This weekend, Fear City Tattoo will host a fundraiser for the Tattoo Heritage Project, a nonprofit with the mission of establishing the first national tattoo art museum in Long Beach.
Nestor Zelaya, owner of Fear City Tattoo, has partnered with Happy Sundays and several local tattoo artists who will create old-school original tattoo artwork for $100 to $300 to raise proceeds for the future Tattoo Heritage Museum.
“When I first heard about the Tattoo Heritage Project, I could immediately recognize the importance of such a movement, not only as a tattooer but as a long time Long Beach resident,” Zelaya said in a public statement. “Tattooing is important culturally throughout the world and yet it still holds such a strong stigma in society. The only way to overcome that is through education.”
Happy Sundays is a free two-day festival, created by Scott Montoya and Julia Kugel-Montoya, that takes place annually in the city’s Zaferia neighborhood. The festivities will include live music from dozens of bands and South by Southwest-esque programming that includes aerospace panels, comedy shows and now a tattooing pop-up.
The Tattoo Heritage Project was founded by tattoo artists Charlie Cartwright, a.k.a. Good Time Charlie, and Outer Limits Tattoo & Museum owner Kari Barba. Since its foundation, events have been held locally and across the country in tattoo-rich cities such as San Antonio and Tucson, to fundraise and bring further attention to the Project’s efforts.
“As tattooing has grown as a global industry and artform over the last couple of decades, it’s due time it receives an institution to honor and maintain its history and heritage just like many other culturally important mediums,” said Josh Chesler, board member for the Tattoo Heritage Project in a public statement. “By bringing the Tattoo Heritage Project to Happy Sundays, we can introduce its mission to many people who may be unfamiliar with it and increase its presence in what is arguably the most important city in tattoo history.”
Long Beach’s tattoo history goes back several decades. This includes a thriving period from the ‘50s to the ‘70s at The Pike when the area had several tattoo parlors, allowing many aspiring tattoo artists to hone their skills and receive steady business from the nearby naval port.
Attendees looks at the artwork sold at the Tattoo Heritage Project’s art sale and fundraiser on Nov. 5, 2022. The proceeds for the night went towards starting the first national tattoo museum in Long Beach. (Samantha Diaz | Signal Tribune) 
Tattoo legend “Good Time Charlie” has tens of tattoos covering his hands as he signs a traditional-style Virgin Mary drawing. (Anna G Photography) 
Paul Barrientos poses with the hand-painted ceramic bottle he donated to Tattoo Heritage Project’s art sale and fundraiser on Nov. 5, 2022. (Samantha Diaz | Signal Tribune) 
Tattoo legends “Good Time Charlie” Cartwright and Jack Rudy sit and laugh together. (Anna G. Photography) 
Jack Rudy writes the number for a drawing to bid on at Tattoo Heritage Project’s art sale and fundraiser on Nov. 5, 2022. (Samantha Diaz | Signal Tribune) 
Charlie Cartwright receives a donated painting from fellow artists at Tattoo Heritage Project’s are sale and fundraiser on Nov. 5, 2022.
Cartwright got his start with public tattooing at The Pike in the early ‘70s and praised Barba for helping keep the local history intact. Cartwright says Outer Limits Tattoo, which has a storied history dating back to 1927, is the only surviving local shop from The Pike’s tattoo heyday.
“It’s the only remnant that remains, it’s in the original spot, and I thank [Barba] for that, and most American tattoo artists and enthusiasts should thank her for that too. For preserving that piece of American history,” Cartwright said.
Other tattoo community events to check out this weekend include musical performances by Project board members Chesler and Corey Miller this Saturday at Alex’s Bar, right across from Fear City Tattoo. Chesler’s group Decent Times will perform at 3 p.m. while Miller’s band Powerflex 5 will play at 6 p.m.
In addition, Outer Limits Tattoo and Museum, located at 22 Chestnut Place, is hosting an open house on Friday, August 23 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. that will guide visitors through Long Beach’s detailed tattoo history.
Fear City Tattoo’s fundraiser for the Tattoo Heritage Project will take place this Saturday and Sunday from noon to 8 p.m. at 2912 E. Anaheim St. Walk-ins are welcome and will be given on a first-come, first-served basis.
