When and where did the 4th Spring West Virginia Tattoo Expo take place?

The event took place April 9-11, 2001, at the Morgantown Marriott at Waterfront Place in Morgantown, West Virginia. The venue sits along the Monongahela River near the university campus and Interstate 68.

What happened at this tattoo convention?

The expo featured live tattooing stations where artists took appointments and walk-ups, vendor booths selling equipment and aftercare products, and tattoo competitions. Artists displayed portfolios and worked on clients throughout the three-day event in the hotel convention space.

How do I get tickets to tattoo conventions in West Virginia?

For this 2001 event, tickets were available at the door or through advance purchase at local tattoo shops. For current West Virginia tattoo events, check official event websites or contact local tattoo shops in Morgantown for upcoming convention announcements.

What should I bring to a tattoo convention?

Bring valid government-issued ID for age verification, cash for deposits or merchandise, comfortable clothing, and reference images if you plan to get tattooed. A portfolio helps if you are seeking work from specific artists, and comfortable shoes are essential for walking the convention floor.

Is Morgantown a good city for tattoo culture?

Morgantown has a diverse tattoo scene influenced by West Virginia University students and Appalachian traditional styles. The city supports several established shops and has hosted tattoo conventions since the late 1990s, making it a regional hub for tattoo art in the Mountain State.

4th Spring West Virginia Tattoo Expo

Name: 4th Spring West Virginia Tattoo Expo
Start: 2001-04-09
End: 2001-04-11
Location: Morgantown Marriott at Waterfront Place

The 4th Spring West Virginia Tattoo Expo took place April 9 through April 11, 2001, at the Morgantown Marriott at Waterfront Place in Morgantown, West Virginia. This three-day convention marked the fourth installment of the annual spring gathering, establishing itself as a fixture for tattoo collectors and artists in the Appalachian region. Morgantown sits in northern West Virginia along the Monongahela River and serves as home to West Virginia University. The city's tattoo culture blends Appalachian traditional influences with the steady influx of college students, creating a market for both classic American flash and custom contemporary work. The Marriott at Waterfront Place provided a central venue with river views and direct access from Interstate 68, making it accessible for regional travelers. The event utilized the hotel's convention space for tattoo stations where artists worked on clients throughout the weekend. Vendor booths lined the floor, offering tattoo equipment, supplies, aftercare products, and printed flash sheets. Competitions ran during the event with categories for different tattoo styles, though specific 2001 winners are not documented in available records. As the fourth edition, this expo had moved beyond the startup phase of a new convention. The spring timing positioned it as a preparatory event for artists and collectors ahead of the summer tattoo season. The hotel venue allowed for an intimate setting where attendees could interact directly with artists without the overwhelming scale of modern mega-conventions. Practical arrangements for the 2001 event included on-site parking at the Marriott and connected hotel accommodations for out-of-town visitors. The Waterfront Place district offered dining options within walking distance. Attendees typically brought cash for deposits, valid identification for age verification, and reference materials if seeking specific tattoo designs. The convention represented the early 2000s era of tattoo culture, before reality television brought mainstream attention to the industry. The focus remained on the craft itself, with artists displaying portfolios and taking appointments for future work alongside walk-up tattoos completed during the event. Regional artists from West Virginia, Pennsylvania, Ohio, and Virginia comprised the majority of participants, reflecting the event's role as a networking hub for the Mid-Atlantic tattoo community.