Tattoo Maven "Shanghai Kate" Returns to NYC Tattoo Convention

(PRWEB) April 26, 2006 -- Tattoo artist, legend and author “Shanghai” Kate Hellenbrand, NYC Tattoo Convention in the Roseland Ballroom, Kate will be tattooing on the convention floor, but appointments are recommended due to a high level of interest in Shanghai Kate’s legendary tattoo work.

Hellenbrand was one of the original tattoo artists invited to join the show’s inaugural event in 1998. This year’s roster includes of over 150 artists and vendors who come from all over the world to work at this dynamic convention, and many just to meet Shanghai Kate. Celebrating its ninth year, the NYC Tattoo Convention offers a wild assortment of sideshow performers, tattooing by renowned artists, clothing and accessories with tattoo themes and non-stop visual thrills.

Shanghai Kate developed a significant clientele and family of friends on the East Coast. She spent two decades of her career in and around New York, finally managing Sacred Tattoo on West Broadway and Canal -- the country's biggest tattoo shop -- until the World Trade Center attacks on 9/11 prompted her to relocate to Buffalo, NY. "I was so close to that tragedy, I was listed as a victim," Hellenbrand says.

Hellenbrand’s clientele includes Howard Stern. "I love Kate," raved Stern on his CBS radio show after their session. "I think the world of her work and would recommend her to anyone." Other celebrity clients include Mike McCready of Pearl Jam, Casey Affleck and various other models, actors, musicians, and New York City personalities.

Hellenbrand has one of the longest and most enviable resumes in the tattoo world. She began tattooing after co-producing the landmark show: "Tattoo!" in 1971 at NYC's Museum of American Folk Art. Shortly thereafter she found herself in Hawaii, working with Sailor Jerry Collins -- now one of the most recognized names in the tattoo field. Kate's pedigree also includes working with the very top artists of her field: Ed Hardy, Zeke Owen, Jack Rudy, Bill Funk and Trevor Marshall.

FACTS

Who: Shanghai Kate Hellenbrand

What: New York City Tattoo Convention
http://www.nyctattooconvention.com/

Where: Roseland Ballroom, 239 West 52nd Street, New York City, NY

When: May 19-21
Fri. 19: 4pm - 12am
Sat. 20: 12pm - 12am
Sun. 21: 12pm - 8pm

Contact: 716-310-2529 (call to set an appointment)