The Chippewa Valley Museum in Eau Claire is concluding its run of “Tattoo: Identity Through Ink,” a traveling exhibition exploring the historical and cultural evolution of body art. To bring the history to life, the museum hosted live tattooing sessions where local artists, including Ed Erdmann of Wintership Tattoo, demonstrated their craft. In a notable moment of institutional engagement, the museum’s executive director, Carrie Ronnander, received her first-ever tattoo during the event to highlight the personal significance of the medium.
This exhibition matters because it bridges the gap between traditional museum curation and contemporary subcultures, validating tattooing as a legitimate form of fine art and historical study. By incorporating live demonstrations and participation from local practitioners, the museum successfully transitioned from a passive display of artifacts to an interactive community experience. The initiative reflects a broader trend of regional museums seeking to remain relevant by exploring diverse cultural expressions that resonate with the modern mainstream.