"Visceral Alchemy" curated by Sarah Overbeck & Matt Hays

GROUP EXHIBITIONINVITATIONAL

Feb 25

Written By Carbondale Arts

“Tattooing is my first love... but as a medium it’s quite unforgiving. By contrast, painting is pure freedom. I’m free to enjoy the journey of a process that’s allowed to evolve as I go. I do it for the joy of creating. If no one was to ever see my work I’d still paint.”

— George Campise

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 (walk-up, first come, first-served, 18+). Artist information below.

gallery guide (coming soon)

online shop (coming soon)

Virtual tour (coming soon)

Visceral Alchemy refers to a profound, and intuitive transformation of self. What greater transformation than creating (or receiving) artwork that lasts a lifetime on your body. 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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Sarah Overbeck, Curator

Sarah’s artistic captivation began in the darkroom. Storytelling and preservation of time is what continues to fuel her passion for photography. After graduating from the Art Institute of Colorado, Sarah enjoyed several years in the Mile High City. A Carbondale native, Sarah returned home in 2017. She joined the formidable Carbondale Arts team in 2020 as the Marketing & Communications Director.

“I got my first tattoo as a teenager in protest of high school prom. Years later while living in Denver, I found tattooing to be more than a personal form of societal rebellion, but a way to express my life experience. In doing so, I continuously observed a thriving, deep-rooted, arts industry and culture.

Contact Sarah

Matt Hays, Co-curator

Matt started tattooing in 2006 after leaving a career in animation and video to pursue a life of art. Through his professional experience in animation and through the teachings of his mentor, Matt became very adept at being able to tattoo whatever style of tattoo walked through the door.

Through his pursuit of art and the craft of tattooing, he has created an illustrative style that is uniquely his own. Known for making solid tattoos that stand the test of time, Matt tattoos not for the acceptance of his peers, but for the joy and satisfaction of his clients and for the love of tattooing. Matt will also be a featured artist in the exhibition.

View Matt's Work