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The Denver Tattoo Convention’s second year is bigger and badder.

A A A Comments By Amber Taufen Thursday, Sep 3 2009

In recent years, the tattoo industry has moved on from stereotypes of social deviance and freak-show connotations to become an art form that many people respect. (It’s much more difficult to find a tattooed lady in a sideshow these days.) A generation ago, tattoos were considered social suicide in certain circles, but today, just about everyone — from film stars to your boss — is sporting ink somewhere.

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The second annual Denver Tattoo Convention is a gathering intended to celebrate all things tattoo-related, from the body-modification culture at large to the nitty-gritty of getting ink done. This year’s convention starts today and runs through Monday, providing three full days of colorful entertainment and education. Vaudeville celebrities and entertainers the Handsome Little Devils and the Squirm Burpee Circus will perform live at the convention; there will also be music mixed by Tabla Dave and word-slinging by MCs Piper and Dumptruck. Each day features contests in different tattoo categories (today’s are Asian, Unique, New Skool and Feminine) as well as a Tattoo of the Day award, plus seminars on “Subversive Beauty: Women in American Tattooing,” “Photography for the Body Modification Industry” and more.

And that’s not to mention the talented artists, live tattooing and sweet vendors taking up space at the downtown Sheraton Hotel, 1550 Court Place. Convention hours are noon to 10 p.m. today and tomorrow and noon to 8 p.m. on Sunday. Visit www.denvertattooconvention.com or call 303-762-0660 for information.
Sept. 5-6, 2009

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What's happening in town? From underground club nights to the biggest outdoor festivals, our top picks for the week's best events will always keep you in on the action.