Hope Gallery
When Hope Gallery Tattoo first opened its doors in the fall of 2002, co-founder Joe Capobianco says his goal was to create “…a place that both tattoo clients, or people coming in to check out the art feel comfortable and relaxed.” Capobianco and fellow co-founders Eric Merrill and Julio Rodriguez worked together at the now extinct Darkside Tattoo. The trio started Hope to showcase their artwork and the artwork of others, and to further develop their craft. All three founders are self-taught artists with over twelve years experience each.
A year later, Hope Gallery Tattoo added Phil Young and Tim Harris to their staff of artists. “In both artists, we found young and vibrant individuals who are the best at what they do,” Capobianco adds. “Both bring a uniqueness, and topnotch quality to their art and tattooing.”
Most of the art in the gallery’s permanent collection is a collaboration of the artists on staff. Some of the art also comes from the staff’s personal collections. The rest of the pieces were obtained from art shows staffers attended and shows that took place at the Hope Gallery. The Gallery holds shows several times a year and receives work from tattoo artists across the nation and the world. The gallery, however, is not just restricted to tattooists; many other artists show display their work as well.
Hope Galley Tattoo not only offers a place to view tattoo art, but clients can also receive tattoos on site. Due to popularity and the artists’ hectic schedules, an appointment is needed.
Recently, Hope Gallery Tattoo moved from its original location in downtown New Haven to 835 Woodward Ave. in East Haven. The new location better accommodates their clientele and supplies staffers with an environment that’s more conducive to creativity. Capobianco explains, “…the space Hope occupied needed to change for us to grow as artists, and open up to a new group of clients just getting to know us”.
With the new move, Joe Capobianco assures that there are new and exciting things to come in Hope Gallery Tattoo’s future, “There’s always something brewing at Hope…I want the first show/our grand re-opening to really turn heads, so keep an eye peeled.”
Website: www.hopegallerytattoo.com
Joe Capobianco’s website: www.joecapobianco.com
One Response to “Hope Gallery”
Fantastic color and love the style. This shows how truly artistic a tattoo can be.