exhibitions

Tattoo Art of the 21st Century

Work by Milwaukee tattoo artists

August 6, 2026 – September 20, 2026

The Charles Allis Art Museum is pleased to invite you to our upcoming exhibition Tattoo Art of the 21st Century, a show celebrating the creativity, skill, and cultural impact of Milwaukee’s contemporary tattoo community.

This exhibition aims to bring shops and artists throughout Milwaukee together, and provide artists with a unique platform to showcase their artwork in our Great Hall community gallery space. 

Opening Reception: August 6 | 5-9 PM   RSVP HERE 

On view: August 6 - September 20

Since the early 20th Century, Milwaukee has had an unsure relationship with permanent body art. From the legendary Amund Dietzal’s arrival to Milwaukee in 1914, tattooed people presenting in circus sideshow attractions in Baraboo, to the prohibition of tattooing in Wisconsin from 1967 until 1998, individual artists' perseverance has kept the art form alive. We seek to highlight the exceptional artistic talent and dedication of practicing tattoo artists across the city today. 

At the Charles Allis Art Museum, we are committed to fostering meaningful conversations, sharing diverse artistic perspectives, and creating an inclusive space for artists and the broader community. Tattoos are among the most personal forms of artistic expression, allowing individuals to share pieces of their identity and experiences with the world around them. We hope you will join us in showcasing the remarkable skill of the artists in Milwaukee that we trust with pieces of our identity.

Participating tattoo shops include: Walker's Point Tattoo, Fates Aligned Tattoo, Black Dawn Tattoo, Good Land Tattoo, and more!