MUSEUM CAMPUS — The Field Museum is opening a new exhibit on the history of tattoos Friday, and it's bringing an all-star roster of artists to ink up guests during the run.
"Tattoo," a touring exhibit developed in France, will debut Oct. 21 at the museum, 1400 S. Lake Shore Drive.
The exhibit will feature 170 items ranging from contemporary designs on silicone models to historic artifacts showing how prevalent body art has been for thousands of years.
The Field has also set up a pop-up tattoo shop that will be staffed by a rotating cast of well-known local artists, including Zach Stuka of Deluxe Tattoo and Stephanie Brown of the now-shuttered Butterfat Studios, to show visitors some real-life examples. Guests can book an appointment with the artists and choose from one of 42 pre-drawn designs.
"A lot of these artists have wait-lists that are months, if not years, long, so it’s a great opportunity for the 36 people who are the first to sign up,” Janet Hong, a projects manager at the Field, said in a statement.
Stuka's designs. [Field Museum]
Appointments cost $250 and include museum admission. There are only 36 appointments available. Those interested can book a session by calling 312-778-5040 between noon and 4 p.m. on weekdays.
Other artists participating include Lance Lloyd of Taylor Street Tattoo, Joel Molina of Chicago Tattoo, Jennifer Trok of Speakeasy Tattoo, and Tine DeFiore of Black Oak Tattoo.
There's evidence ancient Egyptians practiced tattooing, and researchers found a naturally mummified body from 3330 B.C. in the Italian Alps covered in 61 tattoos. Thomas Edison patented the first electric "puncturing pen," and the exhibit will also have elements specific to tattooing in Chicago.
The Field is the first stop in the United States for the touring exhibit, which was funded through an anonymous gift. The exhibit's run will last until April 30, 2017.
RELATED: Learn History Of Tattoos (And Maybe Get One) This Fall At The Field Museum
Here are more flash sheets of the Field's tattoo designs:
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