LANCASTER COUNTY, Pa. — The energy was electric at the Wyndham Expo Center in East Lampeter Township on Friday as hundreds packed the space for the second annual Lancaster Tattoo Art Festival.
For organizer Jessica Ward, the festival offers an opportunity to heal.
“It’s beautiful, it’s a beautiful thing being able to cover scars from domestic violence or names of an abuser, that’s an amazing thing to be able to do, but I also love to do custom designs and give people what they want, I like to make people happy,” Ward said.
The festival raises money for charities like the Milagro House, a nonprofit that provides resources and support to women and children who’ve experienced homelessness. Ward herself is a survivor of domestic violence.
“Milagro House really protected me in a time where I really needed to be protected and I’m very excited to be able to raise money for them, so everything from the pinup pageant goes to them,” she said.
She opened her business, Lancaster Tattoo Supply, to help other artists fulfill their career goals.
Inked In Tattoos and Piercings artist, Nicholas Lofton, says the festival is a chance to help people feel comfortable in their own skin.
“Some have rough stories some have really amazing stories; it really is all about how you want to express yourself to the world and tattooing is probably the best form of artwork for that,” Lofton said.
The festival features 200 tattoo artists from across Pennsylvania and even a few from out of state.
Organizers expect 2,000 people to come through the doors over the weekend.
“It’s going to mean something when it gets done, right now it just means I’m getting a tattoo,” said guest Kyle K., from York County.
“Coming to conventions, I’ve made more friends than I do clients sometimes,” Lofton said.
A portion of proceeds is expected to be donated to other local groups, including Mental Health America and the Lancaster County Correctional Facility.
“I’m hoping whatever we get it’ll be just as great for the next one,” Ward said.
The festival runs until Sunday, March 3 at 7 p.m.
Tickets can be purchased online or at the door.