Maritime tradition meets modern body art this weekend as the Columbia River Maritime Museum teams up once again with Keepsake Tattoo for a special one-day event celebrating nautical-themed tattoos.
Titled “Artifacts Reimagined,” the event will take place on Saturday, May 24, from 12:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. at Keepsake Tattoo, located at 253 11th Street in Astoria. The event is open to the public on a walk-in, first-come, first-served basis, with a minimum tattoo cost of $80.
The flash day offers tattoo enthusiasts and maritime history buffs a unique opportunity: professional tattoo artists will create custom designs inspired by objects drawn directly from the museum’s historic collection. Museum artifacts will be available onsite to spark creativity and pay homage to the rich seafaring culture that has long defined Astoria’s identity.
This isn’t the first time the museum and the studio have joined forces. Their ongoing partnership began in 2011, when the museum hosted a major exhibit exploring the longstanding tradition of sailors’ tattoos—a deeply personal and symbolic art form among mariners. In 2024, the duo collaborated twice more: first to reinterpret tattoo designs from the World War II era, and later for a project centered on maritime superstitions, showcasing the beliefs sailors held to protect them during perilous voyages.
“Tattooing has always been a form of storytelling and personal symbolism, especially among sailors,” said a representative from the Columbia River Maritime Museum. “We’re excited to bring these stories to life through contemporary artistry.”
Flash days like this provide an approachable entry point for newcomers to tattooing while also offering seasoned collectors the chance to obtain a one-of-a-kind piece rooted in local history.
Organizers expect a strong turnout and recommend arriving early to secure a spot. Whether you’re a maritime enthusiast, an art lover, or simply curious, “Artifacts Reimagined” offers an immersive, community-driven experience where history and self-expression meet—inked in the timeless style of the sea.
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