With the Vancouver Tattoo Show at the end of May, ink is on everybody’s mind and two B.C. brands are coming together to spotlight one of Vancouver’s original tattoo artists.
On May 25, B.C.’s top Okanagan wine brand, Vintage Ink, is partnering with iconic shop Palace Tattoo to pay homage to one of Canada’s original vintage inkers, Doc Forbes.
Tattoo and art lovers can come together at this event for a free sampling of Vintage Ink wines or get one of 10 complimentary tattoos inspired by Doc Forbes’ iconic flash designs on display at Palace Tattoo.
The event will be held from 5:30-8:30 p.m, where tattoos will be inked on a first-come, first-served basis surrounded by the largest collection of Doc Forbes’ art and meticulously sourced décor that serves as a time capsule to Vancouver culture.
After getting a tattoo, attendees can leave the event with a free bottle of Vintage Ink to take home and enjoy.
Vintage Ink and Palace Tattoo share a fondness for celebrating the originals, the ones who find identity in their creativity and find pride in their communities.
The Vintage Ink winemakers are masters of their craft, producing premium wines using locally-cultivated Okanagan grapes and experimenting with wine aging in tequila and whisky barrels.
Traveling extensively with carnivals and circuses until he settled in Vancouver, steps from where Palace Tattoo is located, Doc was an early user of the electric tattoo machine.
With naval ports nearby, his ink sailed as far and wide as the navy did, making him one of the first Canadian tattoo artists to be internationally known.
Attendees can enjoy the atmosphere of the retro tattoo parlour, learn about Vancouver’s original tattoo artists with Palace Tattoo owners Chris Hold and Nick Wako and arrive early to secure a complimentary tattoo from a series of pre-selected art.
Individuals who are not getting a tattoo can look at Doc Forbes art and sample some of Vintage Ink’s most popular labels.
Vintage Ink wines are also available for purchase at BC Liquor stores, select private wine stores, and online at Great Estates Okanagan.
*Those individuals who are getting tattooed at the event must abstain from alcohol consumption before and after their session and fill out a waiver upon arrival. For clarity, individuals who receive a complimentary tattoo are not permitted to consume samples of Vintage Ink wines at the event. All attendees must be 19+. Vintage Ink and Palace Tattoo cannot guarantee tattoo sessions. Palace Tattoo will perform 10 complimentary tattoos throughout the entirety of the event.