WINSLOW — The fourth annual festival of tattoos and body modification known as Inkfest will return to PT’s Bar, located at 1500 E. Third St. in Winslow on Oct. 13 and 14.
The event, which heralds itself as, “a celebration of all things body modification,” brings hundreds of visitors to Winslow each year. Approximately 15 tattoo artists gather at PT’s to show off their art and to permanently illustrate patrons. Venue owner Mark Dragoo said, “All art should be appreciated and body art is becoming one of the most popular art forms.”
The festival began as a project by the Winslow Arts Council in 2015. Recording secretary Roberta Cano said, “This festival is like our baby, we love it so much and are so glad Lauralee (Parsons) and PT’s were able to take it over.” Parsons took the reigns as organizer in 2016 following the departure of the Arts Council. Cano said, “We did our job as a council, we started the process on showcasing this different type of art and now it’s totally their event.”
Since Parsons’ takeover, Inkfest has grown to include more artists and a very extensive pin up pageant that contestant Lily Lace called, “The best pageant in Northern Arizona.” Parsons said, “My reasoning for continuing this festival is simply to celebrate the artistry that is tattooing. It gets bigger and better every year and we have some amazing artists from all over the state come to our little town.”
One of those artists, who will be making his second appearance at Inkfest is Michael Otero. Otero has been tattooing professionally for eight years and currently tattoos at Battleship Tattoo in Sierra Vista. “It is a great shop to work in,” he said. He and his shop mate Katie Bink will be attending this year’s event.
Otero recently wrote of his experience last year in his blog, “The attendees and artists who showed up couldn’t have been better people. Really, the turn out was great.” Otero explained that it was Parsons’ love for the art that made him decide to attend the festival in the first place. “As long as Lauralee keeps hosting Inkfest, we will keep coming.” Otero also mentioned that before being invited to Inkfest, he thought of Winslow as, “That town from the Eagles song,” and not much more. “Now, I look forward to visiting every year.”
Otero said, “I don’t attend tattoo shows all that often. I feel like the motivation of a lot of promoters and event organizers have is misplaced. This event is a breath of fresh air. It’s actually about art and the craft. I dig that. That’s why I keep coming back.”
Other artists have expressed the same sentiments, of the venue being hospitable, Parsons as the organizer being attentive and accommodating, and the crowd being receptive to the art. Local tattoo artist, Fernando Lopez said, “It is the event I look forward to the most each year. I was one of the first to do Inkfest and I love it.” Patrons of the event also speak highly of it. Nicole Kester said, “It’s an event unlike any other it’s a place where no one is judged for how they look. When you walk into PT’s during Inkfest, you can instantly feel the creative energy. It’s the one time of year where I can allow my guard down and know that I’ll be accepted regardless of my tattoos. It is the ink that binds us.”
Tattoos are the main attraction at Inkfest. Artists set appointments and take walk-in clients as well. During the event, tattoo contests take place, showcasing the artists’ work and giving collectors an opportunity to take home prizes.
In addition to world-class tattoo artists, the event also offers a kid zone with temporary tattoos and coloring pages, street artists, live music and multiple vendors. “This year we have a barbecue truck, tacos and a pizza truck, which is great to keep everyone fed. We also have vendors from all over that come to show off what they have been working on all year,” said Parsons.
Vendors sell many different wares, including handmade jewelry and accessories, art and more. “We have a lot of unique things to buy and look at, and I am also excited about the bands we have this year, The D.L. Harrison Band on Saturday and Kit Shicker on Sunday. Both are so good,” said Parsons.
“One of the things that people look the most forward to each year is our Pin Up Pageant,” continued Parsons, “It truly is the best in Northern Arizona. This year, there are 17 girls competing for the crown. The pageant is fun; it has choreography, interviews and some really cool vintage fashion. It starts at 3 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 14.”
Returning pageant contestant Sara Sullivan, who travels from Prescott each year to participate said, “I like the sense of community and comradery and homey atmosphere. It’s a competition but it feels more like a stage production because of the support.”
Parsons begins planning Inkfest in July each year. “It takes a lot of planning and logistics. I have to contact the artists and vendors and make sure all of their credentials are in place. I also have to make sure the venue is ready, make sure all of the pageant contestants know their choreography and so much more. I am the organizer, facilitator and promoter, and I will say that it is a labor of love!”
Dragoo added, “We are very proud of the fact that we offer the opportunity to allow artists the space and time to portray their worn masterpieces.”
Inkfest opens at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Oct. 13, at PT’s Bar, located at 1500 E. Third St. in Winslow. There is no admission and the daytime events are all ages. On Sunday, Oct. 14, doors open at 10 a.m. For a full schedule of events or for more information, follow Inkfest on Facebook at www.facebook.com/inkfest2018.
