In the spirit of Halloween, Mama Tried Tattoo Social Club hosted the second annual art exhibit entitled “Macabre Makings: The Art of Samhain” featuring an assortment of paintings, sculptures and print work by local artists. The event was free and open to the public, and it was comprised of nearly 100 pieces, with the layout and window display being crafted by piercer, C.J. Coleman. All artwork on display is the inspiration of horror and fright, complete with devilish-looking mermaids, sculpted skulls and decapitated stuffed animals.
“We gave the artists a very broad guideline when it came to sticking to a theme,” said Casey Ploof, self-proclaimed “Scab Creator” and shop tattoo artist. “We just wanted the work to be in the spirit of Halloween, or Samhain if you will. Something spooky, macabre and horror—we wanted to embody the excitement that surrounds the season and do something with the ‘art’ community.”
Last year the event boasted about 400 visitors to the gallery and they had a similar turn out for opening night Oct. 12. Snacks and beverages were provided and local band, Spaceship Cadillac, played. The gallery featured works from shop artists Dane Weldon and Ploof, and also showcased works from Craig Foster and Jules Woods from Skin Werks of Carrollton, Robert Spier of Third Eye Tattoo in Newnan, Wade Johnson of Karmic Tattoo in McDonough, Andrew Bones, a sculptor from Alpharetta and many other artists. Some of the artists were University of West Georgia students or graduates.
“Well, we’re all really good looking, and all artwork is for sale,” said Ploof in regard to why the public should come out and view the gallery. “We are more than just a tattoo studio, we are also a social club. We schedule events here and there, such as water adventures at Cheaha [State Park in Alabama] and hosting New Year’s parties.”
The title of the gallery, “Macabre Makings: The Art of Samhain” refers to a Gaelic festival marking the end of the harvest season, typically celebrated between Oct. 31 and Nov. 1. This festival has been merged with the Christian All Saints’ Day over the years to create the modern Halloween.
Located at 113 Newnan Street, Suite B, Mama Tried is owned and operated by two UWG students, Weldon and Coleman, as well as friend, Ploof. The tattoo studio and gallery are open from 1 p.m. to 9 p.m. Tuesday and Thursday, and 1 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, or by appointment. The event was hosted between Oct. 12 and Oct. 20.This gallery will be set to take place each year in the weeks surrounding Halloween.
“Come and join us in a celebration of art,” said Ploof.
