WEST SPRINGFIELD – The Eastern States Exposition is no stranger to tattoos. Every fall during the Big E fair, booths offering henna and spray-on tattoos set up shop on the fairgrounds.

But the Eastern States Exposition's Young Building offered something a bit more permanent April 12-14.

The First Annual Papillon Tattoo Convention brought guests from near and far to proudly show off the artwork on their skin – and seek out some more. The convention was organized by Papillon Tattoo Supply, a shop located in Enfield known for creating Starbrite Inks.

There is often a stigma that comes with tattoos. I will never forget a family friend’s response when I told her I wanted tattoos as a teenager. ”You can’t possibly want tattoos. They'll ruin your wedding photos,” she told me.

My grandmother asked me to promise her I would never “put any tattoos on her first granddaughter's skin” when I was young.

I always wondered what made them feel that way. Growing up in a world with television programs such as “L.A. Ink” and “Ink Master,” tattoos weren’t all that taboo to me. But my family wasn’t alone in their thinking.

About two decades ago, the Papillon Tattoo Convention could not have legally happened. According to the Cambridge Public Health website, “In 1962, Massachusetts became one of the few states in the country to consider tattooing a ‘crime against the person,’ and ban the practice except for medical purposes.” Unless done by a physician, tattooing was illegal in the state of Massachusetts until 2000.

“Sorry, grandma,” I muttered to myself as I lifted my (already tattooed) arm and showed the cashier my ticket. I had one thing on my mind as I walked into the convention: more tattoos.

When I spoke to Papillon Tattoo Supply manager Carl Basile about the planning of the convention in March, he said, “I think tattoo conventions are happening everywhere, all around you, worldwide. You don’t find many people without any tattoos at all. I think the world of art needs to be exposed. Tattoos are not a bad thing. People have been tattooing since ancient tines. It’s friendlier and cleaner than ever.”

Upon attending the convention, Basile and his team successfully accomplished just that. Both attendees of the convention and tattooists showed off tattoos loudly and proudly. Each booth featured a table displaying the individual artwork of each artist. Although tattoos were for sale, guests could also purchase art books, prints, clothing and even greeting cards.

For those who weren’t in the market for a new tattoo, Gypsy Moth Boutique was on site selling framed insect and bat taxidermy pieces while Christopher Traverse of Ranch Roses sold roses made from metal. For a less permanent body modification, several booths also offered on-site body piercing during the event.

While you may have to be over the age of 18 to be tattooed, the event offered face painting for all ages, giving everyone the opportunity to go home with a new piece of artwork. Children were also welcome to enjoy two bounce houses and balloon animals at the convention. DazzleDay Face Painters of Longmeadow provided the children's entertainment all weekend.

Musical entertainment was also provided during the convention with two stages. Tattoo contests were hosted with categories such as “Best Old School” and “Best Black and White.” Food was offered by West Side Grille and Dunkin' Donuts during the convention.

From booth to booth, each artist’s work had it's own unique charm. Some specialized in floral pieces, while others displayed “American traditional” tattoos, dating back to the 1920s. Local artists and artists from as far as Ecuador joined together in one room to showcase their talents.

Although I arrived just one hour after the opening of the convention, booths were already filled with clients being tattooed. The opportunity to meet and consult with a vast range of artists proved overall appealing to the tattoo community.

I found myself repeatedly returning to a booth displayed by Cardinal Tattoo in Newington. As I flipped through a book packed with artist Edouard Duong’s work, it was apparent why he already had a client in his chair getting a back tattoo.

I had my eye on a tattoo of Jason Voorhees’ Friday the 13th hockey mask, complete with a machete and fall leaves. As a year-round Halloween and horror fan, it was the perfect fit.

While I didn't have the opportunity to get inked that day, I was thankful for the opportunity to meet with Duong face to face and discuss the possibility of booking an appointment at Cardinal Tattoo in the future without having to travel too far.

During our phone conversation in March, Basile shared, “We are going to be really nervous on our first one, but we're going to do our best to make sure everyone has fun there.”

From the laughter of children running around the bounce houses to the smiles on the faces of those being tattooed, I would say Papillon Tattoo has a place in the convention industry as permanent as ink.

Papillon Tattoo Supply is located at 118 Pearl Street in Enfield. To contact Papillon Tattoo Supply, please call 860-745-9270 or email Carl Basile at CBasile@papillonsupply.com. Visit Papillon Tattoo Supply at papillonsupply.com.