Tattooing, or skin art, is amazingly diverse art form. I’ve seen tattoos that combine meticulous detail and vivid colors to create images as memorable as those painted on canvas or carved in alabaster.

I just found out that some of the world’s best practitioners of this art form will be in Rapid City Sept. 18 to 20 for the Black Hills Tattoo Convention.

Artists from Alaska to Florida have signed up to participate in the Rapid City convention, Taylor said. Local artists from South Dakota, Montana, Wyoming, Nebraska, North Dakota and Minnesota will also attend. Black Hills Tattoo & Piercing in Rapid City is the host shop for the convention.

And the legendary Lizardman, the human canvas and old-style sideshow performer who has toured worldwide, will be there. He has a full-body tattoo, a split tongue and a number of interesting piercings. His repertoire of classic sideshow acts includes fire-eating and sword-swallowing.
In addition, Deadwood’s own “Flaunt,” an all-woman revue that mixes burlesque and Broadway entertainment, will perform during the convention.

Organizer Heather Taylor of Rapid City said her goal is to make the Black Hills Tattoo Convention a can’t-miss annual event for tattoo artists nationwide. Many are already familiar with the Black Hills. Some of the best tattoo artists in the country are based in the Black Hills. In addition, many top artists set up shop each August during the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally.
“We have really tried to make this convention for the artists,” she said. “We want it to be as unique the Black Hills.”

Convention events will include tattoo contests, an artist’s gallery, vendor displays and live tattooing throughout the convention. (To schedule an appointment, visit the artists-and-vendors page at www.bhtattooconvention.com.) There will also be professional seminars and workshops.
The convention is open to the public. Admission is $10 per day or $25 for a three-day pass. Children under 12 get in free, but all children under 16 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.

For more information, visit the website www.bhtattooconvention.com, or contact Taylor at bhtattooconvention@gmail.com.