Samara Flores MCALLEN – What started as a passion project has grown into a highly anticipated gathering of artists, enthusiasts and the local community.
The Palm City Tattoo Expo made its fifth and largest return to the Rio Grande Valley, hosting over 100 artists, 100 booths and more than 20 artists.
This expo is organized by tattoo artist Eric Ryan who is also the owner of a local tattoo parlor The Ink Elephant , who hosted the event on April 17th through the 19th at the McAllen Convention Center.
Ryan highlights the importance of celebrating the Valley’s art and culture.
“It’s the valley 956, I would like to think that we have our own flair,” Ryan said.
The expo focuses on all levels of artistic talent and includes tattoo education for the public. In addition to creating outlets for other mediums of art such as piercing, painting, handmade crafts, jewelry, clothing and more.
“We want to show that the Valley has incredible talent, and we also want to bring outside talent in that way people from the valley can experience things that are not from here,” Ryan said.
Ryan and The Ink Elephant team hope to continue expanding the event and invite the tattoo enthusiasts and the community to attend.
