DRAFT: “Visceral Alchemy”
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Carbondale Arts presents Visceral Alchemy a group invitational exhibition curated by Sarah Overbeck and Matt Hays at the Carbondale Arts Gallery, on display May 29 - July 3, 2026.
The opening reception will take place Friday, May 29, from 5-7pm at The Launchpad, with an artist talk at 5:30pm. See the artists in action Saturday, May 30, from 11am-6pm with live tattooing out of The Launchpad. See artist information below.
Visceral Alchemy refers to a profound, and intuitive transformation of self. What greater transformation than creating (or receiving) artwork that lasts a lifetime? Tattooers are incredible artists– they are constantly creating, often taking requests from someone else's dream or idea and turning it into an original piece of art.
With roots as a misfit's subculture, tattoos are now mainstream. Many tattooers are formally educated and continue to create outside of their occupation. Does their profession inform their personal artwork, or vice versa? Could one exist without the other? This curated, invitational, group exhibition explores that relationship and takes a deeper look at the fine art side of the tattooing industry.
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Joey Armstrong
Thunderhand Tattoo, Richland, WA
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This artist will have pre-drawn, one-off designs available (coming soon). First come, first-served.
Kevin Bledsoe
Tribal Rites + Neon Falcon, CO
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Kevin will be working on a custom design. No booking available.
Curtis Burgess
Tribal Rites, Ft. Collins, CO
Maecenas in mauris aliquet, eleifend nibh eu, rutrum metus. Proin luctus, nulla nec sodales lobortis, nibh risus maximus ante, quis eleifend eros leo ac nisl. Nulla bibendum mollis urna ac semper. Donec hendrerit ultrices leo eu aliquam. Praesent arcu elit, egestas sed orci sit amet, pulvinar lobortis tellus. Aliquam rhoncus porta enim dictum faucibus. Sed non ipsum tristique, imperdiet mauris id, porta est. Integer feugiat blandit urna a convallis. Integer elit arcu, ornare quis arcu non, euismod dignissim dui. Duis a sem felis. Cras luctus lacus at lorem dapibus, a condimentum ipsum cursus. Maecenas posuere nisl sit amet mauris lacinia condimentum. Suspendisse mattis lacus mi, a pharetra lacus dignissim vel. Quisque tempor consectetur orci. Integer enim orci, luctus nec tristique quis, auctor eu neque.
This artist is accepting custom design requests (max of 2).
Sandi Calistro
Tattoo Dumond, Denver, CO
Sandi has been a dedicated painter and tattoo artist based in Denver for more than two decades. Her journey into mural work began in 2010 when she was invited to paint the exterior wall of her favorite local restaurant—a pivotal opportunity that led to numerous mural commissions throughout Denver and surrounding communities.
Originally from New Britain, Connecticut, Sandi has been passionate about art for as long as she can remember. Encouraged by supportive parents who recognized and nurtured her creativity, she pursued her path as a self-taught artist. Over the years, her work has been featured in successful exhibitions across Denver and various cities throughout the United States.
George Campise
War Horse Tattoo, Berkley, CA
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George will not be traveling to Carbondale for this event, no booking available. Find him in Berkley!
Ben Cheese
War Horse Tattoo, Berkley, CA
Ben Cheese is a tattooist and painter inspired by American traditional tattooing and Japanese Edo period wood block prints. His work consists of pen and liquid acrylic on watercolor paper and is consistently presented in long scroll style.
Some of the more popular artistic influences to him include Japanese artists such as Kyosai Yoshitoshi. Hokusai and Kuniyoshi. This reflects in his painting subjects which consist mostly of birds, flowers, and women.
Over his career, Ben has been featured in many collaborative books of tattoos and paintings and travels around America and the globe to work and paint with his peers. He can be found working in Berkeley at War Horse Tattoo. His work can be viewed on the shop website, Instagram @ben_cheesewht, or TikTok @therealtedtaylor
Matt Hays
Mammoth American + Glenwood Springs | *Co-curator
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Praesent arcu elit, egestas sed orci sit amet, pulvinar lobortis tellus. Aliquam rhoncus porta enim dictum faucibus. Sed non ipsum tristique, imperdiet mauris id, porta est. Integer feugiat blandit urna a convallis. Integer elit arcu, ornare quis arcu non, euismod dignissim dui. Duis a sem felis. Cras luctus lacus at lorem dapibus, a condimentum ipsum cursus. Maecenas posuere nisl sit amet mauris lacinia condimentum. Aliquam eros quam, aliquam vel nisi ut, condimentum blandit mauris.
Matt will be working on a custom design. No booking available.
Brett Herman
Mammoth American, Denver, CO
Maecenas in mauris aliquet, eleifend nibh eu, rutrum metus. Proin luctus, nulla nec sodales lobortis, nibh risus maximus ante, quis eleifend eros leo ac nisl. Nulla bibendum mollis urna ac semper. Donec hendrerit ultrices leo eu aliquam. Praesent arcu elit, egestas sed orci sit amet, pulvinar lobortis tellus. Aliquam rhoncus porta enim dictum faucibus. Sed non ipsum tristique, imperdiet mauris id, porta est. Integer feugiat blandit urna a convallis. Integer elit arcu, ornare quis arcu non, euismod dignissim dui. Duis a sem felis. Cras luctus lacus at lorem dapibus, a condimentum ipsum cursus. Maecenas posuere nisl sit amet mauris lacinia condimentum. Suspendisse mattis lacus mi, a pharetra lacus dignissim vel. Quisque tempor consectetur orci. Integer enim orci, luctus nec tristique quis, auctor eu neque.
Tattooing status
Chase Martines
As Above So Below, Denver, CO
Maecenas in mauris aliquet, eleifend nibh eu, rutrum metus. Proin luctus, nulla nec sodales lobortis, nibh risus maximus ante, quis eleifend eros leo ac nisl. Nulla bibendum mollis urna ac semper. Donec hendrerit ultrices leo eu aliquam. Praesent arcu elit, egestas sed orci sit amet, pulvinar lobortis tellus. Aliquam rhoncus porta enim dictum faucibus. Sed non ipsum tristique, imperdiet mauris id, porta est. Integer feugiat blandit urna a convallis. Integer elit arcu, ornare quis arcu non, euismod dignissim dui. Duis a sem felis. Cras luctus lacus at lorem dapibus, a condimentum ipsum cursus. Maecenas posuere nisl sit amet mauris lacinia condimentum. Suspendisse mattis lacus mi, a pharetra lacus dignissim vel. Quisque tempor consectetur orci. Integer enim orci, luctus nec tristique quis, auctor eu neque.
Ben Merrell
Wildland Tattoo, Ft. Collins, CO
Maecenas in mauris aliquet, eleifend nibh eu, rutrum metus. Proin luctus, nulla nec sodales lobortis, nibh risus maximus ante, quis eleifend eros leo ac nisl. Nulla bibendum mollis urna ac semper. Donec hendrerit ultrices leo eu aliquam. Praesent arcu elit, egestas sed orci sit amet, pulvinar lobortis tellus. Aliquam rhoncus porta enim dictum faucibus. Sed non ipsum tristique, imperdiet mauris id, porta est. Integer feugiat blandit urna a convallis. Integer elit arcu, ornare quis arcu non, euismod dignissim dui. Duis a sem felis. Cras luctus lacus at lorem dapibus, a condimentum ipsum cursus. Maecenas posuere nisl sit amet mauris lacinia condimentum. Suspendisse mattis lacus mi, a pharetra lacus dignissim vel. Quisque tempor consectetur orci. Integer enim orci, luctus nec tristique quis, auctor eu neque.
Justin Nordine
Alchemy Ink, Grand Junction, CO
Maecenas in mauris aliquet, eleifend nibh eu, rutrum metus. Proin luctus, nulla nec sodales lobortis, nibh risus maximus ante, quis eleifend eros leo ac nisl. Nulla bibendum mollis urna ac semper. Donec hendrerit ultrices leo eu aliquam. Praesent arcu elit, egestas sed orci sit amet, pulvinar lobortis tellus. Aliquam rhoncus porta enim dictum faucibus. Sed non ipsum tristique, imperdiet mauris id, porta est. Integer feugiat blandit urna a convallis. Integer elit arcu, ornare quis arcu non, euismod dignissim dui. Duis a sem felis. Cras luctus lacus at lorem dapibus, a condimentum ipsum cursus. Maecenas posuere nisl sit amet mauris lacinia condimentum. Suspendisse mattis lacus mi, a pharetra lacus dignissim vel. Quisque tempor consectetur orci. Integer enim orci, luctus nec tristique quis, auctor eu neque.
Mike Pinto
Thick As Thieves, Denver, CO
Maecenas in mauris aliquet, eleifend nibh eu, rutrum metus. Proin luctus, nulla nec sodales lobortis, nibh risus maximus ante, quis eleifend eros leo ac nisl. Nulla bibendum mollis urna ac semper. Donec hendrerit ultrices leo eu aliquam. Praesent arcu elit, egestas sed orci sit amet, pulvinar lobortis tellus. Aliquam rhoncus porta enim dictum faucibus. Sed non ipsum tristique, imperdiet mauris id, porta est. Integer feugiat blandit urna a convallis. Integer elit arcu, ornare quis arcu non, euismod dignissim dui. Duis a sem felis. Cras luctus lacus at lorem dapibus, a condimentum ipsum cursus. Maecenas posuere nisl sit amet mauris lacinia condimentum. Suspendisse mattis lacus mi, a pharetra lacus dignissim vel. Quisque tempor consectetur orci. Integer enim orci, luctus nec tristique quis, auctor eu neque.
Rodney Raines
Ace Custom Tattoo, Richmond, NC
Maecenas in mauris aliquet, eleifend nibh eu, rutrum metus. Proin luctus, nulla nec sodales lobortis, nibh risus maximus ante, quis eleifend eros leo ac nisl. Nulla bibendum mollis urna ac semper. Donec hendrerit ultrices leo eu aliquam. Praesent arcu elit, egestas sed orci sit amet, pulvinar lobortis tellus. Aliquam rhoncus porta enim dictum faucibus. Sed non ipsum tristique, imperdiet mauris id, porta est. Integer feugiat blandit urna a convallis. Integer elit arcu, ornare quis arcu non, euismod dignissim dui. Duis a sem felis. Cras luctus lacus at lorem dapibus, a condimentum ipsum cursus. Maecenas posuere nisl sit amet mauris lacinia condimentum.
Matt Rousseau
Your Flesh Tattoo, Durango, CO
Born 1970. Tattooing since 1992. Opened world famous Your Flesh Tattoo in the fantastic four corners region of Durango, Colorado in 1996.
I’ve had the immense honor to have worked with a vast amount of incredible people (who just happen to be tattooers) in my 30+ year career and I am so very grateful and thankful for each and every one of them.
The clients however, are the real reason we’re here as tattooers. The clients are what matter most, and the relationships that we develop, grow and foster are the biggest privilege of being a tattooer for me.
Keep on trucking!
I love tattoo!
Samazon
Copperhead Tattoo Parlor,
Denver, CO
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Jher Seno
Landmark Tattoo, Denver, CO
Maecenas in mauris aliquet, eleifend nibh eu, rutrum metus. Proin luctus, nulla nec sodales lobortis, nibh risus maximus ante, quis eleifend eros leo ac nisl. Nulla bibendum mollis urna ac semper. Donec hendrerit ultrices leo eu aliquam. Praesent arcu elit, egestas sed orci sit amet, pulvinar lobortis tellus. Aliquam rhoncus porta enim dictum faucibus. Sed non ipsum tristique, imperdiet mauris id, porta est. Integer feugiat blandit urna a convallis. Integer elit arcu, ornare quis arcu non, euismod dignissim dui. Duis a sem felis. Cras luctus lacus at lorem dapibus, a condimentum ipsum cursus. Maecenas posuere nisl sit amet mauris lacinia condimentum.
Mike Strescino
Denver, CO
Everything Mike does as an artist traces back to drawing. Painting and tattooing evolve from his sketchbook doodles. As a painter Mike’s work focuses on many traditional subject matter such as landscapes and portraits configured into unusual compositions. Crashing seemingly mundane scenes and subjects together to create something broader and more interesting. Along with traditional painting techniques Mike combines illustrative elements in the composition style of field guides or tattoo flash sheets.
His tattoo work moves further in the direction of more refined, cleaner illustrative tattoos. Birds, bugs and flowers in cycles of life and decay. Mike captures motion and drama in his designs and focuses on making tattoos that flow with peoples bodies.
Currently Mike is Tattooing and painting in Denver, CO.
William Thidemann
Mammoth American, Denver, CO
Maecenas in mauris aliquet, eleifend nibh eu, rutrum metus. Proin luctus, nulla nec sodales lobortis, nibh risus maximus ante, quis eleifend eros leo ac nisl. Nulla bibendum mollis urna ac semper. Donec hendrerit ultrices leo eu aliquam. Praesent arcu elit, egestas sed orci sit amet, pulvinar lobortis tellus. Aliquam rhoncus porta enim dictum faucibus. Sed non ipsum tristique, imperdiet mauris id, porta est. Integer feugiat blandit urna a convallis. Integer elit arcu, ornare quis arcu non, euismod dignissim dui. Duis a sem felis. Cras luctus lacus at lorem dapibus, a condimentum ipsum cursus. Maecenas posuere nisl sit amet mauris lacinia condimentum.
Olivia Britz-Wheat
Mortal Emblem, Portland, OR
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Praesent arcu elit, egestas sed orci sit amet, pulvinar lobortis tellus. Aliquam rhoncus porta enim dictum faucibus. Sed non ipsum tristique, imperdiet mauris id, porta est. Integer feugiat blandit urna a convallis. Integer elit arcu, ornare quis arcu non, euismod dignissim dui. Duis a sem felis. Cras luctus lacus at lorem dapibus, a condimentum ipsum cursus. Maecenas posuere nisl sit amet mauris lacinia condimentum.
Sarah Overbeck, Curator
Sarah’s artistic captivation began in the darkroom. Visual arts, storytelling, and preservation of time is what continues to fuel her passion for photography. A graduate from the Art Institute of Colorado, Sarah stayed in Denver for several fun-packed years.
A Carbondale native, Sarah returned home in 2017 to start a family with her husband, Jason. In 2020 she joined the formidable Carbondale Arts team as the Marketing & Communications Director, and never looked back!
“I got my first tattoo as a teenager in protest of high school prom. While living in Denver I found tattooing not to be just a personal form of rebellion, but found a thriving, deep-rooted arts culture and industry. I’ve had this wild idea for a gallery exhibition for a while, but it wasn’t until I linked up with Matt that it became a reality.”
Supporting Local Tattoo Shops
Iron Horse (White Lodge)
Bonedale Tattoo