Get a closer look at the world of tattooing with the Foundry Art Centre’s newest exhibition, Missouri Ink. More than 300 photographs will depict the inner workings of 23 tattoo studios: a peek behind the curtain that most people, tattooed or not, may never get to see. See tattoo artists drawing up sketches, interacting with their clients, and practicing their craft. 

The exhibition will open July 5 with a reception from 5-8 p.m. This event is part of the Foundry’s First Friday series, where guests can expect art activities, live music, and a bar service. Missouri Ink will be on view until August 24.

“The Foundry’s mission is to show artwork of all types and allow the community to see the large range of art that there is,” Jessica Mannisi, Foundry’s director of art and exhibitions, says. “This is a beautiful chance to show the skill, creativity, and artistry that tattoo artists have.”

The Foundry Art Centre’s main gallery will be split into two portions. The first third of the gallery will be laid out like its very own tattoo studio: guests will walk into a seating area, fashioned to look like a waiting room, with original watercolor flash sheets displayed on the walls and books about tattoos to read. 

The rest of the gallery is devoted to the photos themselves. The photographs, taken by photographer Mary Van Winkle, are grouped by location so guests can immerse themselves in one tattoo studio or another as they meander through the room.

Spaced throughout the room are pedestals which display synthetic arms, hands, and yellow rubber ducks, each tattooed by featured artists. Approximately 10 synthetic arms and hands are available for purchase at the Foundry Art Centre, and the 30 ducks will be sold through an online silent auction. All the proceeds from the tattooed ducks go to the St. Louis chapter of Bikers Against Child Abuse. 

To close the exhibition, a Tattoo Arts & Crafts Fair will be held on August 23 and 24 in collaboration with Oasis Studio and Gallery. The fair will celebrate the art of tattoos, feature live demonstrations and artist talks, and host live music and food trucks at the Foundry Art Centre.