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As most of you probably know, this past weekend was the Detroit Motor City Tattoo Expo. This year marked the 15th anniversary of the show, and despite the bad weather – the turnout was great. The artist turn out was nothing short than stellar, and the floor was packed all weekend.

As always, I brought out my camera and tried to capture some of the quality work that surrounded me. I snapped entirely too many pictures to post on here, so I’m just going to post the cream of the crop. Please remember, my photography skills are amateur at best.

If you’re interested in seeing all of the mediocre pictures I took, become a fan of Tattoo Snob on Facebook. All of the pictures from this past weekend are posted in the albums.

Could this be the best tattoo contest category ever?

Having a “worst tattoo” contest is nothing new, but the winning entry’s prize involving a bucket of rocks and a gift certificate toward have it removed is genius. This is just one of the many events going on at the Salt Lake City Tattoo Convention this weekend. If you’re interested in entering, or just looking for a laugh, details of the contest can be found here.

To celebrate the release of the “A Love Letter For You Brick Valentines On The Philly Skyline” book by Free News Projects, a series of events is taking place in Philadelphia. Here’s the lowdown from the artist:

I am taking over the Northern Liberties tattoo shop (Olde City Tattoo) for a week, and the only artwork that will be on offer will be all Steve Powers, all week long. All your favorite icons, punchlines, poignant reminders of the futility of life, hilarious illustrations of our inadequacies, True depictions of true love from the Love Letter project, and of course, PIGEONS. Its all here, it’s cheap, its permanent. No, I’m not tattooing, no skills. I will, however, sign your arm and let one of the skilled pros on staff at Todd’s shop re-ink it, fair enough?

There are also plans for a book signing on Saturday, February 13th at Exit Philadelphia Skateshop next door, further details available at the project blog: aloveletterforyou.com. If you’re interested, scope out some of the 40 flash pages (that’s right, forty pages) they’re offering at the shop here.

Last Rites Gallery opened their newest show this past Saturday night. Originally the show was supposed to feature Fred Harper and Nick Baxter, but then it changed to a solo exhibition for Nick. Now the Last Rites website lists both solo exhibitions for Nick Baxter and Fred Harper, so I don’t really understand what’s going on.

Whether it’s Nick and Fred, or just Nick – the show runs now through February 27th. If you’re interested in checking the exhibit(s) out, the gallery is opened Tuesday-Friday from 2-9pm, Saturday from 2-9pm, and Sunday from 2-6pm.

If you’re unable to make it to Last Rites, fear not – you can still see the work. Nick has all of the pieces from the exhibition featured in a calendar for sale.

Black 13 Tattoo just announced that Josh Woods, Steve Martin, and Ian White will all be attending the Detroit Motor City Tattoo Expo during February 26th – February 28th. They’re currently taking appointments if you’re interested in getting tattooed, drop them an e-mail.

If you need anything to help convince you, check out this portrait by Josh Woods:

Oliver Peck and the crew over at Elm Street Tattoo are having another one of their legendary parties on Friday, December 18th. Along with the normal debauchery, the party will included live performances by The Architects (KCMO), The Miss Fits, White Punks On Dope, and DJ Hammertimez.

Please note the party is described as a wig party, so you need to start your shopping now! Oh, and you don’t want to show up in the same wig as someone else – so below is a picture of a wig that Oliver has worn in the past.

If you’re in the Dallas area, I highly suggest you check this out. If I was within driving distance, I would be there. From what I’ve heard, these parties are always a blast and tend to get a little wild. Additional details can be found here.

Tickets are currently on sale at the link above, and they’re only $6. A limited number are available, so don’t sleep on this.

Hope Gallery Tattoo is hosting a grand re-opening party tomorrow night, and also included their 6th annual art show, Fear of the Dark. The festivities begin at 7pm, and are open to the public.

I don’t have a list of artists that are participating, but I do know that Nathan Kostechko has this in the show. Interesting topic for a ‘Fear of the Dark’ show, isn’t it? Or should I say inspired?

Paul from Rock the Ink let me know that the Atlanta show (December 18th – 20th) has been canceled.

According to Paul there was an issue with the venue, so they’re currently searching for a new one.

Intuit, the center intuitive and outsider art in Chicago is holding an interesting event on December 3rd:

Last Rites Gallery has their final show of 2009 opening this Saturday night. The show features the work of Paul Gerrard (picture of work above) and Craig LaRotonda (picture of work below.) Opening night is free, and runs from 7pm to 11pm.

The event is opened throughout the end of the year. As always, the Last Rites Gallery is opened Tuesday through Saturday from 2pm to 9pm, Sunday from 2pm to 6pm, and closed on Mondays.

Apparently Johnny Depp is a fan of Craig LaRotonda’s work, as he’s quoted in the Last Rites newsletter saying “Lyrical, beguiling, poetic, unearthly, enchanting and unnerving in equal measure. I can barely bring myself to look away from these mirrored remnants of a forgotten history; innocence as grotesque, grotesque as innocence. I like it.”