Tattoo Artists From Around The World Showcase Work At The Homeward Bound Tattoo Expo

Thousands of people from Green Country went to check out The Homeward Bound Tattoo Expo in Tulsa this weekend. 

More than 150 tattoo artists from around the world came to the Osage Casino to showcase their work.

The Homeward Bound Tattoo Expo is held twice a year and Eric Hayes from Colorado says he comes to tattoo in Tulsa because it feels like a family reunion.

"Usually guaranteed to be a pretty good time for sure," said Eric Hayes, a Tattoo Artist.

Eric Hayes has been to six Homeward Bound Tattoo Expos in the last few years, he's from Colorado and says one reason he keeps coming back is because of the clientele in Oklahoma. 

"They're great, everybody's always super friendly usually pretty good conversation, I like a lot of the local restaurants, too," said Hayes. 

Hayes has worked with one client, Anthony Marquez, five times.

"I know the style he does; I know the quality of the work he does so I make sure to book one day with him every time he comes now." Anthony Marquez said.

Hayes says his style has a cartoon feel to it.

"Illustrative, full-color pieces big bold bright color," said Hayes. 

Danielle Hicks organized the event, and she says the goal is to bring quality artists to Tulsa, so people in Green Country can experience them. 

"It is art, you know, and I think that Tulsa being such an art-forward city, bringing an event like this kind of propels that forward," said Danielle Hicks, Event Organizer

That art is permanent, something Hayes believes is inspiring.

"People say most artists don't make money off their art until they're dead so I didn't want to do that and I wanted people to have my art on them for their entire lives as well," said Hayes.

A portion of the ticket sales is going toward helping local teachers buy school supplies, and there was also a raffle to raise money for the pets of homeless people. 

The next Homeward-Bound Tattoo Expo will be in March at the Osage Casino in Tulsa.