Tired of paying monthly visits to average tattoo shops in the Central PA area? If so, take a trip to Black Thorn Galley for a refreshing atmosphere to get inked up. Landon Lewis, Tim Kenee, & Ryan Sphar are not in the tattoo business just for a paycheck. Each tattoo artist treats their clients with respect & translates every customer’s vision into a custom or flash tattoo. Surrounded by an array of paintings (some by clients & some by Black Thorn Gallery employees), Chinese art, & a little punk rock, Andre & I sat down & got directly to the core of why Black Thorn Gallery looks different from every other Central PA tattoo shop.

Where did the name “Black Thorn Gallery” come from?

Landon Lewis: “We all sat down & bounced names back & forth for about 15 hours. It was one of the names we originally passed on, but eventually decided that it was perfect”.

How did this shop come together & are you all from the same area?

Tim Kenee: “I was working at a restaurant as a manager. Landon & Ryan were both working at different tattoo shops at the time. So one day we all had a meeting & decided that we should start our own tattoo shop. We’re all from Pennsylvania just different cities. Landon is from Etters. I’m from Duncannon & Ryan is from Mechanicsburg”.

What separates your shop from other tattoo shops in the area?

Landon Lewis: “Besides our shop’s décor, layout, & art gallery, we’re an all customs shop. Most tattoo shops in the area take pre-made designs from the internet, print them out & trace them right onto their clients. Not only is that not original, but it’s not unique. We take pride in our craft. So we make sure every tattoo we create for a client stands out from the rest.”

On July 17th you’re having a 2nd Annual Sailor Jerry Day. Can you explain what that day will consist of?

Landon Lewis: “Sailor Jerry was a famous tattoo artist in the 50s. He inspires a lot of our work so we pay homage for what he has done. On that day we hang up pictures of his work in the shop. Also, we create tattoos based off of his designs for our clients at ½ price. Usually we’re open from 12pm-12am on Sailor Jerry Day.”

What else does your shop have to offer other than just tattoos?

Tim Kenee: “Other tattoo shops do not incorporate art into their tattoo shops. Here at Black Thorn Gallery we are more focused on the art itself. So sporadically we hold Art Shows about 4 times a year right here in the shop. Not just tattoo themed art, but every Art Show has a different theme”.

Are there any specific artists that have inspired you to create art?

Landon Lewis: “Sailor Jerry obviously. Not only are his designs inspiring, but he’s an innovator. His whole attitude & business savvy is legendary.”

Tim Kenee: “Besides Sailor Jerry I’d say Ed Hardy. As a tattoo artist in the 60s he really revolutionized the tattoo business as a brand”.

Has the recession had an effect on The Black Thorn Gallery?

Landon Lewis: “The recession has not really affected the shop, well not drastically. Other shops have closed just because of slow business & lazy tattoo artists. Nobody wants to spend money on a tattoo that is done poorly. Some artists may receive more clients than others because they have more experience”.

How old were you when you completed your first tattoo?

Tim Kenee: “I was 15 when I tattooed a friend. He knew that I could draw so I used his makeshift tattoo machine. It was a horrible grim reaper! He reminds me every time I see him & refuses to get it covered”.

Landon Lewis: “I didn’t start tattooing until I got an apprenticeship in my 20s. If you’re really serious about becoming a tattoo artist take the time to perfect your craft. Apprenticeships are a great way to get started despite how scarce they are”.

To learn more about this tattoo shop, check out their website: Black Thorn Gallery

Black Thorn Gallery

13 W. Main Street

Mechanicsburg,PA 17055

717-795-8512