Vanity Rites Brings Tattoos, Piercings and Art Displays

Vanity Rites tattoo and body piercing studio owner Jo Rapisarda admits she has a slight addiction. Growing up in the 80's, Rapisarda said she was always intrigued by tattoos, and noticed that not many women had them.

She got her first tattoo when she was 17, and it's been a love affair ever since.

"There's something about tattoos that just pulls you to it," Rapisarda said. "For me it's a pleasurable pain."

Although she admits she was always one to "go against the grain," Rapisarda only formally went into the tattoo business recently, opening her funky, art-infused studio at 104 Center St.

After graduating from Paier College of Art and becoming an artistic apprentice, Rapisarda worked in the corporate world for about seven years before finally deciding to fulfill one of her dreams. She opened Vanity Rites in July and has been enjoying work every day since.

"I opened the store with hopes to bring some sort of artistic culture to the area, and it's been working out great," Rapisarda said. "This is such a great location, one of our artists drives from Poughkeepsie, New York, because he likes it so much."

Each of the three tattooists, including Rapisarda, has his or her own artistic specialties, which makes Vanity Rites unique and appealing, she said.

Rapisarda likes drawing text, and graphic pieces, while her other artists specialize in portraits and other kinds of art.

Recent client Steve Rampino said he was more than impressed with Rapisarda's artistry and skill in producing a design of a phoenix on his arm.

"Jo's place is awesome, the artists there do a great job," Rampino said. "I was more than happy with what I had done."

Piercer John Kamus also bring years of experience and skill piercing any body part requested. His microdermal piercings, which are implanted under the skin, have been a popular request. Many microdermals are used to adorn a tattoo, seen in Rapisarda's tattoo of Buddha on her arm and many tribal tattoos — a microdermal piercing on Buddha's hand appears like a jewel.

The Southington native also likes to hold art gallery events, with local art decorating the walls and private rooms within the studio.

Although many of her clients are between the ages of 20 and 40, Rapisarda said that people might be surprised at some of the customers stopping in to receive a little ink. She recently tattooed a grandmother in her 80s, as well as a very young man. One out of two went well.

"He wanted the tattoo of his girlfriend very high up on his neck, which we usually try to talk people out of, especially in a place that visible, but he insisted," Rapisarda said. "He was recently in here again for a tattoo removal."

Trends in the tattoo community mimic ever-changing emotions as well. Rapisarda said she's seen lots of crosses and dragonflies, with the top of the foot being a fairly new trend for female clients.

Aside from tattooing and piercing, Rapisarda said she hopes her place continues to be an artistic hub of sorts, holding galleries in her studio showcasing artwork through its front lounge, hall and private rooms.

More information on Vanity Rites can be found at www.VanityRites.com or by calling (860) 620-9227.