Live cameras rolled as the tattoo needle buzzed on Brooks Smith’s ankle at CultureWorks’ 3/31/2011 press conference. We were at River City Tattoo Company and neighboring Stronghill Dining Company to unveil 10 confirmed tattoo virgins who were now getting inked to confirm their convictions that arts and culture need to be permanent and enduring parts of great communities.
 

“Where are you going to get yours?” was the pre-tattoo question that all of us heard. At the press conference we showcased our answers: Jim Rothrock at the base of the back of his neck, kb Saine on the inside of her wrist, Sam Forrest at the juncture of his thumb and forefinger, Maggi Beckstoffer at the tiptop of her thigh, and Brooks and the rest of us on our lower legs and ankles. I am of course proud that CultureWorks is the nation’s first nonprofit organization to do this: provide a real tattoo as a benefit to donors.

And I am also proud to partner with Jessica Simmons – owner of River City and Stronghill – who is donating the tattoo services for the good of the cause.