NEW GLARUS - For some, tattoos and fine art just don't mix.
But for one New Glarus woman and Chicago native, they will hopefully add up to a new career path in small-town Wisconsin.
"Tattooing has been in the shadows," Renee May of New Glarus said. "I wanted to bring it out to the people as an art form."
And she's done just that. By combining tattooing, and the works of local artisans, May opened Art & Soul Tattoo and Gallery March 1.
She hopes the combination of a fine art sensibility with body art expertise will appeal to area customers looking for something unique. The store-front setting in downtown New Glarus also sets it apart from the stereotypical tattoo shop.
"I'm hoping that people are getting that not only do we have local Wisconsin artists, but that tattooing is an art form," she said.
Currently, Art & Soul has one full-time employee, Tony Blades.
Blades has been tattooing for 11 years, and is licensed in his craft. There are also two apprentices at the shop, and a part-time employee who works three days each week.
But the new store also showcases the work of 30 different artists, providing a range of options and inspirations beyond the usual tattoo fare.
And all but two of those artists are from Wisconsin.
"I know twenty-six of them because I use to work with the Driftless Area Artists in Monroe and I used to promote some of the artists as well," she said.
May is hoping to add a glass-blowing artist and a metal worker, and wants to open a sculpture garden outside between her building and the Ott Haus Pub & Grill.
Born in Chicago, May was raised in Blachardville. After high school, she moved to Denver to get away from the small town life, and to do some exploring. She moved back to New Glarus in 2002 with her daughter, who is now a senior in high school.
Both of May's sisters and mother migrated to New Glarus and enjoyed the community.
May had worked at a few other places prior to opening her business.
She worked for a testing lab in Middleton, as well as for a racing team as their financial adviser.
The constant traveling, however, took a toll on May.
So after talking with Blades about opening a possible tattoo parlor and art gallery, May began to search for the right location , eventually settling on the current shop in May. It's on 2nd Street - with two big open windows.
"People can watch tattoos being done," May said. "Business had definitely exceeded my expectations."
Tattoos start at $40 and range up to $150. Various piercings also are available at the shop, and they start at $40.
For more information on the business, call Art & Soul Tattoo and Gallery at (608) 527-2727.
But for one New Glarus woman and Chicago native, they will hopefully add up to a new career path in small-town Wisconsin.
"Tattooing has been in the shadows," Renee May of New Glarus said. "I wanted to bring it out to the people as an art form."
And she's done just that. By combining tattooing, and the works of local artisans, May opened Art & Soul Tattoo and Gallery March 1.
She hopes the combination of a fine art sensibility with body art expertise will appeal to area customers looking for something unique. The store-front setting in downtown New Glarus also sets it apart from the stereotypical tattoo shop.
"I'm hoping that people are getting that not only do we have local Wisconsin artists, but that tattooing is an art form," she said.
Currently, Art & Soul has one full-time employee, Tony Blades.
Blades has been tattooing for 11 years, and is licensed in his craft. There are also two apprentices at the shop, and a part-time employee who works three days each week.
But the new store also showcases the work of 30 different artists, providing a range of options and inspirations beyond the usual tattoo fare.
And all but two of those artists are from Wisconsin.
"I know twenty-six of them because I use to work with the Driftless Area Artists in Monroe and I used to promote some of the artists as well," she said.
May is hoping to add a glass-blowing artist and a metal worker, and wants to open a sculpture garden outside between her building and the Ott Haus Pub & Grill.
Born in Chicago, May was raised in Blachardville. After high school, she moved to Denver to get away from the small town life, and to do some exploring. She moved back to New Glarus in 2002 with her daughter, who is now a senior in high school.
Both of May's sisters and mother migrated to New Glarus and enjoyed the community.
May had worked at a few other places prior to opening her business.
She worked for a testing lab in Middleton, as well as for a racing team as their financial adviser.
The constant traveling, however, took a toll on May.
So after talking with Blades about opening a possible tattoo parlor and art gallery, May began to search for the right location , eventually settling on the current shop in May. It's on 2nd Street - with two big open windows.
"People can watch tattoos being done," May said. "Business had definitely exceeded my expectations."
Tattoos start at $40 and range up to $150. Various piercings also are available at the shop, and they start at $40.
For more information on the business, call Art & Soul Tattoo and Gallery at (608) 527-2727.