Literary Ink After Party | The Big Chill Drag Show
On March 3-5, 2023, Chattanooga hosted Literary Ink, a Harry Potter themed tattoo convention, in Chattanooga, Tennessee. Main Line Tattoo hosted the event for the 3 3/4th time! The last few years have created challenges in getting together, so this year was extra special as several attendees haven't seen in each other since 2020 or before. Way. Too. Long. Tattoo artists from all over the world met with local artisans to provide a uniquely magical experience.
I got to hang out at the Convention for a little big on Day 2, and I stuck around for the Tattoo of the Day Awards portion of the evening. The talent on display was unreal! From tattoo artists to vendors, there were so many creations that my artist heart was leaping for joy. I even scored some Butterbeer lip balm for my boys.
Once Day 3 wrapped at the Convention Center, everyone gathered for an afterparty at The Big Chill and Grill. The party included a drag show starring Veronica Day, Gin Von Tonic, Mimick, and Foofy—and they put on one hell of a show.
Veronica Day started the show off right. When at a drag show at Tennessee, if you don't start with Dolly Parton, you're doing it wrong.
Gin Von Tonic was a REAL crowd pleaser, and I immediately started following her on all the socials to see where else I can catch performances.
Mimick recently made a move down to the Atlanta area, so it was wonderful to see her back in town! If you ever get a chance to see her live, I'm gonna give you a tip and tell you to save your $20s for her. You'll hear why in her intro and thank me later.
The last Queen to take the stage was Foofy, a local favorite known for her theatric performances and high energy. She took the excitement to the NEXT LEVEL!
All in all, I can't think of a more fun way to wrap up a convention that put Chattanooga's tattoo community on the worldwide map. Jennifer Edge, co-owner of Main Line Tattoo, and her crew put this shindig together, and she has brought in artists from literally all over the world. Jenn's birthday was also part of the weekend's festivities, but she always turns the focus back to the community that surrounds her. As we gathered to sing happy birthday to this boss babe, she talked of how the weekend meant so much to her personally and professionally and how our city showed up for her and this crew of misfits. I am proud to be a part of the Main Line extended creative family. The first time I met Jenn, she told me, "You've got a spark about you," and I felt like she truly SAW me... And since then, I've seen her give that same profound encouragement to countless other artists. She has an artist's heart and is a unifier of people, and for that, I am grateful.
This was my first Literary Ink, but it will NOT be my last. I'm ready to get dates in my calendar for next year and make my own appointment for my permanent souvenir of Literary Ink 2024.
AND! Big thank you to this lady right here, Morgan, owner of Little Bird Shot. She specializes in concert and event photography, and she was the PERFECT companion to help get a complete depiction of this event for Main Line. Be sure to follow her journey - she is doing some crazy cool stuff this year! (Link is at the bottom of this post.) Morgan, ILYSM!!!
I hope the Queens love their photos so I can take them again next year!!!
Comment on this blog if I'll see you at Literary Ink 2024! XOXO, PIE
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