Tattoo artists spread joy with chalk art

OLYMPIA, Wash. — Give the crew at Fleshworks Tattoo a box of chalk and a few hours and they'll turn an ordinary sidewalk into a radiant masterpiece.

"It’s the small things that count, it’s not the big things. You don’t have to have a lot of money to go do something that makes someone smile,” said Cynthia Brown.

Brown and her husband, Travis Brown, own Fleshworks Tattoo Studio. COVID-19 closed their downtown Olympia shop more than a month ago.

"It’s been real tough,” said Travis Brown.

Despite the difficulties, they're getting by.

In fact, they’re often leaving a mark just about everywhere they go.

"It's nice to see people's reactions because as they're walking by they're saying, ‘Woah, this is so awesome,’ and you can see that it makes them happy,” said Carly Pitzer, Fleshworks Tattoo Studio apprentice.

Walk past The Oyster House and you won't miss a giant octopus and sailboat beaming bright yellows, pinks and blues.

Cynthia Brown came up with the idea to create happiness using chalk when she thought about senior citizens quarantined in their homes.

"They're there and they're stuck and they can't come out and, if they do, it could kill them,” she said.

They’ve chalked vibrant landscapes on pathways outside senior living facilities, including Patriots Landing in DuPont and Affinity in Lacey. The response was incredible.

"Lots of tears and it’s just super sweet and they’re like, ‘We haven’t been able to get out of here,’ just anything that brightens their day,” said Cynthia Brown.

The concept may be simple, but for Fleshworks Tattoo it's clear: chalk is a way to connect, support and inspire their community.

"This is an opportunity to do art, bring joy and let people know this may be going on now, but there is a light at the end of the tunnel and we will all get through this,” said Travis Brown.

To help small business owners in need, the tattoo shop is asking companies to sponsor their chalk efforts by donating to struggling small businesses who’ve asked for assistance on their Facebook page. In return, they will incorporate company names into their chalking.

Those who’d like to support the cause can drop off chalk to Fleshworks Tattoo Studio.

Businesses, senior living facilities and more that would like chalk designs should also contact the studio.

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