The Limestone City Tattoo & Arts Festival is back by popular demand.
“Kingston is such an amazing community that embraces so much art and culture. We just wanted to expose another little piece of the city that maybe wasn’t so out there,” said Ashley Silversides, the creator of the event.
This year, the second annual event features 50 tattoo artists from across the globe, like Damian Robertson from Calgary.
Robertson has started a new initiative called The Spartan Ink Tour, where he tattoos military veterans or those currently serving, for free.
Instead of payment, Robertson encourages his clients to go on websites like Can Praxis, Military Minds and Wounded Warriors Canada, to donate.
“When you get out of the military, it doesn’t mean the teamwork stops. This is the one way I can, using my talent,” said Robertson.
On Day 1 of the event, Robertson inked up Ryan Wills, who happens to be a fellow former member of the Royal Canadian Regiment.
Wills’ newest tattoo is of a Spartan helmet.
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“To me, this is a symbol of protecting those values that we hold and using our heads to get things done, and get them done the right way and the smart way. You can’t just charge into battle without the right protection,” said Wills, who is posted in Kingston in his 18th year in the military.
There are many other tattoo artists at the Kingston convention, and one came as far away as Australia for the event.
“I wanted to get artwork done from someone who is not from around here, just to get some variety,” said Carly Donnelly, who got some work done by a New Brunswick artist.
The event continues until Sunday, Sept. 17, at the Four Points by Sheraton on King Street.
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