In the spirit of maintaining the cultural art of Samoan Tatau- Samoa News and the American Samoa Visitors Bureau, in partnership with Tisa's Tattoo Fest organization, proudly present the 7th Annual Tisa's Tattoo Festtm October 28 -30 at the world famous Tisa's Barefoot Bar in Alega village.
Celebration of tattoo art has become of one of the hottest events around the planet, and right here in American Samoa, our island community is looking forward to another year of excitement, meeting new tattoo artists, sharing what is new in the tattooing world, fellowship and having some fun modeling their tattoos on the Tattoo Fest stage before the backdrop of beautiful Alega Beach.
"It's amazing to meet new talented artists here in American Samoa during the fest." says Tisa Faamuli, founder of the Tattoo Fest. Tisa says most of the artists have become entrepreneurs and are multitalented, with their tattoo patterns transferred to clothing, banners, or used for covers of books and presentations on and off island.
"We wear our island art proudly and are in demand. You will find the multitalented artists in local shops earning a living doing what they love best. It all began with the tattoo and siapo patterns. And the best place to see the beginnings of a tattoo artist is to visit Tisa's Annual Tattoo Fest this year," she told Samoa News.
"Each tattoo fest year attracts local Polynesian artists and I am proud to have an event to honor the Tatau art annually, where we as a community will come to appreciate the new movement of local tattoo artists and their art today," Tisa said.
Every year tattoo lovers meet to compare their tattoo stories, and get tattooed, and this year will be no exception with many 'newbies' getting inked for the first time. At the Tattoo Fest all health regulations are strictly enforced with sterile implements, whether for modern or traditional style tattooing.
The Skin Art Fashion Show and competition is always one of the most exciting parts of the Fest. New ink will be the main event in this two-day skin art competition, scheduled for Saturday and Sunday afternoons, with prizes sponsored by the local business community. A panel of judges, who are also artists, will do their best at judging the 'Best of Fest' artist and art.
Preservation and maintenance of the Samoan Cultural Tatau art inspired Tisa to celebrate and honor the Samoan Tatau art and the people of American Samoa. "It was the most important act I could think of at the time. I decided to do something to bring the Tatau art back in the hearts of the Samoan community everywhere. And the best way to do this was by hosting the 1st Tisa's Tattoo Fest 18 years ago."
Today, appreciation for the tatau patterns has spread like wildfire among tattoo lovers. It has become the Samoan identity in the 21st century. "It is safe to think our tattoo ownership is sealed and preserved for the coming generations," she said.
Malu and Pe'a competitions are scheduled for Saturday October 29 at the Tattoo Fest stage in Alega. Everyone with a Malu or Pe'a is welcomed to enter the competitions to win cash prizes awarded to the 'Best of Fest' in traditional art category.
It will be a fun filled weekend for the whole family, to include food, music, entertainment, live bands and a chance to win cash awards during the best of tattoo competitions. Entrance fee is $2 per person. Children accompanied by parents are free.
All tattoo artists are required to register in person, no later than Friday October 28, 2011 at Tisa's Barefoot Bar in Alega.
To enter the Skin art competitions, please email tisa@tisasbarefootbar.com to register.
For more information, contact 684-622-7447 or 684-256-1830.