting to do tattoo 3 years ago. If it wasn’t for Patty I will not able do this.
As a Deaf tattoo artist; What are some of your strengths or challenges?
- The challenge for me is trying to communicate with people and get what they really want.
  I would help them to understand it very important to communicate thru email so they can get what they want so I don’t have to worry about communicating thru hard ways.
What advice would you give to the Deaf Community in accomplishing goals?
- Deaf tattoo artist are very rare in deaf communities. I only know a few of em. But my opinion I think they should get a chance because they have amazing eyes able to see and really good hands that can keep it going. I feel like I don’t really need to communicate to my client if I know what they want. I can focus on my job better.

Meander the Masterpieces

Walking around the expo; there was so much talent to admire. Over 200 booths!One of my favorite booths was @MAIZART. Meeting Maiz was such a pleasure! He came from New Hampshire to set up at the WV Tattoo Expo. He’s one of the very few American Tebori Tattoo artists. His style with Japanese Traditional is so unique.

Incredibly Gifted!

The Mindset Journey is a path of believing, striving, reaching and accomplishing. All things are possible. Live fully, and be fulfilled! Enjoy the present; you were born with a special gift. Open up and use that gift! Surprise yourself, and you’ll surprise others. As God has surprised you.

Everything you need to know before heading to the WV Tattoo Expo!

Is the WV Tattoo Expo good for kids?

I’m gonna say no. Children 12 and under are FREE. There’s a temporary tattoo station, stickers, and candy. The expo is not quite the environment that keeps kids occupied and entertained. There’s no bounce houses or pony rides, or much for the kids in general.

Is the Tattoo Expo dog friendly?

Service dogs are permitted. Pets are not allowed.

Parking: Parking is $1 per hour in the parking garage. There are two garages nearby. There’s a few free spots by the trail. Or you could hop the bus (no need to park!).

I rode the Morgantown Mountain Line! (My First Bus Ride as a Property Tax Payer)

General Cost: If you’re shopping around for an artist; this is a GREAT deal. Artists all over the country for the cost of half a tank of gas! However, if you’ve already got an artist in mind. You may want to skip admission and book an appointment directly.

Atmosphere: I tell my friends; Ya gotta get a tattoo done at the expo! It’s not like, the typical parlor vibes. It’s HUGE! Plenty to gawk at. Prime spot for people watching. Cool vendors. Many art pieces for sale. T-Total type one fest. So much to shop and look! Art everywhere.

Food/Bar lines: There are concessions available. The lines are short. However, the food and drinks are rather expensive.

Cleanliness: Marriott at the Waterfront is a beautiful venue. Spacious for crowds. Clean and pristine. Restrooms and trash were kept tidy. In my experience, the booths were cleaned and sanitized properly.

Service of Staff: From ticketing to security; the staff provided a pleasant experience.