Dietzel: A Retrospective comes to Chicago (original) (raw)

Benefit Mon Nov 18 2013

Amund Dietzel, circa 1915

Norwegian-born Amund Dietzel learned the craft of tattooing on a merchant ship and brought it to Milwaukee in 1913, where he opened his first shop. Jon Reiter, himself a Milwaukee-based tattooer, has published a two-volume catalog of Dietzel's work, These Old Blue Arms: The Life and Work of Amund Dietzel, and worked in conjunction with the Milwaukee Art Museum for a recent exhibit of Dietzel's work.

Earlier this year, Reiter was diagnosed with a rare blood clotting disease; he was successfully treated, but is now burdened with medical bills. The Dietzel exhibit is traveling to Chicago as a benefit for Reiter, and will be shown in the gallery space at Great Lakes Tattoo, 1148 W. Grand Ave. On Friday, Nov. 29, there will be an opening reception from 5pm-10pm with appetizers and refreshments, limited edition posters and books for sale, auction items, and a raffle to help offset Reiter's bills. In addition, from Nov. 29 to Dec. 1, all tattoo proceeds from original Amund Dietzel designs will be donated to Reiter.

Battle Royale, 1916

The exhibit runs through Jan. 5, 2014, and is free to the public.