The enterprising couple being represented by the conservative Goldwater Institute in their fight against the Tempe City Council are the owners of a mainstream business: A tattoo parlor.

“It’s a shame that the council members in this case are reluctant to see that.” “Times have changed,” said Clint Bolick, director of the Goldwater Institute’s Scharf-Norton Center for Constitutional Litigation. It all started when Tom and Elizabeth Preston, owners of the Virtual Reality tattoo studio in Mesa, decided to set up a new shop in a Tempe strip mall on Scottsdale Road. The owner of a plumbing business located near the proposed tattoo parlor told the council, “It’s going to look like another skid row if we let this kind of business come in.” The Prestons have operated for 14 years and have a clean record.Īnd while Tempe city employees charged with granting permits to business owners sided with the Prestons, the shop was opposed by the North Tempe Neighborhood Association. The Pew Research Center did a study recently and reported that 36 percent of those ages 18 to 25, and 40 percent of those 26 to 40, have at least one tattoo.Įarlier this month, thousands attended the ninth annual Arizona Tattoo Expo at the Mesa Convention Center. One exhibitor told The Republic, “Can you believe it, with this economy we still are going to have more than 3,000 people here today? This really is the ‘people’s art’ and the people are here today to prove how much they like it.” Publications throughout the country have done articles about how tattoo studios seem to be one of the few “recession-proof” businesses. “In taking this case we want to emphasize that the law is meant to treat everyone equally and not to be politicized by folks who are basing their decisions on old, worn-out stereotypes,” Bolick said. Last week, a Maricopa County Superior Court judge said that the Tempe council had improperly revoked the permit that the Prestons had been granted to open their studio. The judge sent the issue back to the council to reconsider its decision. Experience art from across the nation and across the world, under 44,000 square feet of giant white tent! See art as it should be experienced, with the artists in their studios.It makes no sense for a city to spend money trying to keep out a legitimate business from which it could be collecting taxes. Step inside the big white tents to experience artists’ passionately bringing their work to life. Listen to the delightful sounds of whispering waters flowing from unique water fountains along the paths. See stunning medium, life-sized and monumental sculptures in bronze, stone, clay, metal, copper and mixed media.

Here the artists sell their original small paintings and prints, sculptures, unique handmade gifts, fine pottery, jewelry, specialized note cards, romantic keepsakes, souvenirs and much more.Īttendees enjoy the ambiance of quiet, leisurely strolls on paths that flow in and about the spectacular two-acre Sculpture Garden.

Expo Showcases Benefits Programs for Female Veterans in Maryland AARP Bulletin. Body Art Expo Phoenix provides the attendees with the opportunity to explore some of the world’s most successful tattoo artists, freakshows, live entertainment, and more and it also open the stage to the public, anyone with ink to show can participate in the renown tattoo awards. Over 200 artists, piercing, live art competitions, hot rods, extreme. The EXPO Artists’ Marketplace is not just another boutique or gift shop with imported goods from other countries, but an amazing marketplace filled with participating artist’s fine arts and unique crafts. Townhomes For Rent Scottsdale Tyler The Creator Tattoo Ideas. Description: This is a clean, safe, family oriented tattoo convention and party.

Scottsdale tattoo expo