That’s what Amy Patterson, owner of The Twisted Doll, wanted to portray when she designed her tattoo and piercing studio to include an art gallery.
Patterson had been tattooing Sudburians for nearly 10 years before she decided to open her own studio.
“I needed some personal growth and had a vision in mind about what a studio in Sudbury should be,” she said.
Her idea of “incorporating all the arts together” has resulted in a “new edge, state of the art facility,” where everyone can feel comfortable as they become works of art themselves.
“We just wanted to make it welcoming for all the range of people that would be coming in here,” she said. “It’s not the old stereotype anymore — it’s men, women, late teens, early 20s, all coming into the same studio, looking to get artwork done.”
I needed some personal growth and had a vision in mind about what a studio in Sudbury should be.
Amy Patterson,
owner of The Twisted Doll
Nestled between other “little shops” on Elm Street, the open-concept studio is equipped with two tattoo booths and a piercing room, where artist Shanon Restoule and apprentice Roger Fogal work. Patterson is currently the only tattoo artist working at the studio, but she said she would eventually like to bring in guest artists.
Patterson said the art decorating the walls in the studio will rotate regularly to give local artists exposure. Rob Sacchetto, Sudbury’s zombie portrait artist, currently has pieces on display. Next, an aspiring photographer’s work will grace the bright pink and purple walls.
Down the road, Patterson said she would also like to host live musicians for evening acoustic sets.
Photo by Jenny Jelen
The shop opened on June 15, and is celebrating its grand opening on Aug. 27. Mayday Mother and Super Stack will perform.
Prizes will be given out during the evening, and appetizers and beverages will be served. Tickets to the grand opening celebration cost $20 in advance and $25 at the door. Proceeds will go to the Access AIDS Network, a non-profit community-based organization promoting wellness, education, harm and risk reduction. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit www.thetwisteddoll.ca or phone 705-586-3655.
