'More Mainstream': Tattoo Shop Makes Imprint on Downtown SP
Craig Morrison (right), the owner of Valhalla Tattoo and Gallery, and Matt Green, a tattoo artist, at the new shop in Southern Pines Photo by Glenn Sides.
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Craig Morrison was not well-received by Broad Street landlords while scouting locations in downtown Southern Pines for Valhalla Tattoo and Gallery.
"There was some resistance," said Morrison, a combat controller for the U.S. Air Force who is retiring in January.
But there are no hard feelings, because Morrison believes that the 2,700 square feet of space at 165 E. Pennsylvania Ave. is better suited to grow the business.
"We don't want people to be nervous or intimidated, so this old house with its inviting entrance is great," he said. "We're not a typical tattoo shop. We're going to focus on custom tattooing. So, this location will probably turn out to be way better in the long run."
Morrison wants customers to feel comfortable from the moment they walk through the door, which is why the lobby contains Victorian furniture and an organ made in 1910.
"This place is almost 100 years old, and we want people to feel that vibe," he said.
Morrison, 33, who started tattooing soldiers 18 months ago while stationed overseas, opened Valhalla Tattoo on Oct. 23 after conducting months of market research and also considering locations in Sanford and Spring Lake.
"Southern Pines is such an awesome town," he said. "Tattooing is an art form, so we want to add to the local arts community. We also want to get in touch with artists here to get some of their work hanging in the gallery."
The only art currently on the walls is that of Morrison and Matt Green, who recently closed his tattoo shop in Spring Lake.
"I came to North Carolina from the Gulf Coast four days after Hurricane Katrina," said Green, an Army veteran who has been a tattoo artist for almost two decades. "I'd never tattooed on the East Coast or near an Army base. There's a lot of patriotic goodness here.
"When you're in East L.A., you're not exactly tattooing the best of America."
Tattoos have been associated with culture and lore from ancient art to modern expressionism, and they are becoming more accepted as fewer people think of them as representing deviant behavior.
"It's more mainstream now," Morrison said. "Tattooing is a multi-billion-dollar industry."
A Harris Poll conducted earlier this year found that one in five American adults (21 percent) has at least one tattoo, up from 16 percent and 14 percent in 2003 and 2008, respectively.
Tattoos seem to be more prevalent in the West, where 26 percent of adults have at least one tattoo, and least popular in the South (18 percent).
Women are slightly more likely than men to have a tattoo (23 percent vs. 19 percent), while adults aged 30-39 are most likely to have a tattoo (38 percent).
Green, who served as an apprentice in Biloxi, Miss., said the industry has come a long way in a short time.
"Today, I work with each customer from start to finish on the design they want," he said. "It's not like it was when I started out on the beach doing Tasmanian Devils and Yosemite Sams."
Morrison said the business is named for a tattoo - "Valhalla" - worn by Andy Harvell, a fellow combat controller who was killed in action overseas.
"He was always wanting me to get into tattooing," Morrison said, "so it was just really fitting."
Valhalla is open Monday through Thursday from noon to 8 p.m., Friday and Saturday from noon to 9 p.m., and by appointment on Sunday. Tattoos start at $85.
"We want to give people tattoos that they're proud to wear," Green said. "We're not looking to be a street shop. We want it to be an inviting place. We want people to come in and meet us."
Morrison agreed, saying, "We don't want to create a negative vibe."
Valhalla, which has room for two more tattoo artists, may offer custom signs and body piercing in the future.
"I need a change of pace," Morrison said. "This is a great opportunity to do business in a great town with a lot of great people."
Contact Ted M. Natt Jr. at (910) 693-2474 or tnatt@thepilot.com.
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Comments
alladat1 6 months, 3 weeks ago
Nothing classier than graffiti for the human body. What God made isn't good enough for some people.
Asdfg 6 months, 2 weeks ago
Alladat1, Im not really following your logic. I understand that tattooing may not be acceptable to you, and you likely will never get a tattoo, but I think it's a bit silly to use religion as an argument. I wonder if you feel the same about clothing, jewelry or makeup. In fact, in your argument if one were to wear clothing then they would believe that their body is not good enough the way that God made it. If that is too radical of an idea for you then I'm sure you feel the same way about women who pierce their ears or wear makeup. If I spot you walking around Southern Pines naked I will be sure to carefully approach and have a more in depth discussion with you.
Asdfg 6 months, 2 weeks ago
Oh.... And you can recognize me by the classy graffiti which covers my arms. Graffiti that was tattooed by artists with a God-given talent.
SH59 6 months, 2 weeks ago
I've always had a fascination with Tattoos and find it surprisingly refreshing to see this kind of diversity in Southern Pines. Asdfg, just like anything else in our country you actually have the right to choose what's right for you but don't discredit others for their choices that have nothing to do with you.
TooHot 6 months, 2 weeks ago
You'd think Craig would be wearing something a little more revealing of his personal ink, unless of course, he has none! That would be an interesting tidbit.
emb6683 6 months, 2 weeks ago
Great. Now we just need a pawn shop and a strip club and we'll be just like Fayetteville, except without the mall.
vikingmom 6 months, 2 weeks ago
Well Southern Pines already has a pawn shop and the strip club is not too far down the road albeit Aberdeen...
clinteastwood 6 months, 2 weeks ago
boy, are there some narraw minded people that post on here. whats wrong with a tattoo parlor? whats wrong with a pawn shop? don't go there if you don't like it. good luck to you craig!
MikeNC 6 months, 2 weeks ago
Welcome to town guys. Isn't that the old home across the street from the Pilot? People here were calling it an eye sore just a few weeks ago, now possibly it will get a facelift. What san be wrong with that? I see The Pilot staff inking up before long. Possibly dusty rhoades will get himself a tat of Pee Wee herman whom he admires so much...Mike
Matt_Woodruff 6 months, 2 weeks ago
Mike, E. Pennsylvania, across from the park.
MikeNC 6 months, 2 weeks ago
My bad...Thanks for the info Matt....Mike PS...I still welcome them to town and dusty can still get his pee wee on.
luvmytats 6 months, 2 weeks ago
I found this to be a good source of information for those who use religion for their argument of tattoos: The teachings of Jesus, the Council of Jerusalem, and other New Testament teachings (John 1:16-17, Acts 13:39, Romans 2:25-29, 8:1-4, 1 Corinthians 9:19-21, Galatians 2:15-16, Ephesians 2:15) make it clear that Christians are not required to follow the Old Testament rules about crimes and punishments, warfare, slavery, diet, circumcision, sacrifice, feast days, Sabbath observance, ritual cleanness, etc.
Christians still look to the Old Testament scripture for moral and spiritual guidance (2 Timothy 3:16-17). But when there seems to be a conflict between Old Testament laws and New Testament principles, we must follow the New Testament because it represents the most recent and most perfect revelation from God (Hebrews 8:13, 2 Corinthians 3:1-18 www.christianbiblereferences.org>
- Suggest removal
MoldyLunchbox 6 months, 2 weeks ago
Pure Gold is in Southern Pines, not Aberdeen.
iteachforamerica 6 months, 2 weeks ago
Just moved from So. California where now tattoo removal is big business...has been for almost 5 years. Just where is the local market for "ink" in this area??? High-schoolers? How classy.
vikingmom 6 months, 2 weeks ago
I stand corrected..about the strip club..Thing is people it is called Freedom of expression..and if people want to get a tattoo, they are going too..Now I personally would like to keep that money in Moore County and not Cumberland County..
Courseaire 6 months, 2 weeks ago
As Porky would say: "Tats all, Folks!"
Toda 6 months, 2 weeks ago
Not much for tattoos, however I see body expression everywhere. Even some of the classy BMW and Mercedes crowd. Usually around their ankles or a "cherry" hidden from public view. So of my many nieces claim such body art.
packwilleat 6 months, 2 weeks ago
You Idiots never stop do you?? Congrats to the guys and the future of their business.
cooldaddy 6 months, 2 weeks ago
I have beautiful lady friends who are all professional. (teacher, real estate and one is a secretary for a church.) They all have tattoo's of either something related to breast cancer or their children. If you don't like it, tough. If you think they should get their tattoo's in an unclean enviornment then you're a selfish idiot. If you don't want a tattoo, try not getting one! It's that easy! Leave everyone else alone. I use the ladies as an example because people sterotype out of ignorance. Yes, there are rougher people who can be quite crude and blunt who get tattoo's, like me, but that's just tough for you too. Like it has been said, you wear what you want within the decency laws, and the rest of us will wear what we want. I remember Archie Bunker's conversation with Gloria about sex. Archie said it was ok for men to have multiple partners but a woman would be a whore. Gloria then asked "Well Daddy, who are the men supposed to have sex with?!" ( I am not advocating sex outside of marraige so save that one)...in fact this same type of common sense relates to Tattoo's. If they are legal, and they are...then the cleanest and best shops should be allowed anywhere the market allows (what they can afford) Should we say it is only for rough men and make the Tattoo shops open in poor, dingy areas only? It's 2012...not 1220.
DingoMike 6 months, 2 weeks ago
Personally, I'm glad that a new business is opened in our wonderful town. I cannot stand tatoo's on anyone,however, that is my choice. If someone want to get one that is their personal choice. I feel that is one of the greatest gifts that our founding fathers gave us, the freedom of choice. So all you haters out there GET OVER YOURSELF!!!!!!
concerned1 6 months, 2 weeks ago
I don't understand why this business is getting such a nice write up in the local newspaper when there are many other businesses that have opened and have not or in some cases "cannot", even after asking The Pilot for a small article, get such an elaborate write up about their new businesses. Is this some form apology due to guilt at work here for the resistance these new business merchants received while trying to find a location? If so, we should all hope for resistance among those who were nervous or intimidated.
Courseaire 6 months, 2 weeks ago
Just remember, that beautiful little "hummingbird" Tat will look like a vulture when you get older & stuff starts drooping.
emb6683 6 months, 2 weeks ago
Courseaire is right, here's what the ladies have to look forward to.
http://www.nbc.com/saturday-night-live/video/turlingtons-lower-back-tattoo-remover/1087962/
Elain 6 months, 2 weeks ago
Talk about prejudiced and judgmental people! Before you judge, why don't you go and meet and talk to the owner and see what he is like. I have known Craig for many years. He is a man of integrity, one that loves God, his country and his family. He has sacrificed and fought for yours and my freedom for the past 11 years. Why don't we do the same for him and give him the freedom (without negative judgments) he deserves to use his artistic abilities and to be able to support his family. Also what wasn't mentioned is also Craig draws portraits in pencil. You'd be surprised that his art isn't only tattooing. GIve them a chance!!!
NocOwl 6 months, 2 weeks ago
So what aren't the Broad Street merchants opposed to? Seems like they're always complaining about something. I am glad to have some young, diverse businessmen come to Southern Pines. I hope their business is successful and we get more variety here as a result
I don't think our area is accurately represented by the people who regularly post on these online articles. These boards are not moderated well so trolls abound. Sad.