By Art gallery offers tattoos and body piercing
Preface photo/SARAH WARD
By: SARAH E. WARD
Staff Writer
Bicycle Gallery & Body Art did not always offer tattoos and body piercing to visitors of downtown South Bend’s dining and arts district.
When the gallery first opened in November 2012 they only showcased art work from local artists. It was not until May of this year that they were able to offer tattooing and body piercing.
According to body piercing specialist and former IU South Bend student Noel Spring, the transformation to a tattoo and body piercing shop was not completely welcomed by other area businesses.
“We had to get some council votes and get the building re-zoned,” Spring said. “Some businesses were not happy about it.”
Spring and tattoo artists Nicholas Green, Aaron Ryan and Half Pint did a lot of community mobilizing and are now the first and only tattoo shop to be licensed in downtown South Bend.
Bicycle Gallery & Body Art studio is trying to separate themselves from other shops by offering a wide selection of high quality jewelry and seasoned tattoo artists.
“What we are trying to do here is offer the highest quality tattooing and piercing,” Spring said. “We have award winning artists who are successful outside the tattoo world.”
The shop is located at 127 West Washington Street in downtown South Bend. Upon entering there is a display of artwork from some local artists as well as artwork from the tattoo artists.
For more information visit http://www.bicycletattoo.com.
