June is lively with the tail end of fine art and fundraising in the tattooing communities of Long Beach's historical downtown neighborhood. While folks gear up for summer expos, there's still time to get excited. Plenty of works are already out there to be seen and supported!
Tattoo collective Sullen Clothing is hosting an art fundraiser for Good Time Charlie as he and his team build a national tattoo history museum, the Tattoo Heritage Project, in historical downtown Long Beach, California. Donations are open call! Contributions must only be on theme to "What tattooing means to you," and mailed to Jeremy Hanna at 1799 Apollo Ct. Seal Beach, CA 90740 -- the headquarters of Tattoo Heritage project. If you're unsure whether your work might fit the bill, reach out to @gtc_tattooman or @tattoo_heritage_project with a comment or DM. Just be sure to write your Instagram handle, full name, and email on the back as well as meet size and display conditions for whatever work you may donate.
Through June 26th, Long Beach Museum of Art Downtown is hosting Out of Step/Out of Line, an exhibition featuring artists who balance professional and aesthetic traditionalism with a personally meaningful and at times dissenting studio practice based on their interests, background, and cultural heritage. This show was co-curated with the help of San Pedro-based artist Nathan Kostechko, known for a strong fine art presence in addition to his successful tattoo career. Guaranteed, a new artist will catch your attention. Located on 365 E 3rd Street, LBMA's doors are open to the public Thursday-Sunday, 12-5pm.
Raking Lights Projects LA gallery is currently showcasing the solo works of tattooist Oliver Macintosh. With a strong focus and expertise in traditional dragons, it's a unique opportunity to see his original paintings and screen prints together all in one place. There are only a couple weeks left until Raking Lights will start exhibiting the work of tattoo artist, print maker and painter Cheyenne Sawyer on Saturday, June 18th from 7-10pm. Sawyer's professional history includes beautifully shaded and lined American traditional and designs stemming from Native decorative arts. Both exhibits can be visited at 1300 Glendale Blvd, Los Angeles CA 90026. For more information, visit the Raking Lights Instagram page.