By Carol McCracken

The areas first tattoo parlor opened yesterday. The Squid & Whale Tattoo Shop opened without a lot of fanfare, but the two women owners are confident that will change soon. The Shop is located at 181 Congress Street and replaces the Filament Gallery formerly located there.

“We are inviting the community to come in and take a look around and get acquainted with us and what we do,” said Hanna one of the owners. The two do mostly traditionally inspired tattoos. They invite the public to come in and talk to them about the designs in which they are interested. They are always interested in new ideas. At that consultation, costs to the consumers can also be agreed upon. Walk ins are accepted, but they prefer appointments. This way they can give more attention and thought to designing the tattoo.

Cyndi, a former professional photographer, says the Shop will also host art shows beginning on June 1. They are going to continue to be part of the First Friday Art Walk that was a tradition at the Filament Gallery. The Shop will hold rotating art shows.

The two were previously employed at Just Good Tattoos located at the State Theater until mid-February when the shop relocated out of town.

The phone service is not expected to be installed for another several weeks at least. When it is, the number is (207) 699-4192. The Shop’s hours are Tuesday-Thursday; noon until 6:00 p.m. Friday & Saturday; noon until 8:00 p.m. It is closed Sunday and Monday.