Rebelscum.com: CV: The Empire Skates Back

Posted by D. Martin on August 22, 2010 at 04:08 PM CST

PRESS RELEASE

Tattoo Artists Raise Over $12,000 For the Make a Wish Foundation in Celebration of The Empire Strikes Back

Orlando, FL
August 15, 2010

Even though tattoos are becoming more widely accepted the world over, tattoo artists working in the industry continue to work tirelessly to break down many of the stereotypes that surround their trade. This past weekend in Orlando, Florida, 22 tattoo artists took a major step forward in smashing many of the preconceived notions the mainstream may have about their work as accomplished artists in other mediums or their dedication to community.

Shane Turgeon, author of The Force in the Flesh: Star Wars Inspired Body Art, gathered 22 accomplished tattoo artists cum Star Wars fans to paint their homage to The Empire Strikes Back on blank skateboards decks in a unique art project entitled The Empire Skates Back. The finished skateboards were on display at the Star Wars Celebration V convention held in Orlando, Florida and auctioned for the Make A Foundation on Sunday August 15th.

If the glowing positive reactions the skateboards elicited over the weekend weren't enough to demonstrate that tattooers are not only accomplished artists on skin but in a variety of traditional art mediums as well, then the amount raised for the Make A Wish Foundation certainly did. All 22 of the decks sold for well over their opening bids and in all, $12,300 was raised for the charity.

For more information on the Make A Wish Foundation, please visit their website at www.wish.org.