Artisan Ink Grand Opening October 28th

There will be a grand opening for Artisan Ink on Saturday, October 28th, starting with a ribbon-cutting at 10:45 AM. This award-winning Tattoo and Piercing shop, owned and operated by the versatile Melissa Freebern, was recently relocated to 1263 Patterns Mill Road in Fort Ann after over a decade of operation in Queensbury.

The feature event of this grand opening will be a flash tattoo event. There will be a variety of tattoo designs to choose from, available first-come first-serve from 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM for a total of $80. Artisan Ink will also be hosting a costume contest, a 50/50 raffle for charity, and have face painting! Food trucks will be on hand throughout the day, and music by Vinyl Vault will be featured from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM. 

This is a great time to meet the artists of Artisan Ink. The Artisan Crew includes four Tattoo Artists: Melissa Ferbern (owner/operator), Whitney Rehn, Jade Ellen, and Eva Angrisani. It also includes Junior Artist Benny Brown, Piercer Rylea Healy, and Shop Manager Jennifer Baker. 

Melissa grew up in Warrensburg, and went to SUNY Adirondack to earn an associate’s degree in Criminal Justice, followed by earning her bachelor’s degree in psychology from SUNY Plattsburgh… However, she did not follow that path: “I have always been an artist, I have always been that person,” Melissa proudly stated.

Melissa credits her time at college as giving her the confidence to go into a male-dominated field: “Tattooing has evolved… It wasn’t a great industry for women period. Locally, there were no other female-owned tattoo shops. I just do what I want. When people tell me no, I say ‘Hmmm, I’ll just figure that out…’ That’s what college taught me. It taught me how to think for myself and have confidence in my decisions. That’s what led me into more of a business realm,” she said.

Melissa’s hard work and dedication have paid off. To have work done by Melissa you need to be a bit patient as she books out three to four months in advance.

Artisan Ink has come a long way from its original 900-square foot shop in Queensbury! Its new location is on 5 acres in Fort Ann… Melissa appreciates the history of the property. It had previously been a pole barn – a barn built during the Great Depression, when farmers would utilize old utility pole to help reduce construction costs – a square-dancing venue, and a biker bar. “It’s always been a really popular gathering place,” Melissa said. 

The 5 acre property features the pole barn, a house, two apartments, and a pavilion with a small bar. Melissa would like to eventually refurbish the pavilion for events, like birthday parties or weddings. 

Along with expanding the versatility of the property Melissa would also like to teach art classes. There is an art room where she would like to teach classes in pottery and ceramics. 

Melissa is an artist to watch as she expands the offerings of Artisan Ink. Come and enjoy the festive Halloween atmosphere and explore the shop’s new home! You may even go home with some new ink!

For more information, please visit the Artisan Ink Facebook page.