The Sawdust City Tattoo Invitational – Eau Claire's first-ever tattoo convention, which debuted in 2024 – returned for its second year June 13-15. Organized by local artist Shannon Nordin of Old North Tattoo (209 N. Barstow St., Eau Claire), the multi-day event brought 21 artists from across the country together under one roof, and ultimately saw about 100 tattoos brought to life. 

For the second annual event, Nordin also organized a pre-convention party with artists showcasing their print art and connecting with locals and one another. Sawdust City Tattoo Invitational brings artists with a diverse variety of skillsets and styles to Eau Claire – the event hosted at The Brewing Projekt (1807 N. Oxford Ave., Eau Claire) – with no admission fees for curious passersby and folks looking to get inked.

"It's still surreal," Nordin said after the June 13-15 event. "When I started (tattooing), you know, it was about being able to make money from my art. My passion for it (has grown) even more than it was before; being apart of something bigger than me and giving back." 

Featured artists included regional folks like Steven Skorjanec from Minneapolis's Green River Tattoo, Jordan Martinez and Micah Gunderson from De Pere's Northern Tide Tattoo, and others; some made the cross-country trip, including Brittany Quintero from Portland, Oregon's Sweet Heart Tattoo, Nathaniel Gann from San Diego, California's Big Trouble Tattoo, Matt Gutierrez from Lacey, Washington's Lotus Tattoo, and others. 

Nordin hand-selects featured artists, and moving forward, said those that have attended before will always be invited back for the next year. When slots do become available, he'll reach out to new artists as well. 

The decision to host the invitational at The Brewing Projekt – Nordin's No. 1 location choice, he said – was dual: its second floor event area makes sense, space wise, and visually; Nordin also aligns with the local business's interest in hosting community events. 

"I'm trying to build natural interest and not force it too much," Nordin said. "Quality over quantity." 

Get a glimpse into the second annual Sawdust City Tattoo Invitational below. Keep up with the event (@sawdustcitytattooinvitational) and Old North Tattoo (@oldnorthtattoo) online.