Hundreds of body art fanatics and people just wanting to see how a pe'a and a malu are tattooed stopped by the Greater Tacoma Convention in Tacoma, WA June 30-July 2 during the 2nd Annual Northwest Tatau Festival, the first agenda item in a week full of activities to celebrate Samoan Flag Day in the Evergreen State.

Dozens of tattoo artists, vendors, and non-profit organizations came out to support the cause, which aims to educate people on the art of traditional Samoan tattooing, in addition to serving as a platform for other artists who have their own style of tattooing.

Master Tufuga Ta Tatau Su'a Suluape Alaiva'a Petelo headlined the three-day event, with support from others in the Suluape family including his son Su'a Suluape Peter, Suluape Steve Looney, Suluape Angela, Suluape  Keone Nunes, and Suluape Si'i Liufau.

Because the event featured live tattooing, everyone who attended got a first hand glimpse of the tufuga at work, tapping away at the 'au while the human canvas laid there patiently, awaiting the finished product.

Two men, both from California, made the journey to Washington to get their pe'a in front of an audience that included people of all ages. Three women were able to experience the pain - and pride -  of getting a malu. Onlookers got the chance to see the meticulous steps taken to ensure that each line was straight, the spacing was perfect, and the final result was simply beautiful.

The majority of the tattoo artists who manned booths at the event were of Samoan descent, some from New Zealand, Canada, and different states within the US.

Some artists came from as far as Tahiti. First time attendee Makalio, originally from Wallis and Futuna and had to communicate through a translator, won first place in the "Best Female - Large Polynesian Tattoo" category.

Cam Tattoo Supplies, the world's largest manufacturer and distributor of quality professional tattoo supplies and equipment, piercing supplies and equipment, and medical supplies and equipment — to name a few — sponsored the event and held a tattoo competition that allowed aspiring young tattoo artists to provide a sample of their work on an artificial hand.

Son of renowned Samoan tattoo artist Akiu Sale of Alao and Futiga, took home the top prize.

Polynesian clubs representing different high schools in the area wowed the crowd with their performances of song and dance - from different islands in the Pacific region - sealed by the traditional Samoan taualuga performed by reigning Ms. American Samoa Antonina Lilomaiava who, along with Miss American Samoa Incorporated (M.A.S.I.) and the American Samoa Visitors Bureau (ASVB) provided the tanoa, fue and ula for the winners of the six categories of the tattoo competition.

Vendors selling Polynesian inspired handicrafts and accessories were also in attendance.

Coordinators of the Tatau Fest told Samoa News in an initial interview that the goal of the annual event is “to share the art of tattooing, specifically the traditional tatau.”

“We want to educate the world about the traditional art of the tatau and at the same time, offer a chance for all tattoo artists to display their work — whatever their style may be. This is a chance for us to come together and learn something new, share it with others who will be attendance, and keep the storyline going in the saga of the tatau tradition.”

Plans for next year's 3rd Annual Northwest Tatau Festival are already in the works.