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10th Annual Tisa’s Tattoo Fest ends on a high note

Hundreds flocked to Tisa’s Barefoot Bar in Alega from Oct. 23-26 to be part of the 10th Annual Tisa’s Tattoo Fest celebration, the one time of the year when the traditional form of Samoan tattooing and modern style artwork come together and are put on display for local residents and visitors to enjoy.

 

 The events kicked off on Thursday with a cocktail party and a meet-and-greet with the local tattoo artists who participated. This year’s event is a celebration of the art of the pe’a, our resources, culture, land, and life.

 

Master Tufuga Wilson Fitiao, who has been a part of the Tattoo Fest since its inception was there, tapping away at the ‘au which he used to tattoo a leg piece on Mark Williams of North Carolina, a palagi contract worker for the American Samoa Telecommunications Authority (ASTCA), as well as a malu for Bluesky Communications employee Crystal Ve’ave’a.

 

(Williams was tattooed from shin to ankle by Fitiao during last year’s Tattoo Fest and he showed up again this year to add-on to the initial leg piece).

 

Fitiao was honored during Sunday’s closing ceremony and was presented with a handful of goodies, including a plaque that was carved by Candyman from a 300-year-old piece of wood that was stored in Sepp Steffany’s warehouse in Satala for 45 years but had drifted towards Alega Beach.  It was collected by Candyman following the 2009 earthquake/tsunami.

 

Local artist Regina Meredith served as a judge during the tattoo competition and was on hand during all four days including Friday, when she took her ASCC art department students to Alega to display their handmade creations and carry out a water color project of the scenery. She too was honored with a plaque and was recognized for her continued participation.

 

Duffy Hudson, owner of the Tatau Manaia Tattoo Shop, won top honors during the awards ceremony, where he took first place for producing the best shoulder sleeve and the best tauvae.

 

Off da Rock Tattoo Shop owner Joey Ioane walked away with first place wins in three categories: best taulima, most creative Polynesian tribal (female) and most creative Polynesian tribal (male).

 

Suluape Riccy Boy Lamositele Noverra Jr., owner of the world famous Polynesian Tattoo Factory in Haleiwa, Hawaii—with a second branch at $2 Beach in Avaio—was recognized for his participation and presented a plaque as well.

 

Tongan tattoo artist Lopesi Mahe, who did his tattoos in a Samoan Beach Fale during the Tattoo Fest, was also honored and recognized.

 

The lovely ladies of Pelina Dance Studio - under the directorship of Mr. and Mrs. Patrick Savusa - kept the crowd entertained during the last two days of the Fest, with their beautiful performances of Polynesian dance.

 

This was the group’s first public performance and they didn’t disappoint.

 

A fashion show displaying exquisite pieces produced by Tamiano Gurr, JD Hall, Christina Sanchez and Sherry Butler was carried out and received rave reviews.

 

Beautiful music, a breathtaking view, along with good food and drinks brought everything together. Kids took advantage of the perfect swimming conditions while adults walked along the sandy beach and enjoyed the relaxing atmosphere up in the dining area.

 

Sounds of tattoo machines whirring and the tapping of the ‘au attracted a lot of attention from people passing by and admiring the work of the artists.

 

Dozens of raffle prizes were given away, including free cellular phones from Bluesky Communications, bottles of Barefoot wine, t-shirts, gift certificates from Herbn’Juice, and cold hard cash.

 

The crowd included people from all walks of life. Tourists were seen getting inked while locals hovered over the photo albums and portfolios featuring the works of the different artists in attendance.

 

All in all, this year’s event was a big hit and everyone is looking forward to what’s in store for next year’s Tattoo Fest.

 

Check out more photos in slideshow.