Ely is Open!

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Greetings! As many of your know, the last few weeks have been challenging in the Northland. Due to extreme heat, higher than average winds and the resulting extreme dryness, resulting in a series of lightning strikes igniting a series of wildfires across the BWCA and the unprecedented closure of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW). The great news is the fires are stable and last night our “Ready” for evacuation notice here at the studio was lifted.

The city of Ely is open!

Ely, MN

Ely is a community of small businesses, most of whom rely on revenue from seasonal visitors – with the average highest visitor numbers in July and August – to support business overhead throughout the rest of the year. When the BWCA is closed, many businesses experience canceled bookings, which trickles down rapidly through the community. Outfitters and Lodges have had innumerable cancellations, resulting in no work for guides and staff as well as significantly less business for hotels, restaurants, gift stores, coffee shops, museums, art galleries and more. Ely businesses are reporting a reduction in revenue of 40-90%.

Ely is Open!

 

If you’re looking for a nice escape from the daily grind consider a roadtrip North! Specific areas of the BWCAW will reopen today 7/27 for Day Permits and barring any new fire activity specific entry points will reopen for Overnight Permits on 7/31.  The air quality is excellent, and I’m looking at blue skies, golden sunlight, leaves rustling in the breeze and moderate temperatures as I write this post. Things are much quieter here than typical in late July so if you love the North but don’t love the traffic, wait lines in restaurants, meeting lots of people on the trail or having to plan bookings in advance (hit me up for a hotel discount), this is a fantastic time for a quiet, relaxing getaway!

Please check out this link to local Ely businesses and things to do while you’re here! And keep an eye on IG @artwithapoint for local businesses I’ll be highlighting. Thanks so much for your support!  ~Awen

Health Protocols and Booking Info

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UPDATED July 23, 2025

At AWP health protocols prioritizing the well-being of our clients and artist always comes first. Public Health is central to tattooing. This studio is clean, Carol Ann!

Our health guidelines are straightforward and common sense:

  • If you are – or have been – feeling unwell – or if you’re in contact with anyone feeling unwell – do not come to the studio. Awen wants to remain healthy in order to avoid scheduling delays. If we notice any symptoms during your time in the studio we will cancel your appointment and send you home. That would be awkward. Nobody wants awkward. Just let us know proactively, ok?
  • We offer remote ZOOM design consultations – to provide accessibility for clients traveling in for their new ink and to reduce traffic inside the studio. Consults can be booked online through a link provided by Awen. Submit a booking inquiry.
  • Clients are expected to wear clean clothes to your appointment. Whether you’re coming from home, school, fieldwork in the Northwoods or your camping trip, help us keep the studio, the client chair, and the tattoo environment clean – for yourself and everyone else.
  • When you arrive for your appointment, simply scan the QR code on the counter with your phone and set out your photo ID to begin the check in process.
  • Complimentary masks are available and Awen is more than happy to mask up for your appointment. No judgement – just ask! If your tattoo is on your chest, torso or neck, Awen will mask and may ask you to as well due to being face to face for several hours. We completely support freedom of choice and bodily autonomy. If you choose not to wear a mask when asked, no problem – we respect that and we will choose to reschedule your appointment.
  • Ventilation is key to interrupting the cycle of transmission for airborne illnesses. Fresh air is consistently cycled into the studio and then filtered with HEPA filtration. In cool weather we adjust heating, but the studio runs cool. Bring a zip up hoodie to keep one arm covered while the other gets tattooed, or wear it backwards to keep both arms and your front warm while getting a back tattoo – or hey, it’s makes for a nice woobie. Who doesn’t love a woobie.
  • While we’re on the topic of comfort – You’re welcome to bring earbuds to transport you to your happy place while getting inked. We provide complimentary internet so you can stream to your hearts content.
  • IMPORTANT: As we’ve all experienced, things like illness, injury and family emergencies come up at the last minute, so be sure to check your email and /or Square messages before coming in for your appointment  just in case there are last minute changes to the appointment. In the event rescheduling is necessary, we’ll email you as early as possible. Obviously unexpected things are – well, unexpected. Thank you for being understanding.
  • REMEMBER: A fresh tattoo requires energy from your immune system to heal, and your immune system requires resilience to fight exposure to illness, so it’s necessary  to be healthy when getting tattooed, to follow the aftercare instructions and to make good choices during the first few days of healing following the tattoo. If you’re camping, plan the tattoo for the end of your trip.
ADDITIONAL PUBLIC HEALTH INFO:
  • ALL studio hours, appointments, booking timelines and protocols are subject to change. If you have an appointment, be sure to check your email and /or Square Messages for updates prior to traveling to the studio.
  • Awen is certified in Prevention of Disease Transmission in Tattooing through the Alliance of Professional Tattooists and is re-certified annually.
  • Single service disposable set ups are provided for each and every client. Each item used during your tattoo appointment – from needles to pigment to ink caps – are discarded at the end of each appointment.
  • Hand washing and hand sanitizer are available to clients throughout the duration of your appointment.
  • Awen will postpone appointments if he feels unwell. Thank you in advance for your understanding if we need to reschedule. Be sure to check your email for appointment updates prior to traveling to the studio.
  • Awen is licensed by the Minnesota Department of Health.
  • Awen is a card carrying Professional Members of the Alliance of Professional Tattooists.
Two things we’ve learned over the last several years is the only constant in life is change,  and that while we each experience life uniquely, we are all also ultimately interdependent. We’re big fans of science here. If you’re uncomfortable with any of these protocols, feel free to respectfully inquire for clarification and/or to postpone/reschedule your appointment. Questions? Just ask.

Be Well,  Keep the Courage and Stay Awesome!

Studio Update

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In light of recent updates from the MN Department of Health and City of Minneapolis, we’ve made the tough decision to proactively close the studio from 3/17 to 4/5.

Our three priorities are – and will always be – creating fantastic art, stewarding a welcoming environment and prioritizing strict health protocols. This is tough decision for two independent artists – and – we’re committed to prioritizing the health and safety of our community as a whole and to doing our part to slow, and prevent, transmission of the virus.

If you have an appointment during this time and haven’t heard from your artist – check your email.

In the meantime, thank you for your patience, understanding and support during this difficult time. We wish you and your loved ones health and peace of heart and mind.

Awen and Matt

Koi Fish Panel by Matt

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Matt is interested in tattooing this Koi fish panel – and is offering it at a special rate. Email Matt to inquire!

Instant Gift Cards Ri’Here

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It’s nice to pick up that last minute gift, from your couch while sitting next to your dog (or cat. Or parrot or python or Pokémon…) and drinking coffee. No traffic. No lines. YASSSSSSS.

Matt has openings available beginning in March!

Awen is booking into fall 2020!

Be *sure* you purchase through the artist you’ll be working with. Gift cards are specific to the artist – and are not universal through the studio.

Get Matt’s eGift Cards here.

Get Awen’s eGift Cards here.

Matt’s Scheduling Update

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Important update from Marvelous Matt! Matt’s been Apprenticing with me for two years and is coming up on the end of his Apprenticeship and the beginning of his Professional Licensure! Book now to grab one of his last remaining appointments at discounted Apprenticeship rates!

Email Matt to inquire!

AWP Hoodies Heck Yeah!

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YEEEEEAAAH! It’s hoodie weather! We have just a few of these awesome Art With a Point hoodies left. Get yours here! Order online or pick up in studio. “Misneach” = “Courage” in Irish Gaelic.

AWP Snap Back Caps

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There’s no such thing as too many hats. Show your tattoo love with these royal blue snap back caps. Art With a Point logo and side detail embroidery. Thanks to @ShamelessInc for taking care of all our printing needs! Get yours here!