'It's great, it's very festive': tattoo convention returns to Winnipeg
The return of conventions to Manitoba continues, as the Winnipeg Tattoo Convention brought skin art enthusiasts from around the world to the Red River Exhibition Park this weekend.
Event coordinator Rich Handford was excited to be back after a two-year absence, "It is exhilarating! Tattoos are iconic images that speak to everyone in one way or another," he said. "After two years of pretty severe provincial regulations, it's wonderful to be back and hosting all of these smiling faces."
More than 200 tattoo artists were at the event, 70 of them from Manitoba. Handford says some artists traveled from as far away as England and Spain to attend. "We have some of the best men and women working in tattooing today at this show," he said.
Tattoo artist Safwan was there with four members of his crew representing Imago, a Montreal-based tattoo shop. He says it's great to be back at a convention after two years of health restrictions.
"It was devastating for a lot of people, we're still standing, luckily there's still shows happening like this one, but yeah it was a tough one for everybody," he said.
The convention ran for a few hours Friday evening, all day Saturday until 11:00 p.m., and on Sunday from 11:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Other attractions included live music and a beer garden, as well as motorcycles and classic cars.
Safwan says tattoo conventions are an integral part of his business. "We connect with our peers, connect with the general public in a way that you can't do in a shop. It's great, it's very festive," he said.
"It's a chance for us to get back together as an industry and show what we can do."
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Bodies recovered in Mexico likely 2 Australians, 1 American who went missing: officials
Three bodies recovered in an area of Baja California are likely to be those of the two Australians and an American who went missing last weekend during a camping and surfing trip, the state prosecutor’s office said Saturday.
Maple Leafs eliminated from NHL playoffs with Game 7 OT loss to Bruins
Sheldon Keefe told his players hockey history would remember them one way or another.
Amid climate change warnings, Canadians lukewarm on electric vehicles
Amid scientists' warnings that nations need to transition away from fossil fuels to limit climate change, Canadians are still lukewarm on electric vehicles, according to a study conducted by Nanos Research for CTV News.
What a judge's gag order on Trump means in his hush money case
A gag order bars Trump from commenting publicly on witnesses, jurors and some others connected to the matter. The New York judge already has found that Trump, the presumptive Republican nominee for president, repeatedly violated the order, fined him US$9,000 and warning that jail could follow if he doesn't comply.
No proof man lied to brother about number of kittens born in litter, B.C. tribunal rules
A man was denied a $5,000 payout from his brother after a B.C. tribunal dismissed his claim disputing how many kittens were born in a litter.
Pro-Palestinian protesters at USC comply with school order to leave their encampment
Protesters left a pro-Palestinian encampment at the University of Southern California early Sunday after they were surrounded by police and told they could face arrest if they didn’t go.
Trudeau 'absolutely' best person to lead the Liberals in next election: LeBlanc says
Cabinet minister Dominic LeBlanc insists he's not planning a leadership campaign to head the Liberal party, should current leader and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau resign, seemingly quashing rumours he's planning to make a move for his boss' job.
Bombarded with spam texts? Stats show the problem is getting worse in Canada
In particular, messages that involve phishing — an attack where a scammer tries to trick the recipient into clicking a malicious link, downloading malware or sharing sensitive information — are on the rise.
Madonna's biggest-ever concert transforms Rio's Copacabana beach into a massive dance floor
Madonna put on a free concert on Copacabana beach Saturday night, turning Rio de Janeiro's vast stretch of sand into an enormous dance floor teeming with a multitude of her fans.