Stepping into Tattooed Mom in Philadelphia is like entering a vibrant, sticker-laden dreamscape. For over two decades, this South Street institution, born from the vision of founder Robert Perry, has been a haven for artists, creatives, and anyone seeking an authentic, unpretentious space. Perry’s leap from art direction to bar ownership, encouraged by friends in the restaurant industry, has undeniably blossomed into a Philly landmark. The air inside is a unique blend of spirits and the subtle tang of adhesive from the countless stickers adorning every surface, a testament to its lived-in, artistic soul.
My first encounter with Tattooed Mom happened during a trip to Philadelphia for the AWP writing conference. Writers, fueled by caffeine, chocolate, and cocktails, naturally gravitated towards Tattooed Mom as the perfect after-hours sanctuary. It became the spot for sleep-deprived authors and poets navigating the conference, seeking solace and a strong drink amidst the pressures of the publishing world. For a New Yorker like myself, temporarily residing in Pittsburgh, Philadelphia felt like rival territory, but Tattooed Mom immediately offered a welcoming, inclusive atmosphere, a perfect starting point for a night out with creative colleagues like sticker artist and poet Stained Napkins, poet T.K. Mills, and UP photographer Ana Candelaria. After soaking in the visually arresting surroundings as Napkins scouted for sticker spots (a challenging task given the near-complete coverage), we ventured upstairs for a round of pool – with varying degrees of success.
The bar’s distinctive name, Tattooed Mom, originates from a founding member who truly embodied the spirit of a tattooed matriarch. “She wasn’t actually a biological mom,” Perry explained, “Just like a mom figure to traveling bands who would sleep on her floor and just people from all over the world. She has a very caring, maternal sort of feeling, like if your mom was tattooed and had a foul mouth but was a total sweetheart, too.” This essence of being both edgy and warm, gritty yet welcoming, persists throughout Tattooed Mom. It’s this very combination that has drawn a diverse community of creative individuals from across Philadelphia and beyond, fostering a space where self-expression is celebrated.
“I’ve been able to get to know many, many different street artists and artists of all kinds who have come through and who have connected with the space in many different ways,” Perry shared. “It’s been an honor to offer the space to the community to do what they need to do, whether it be a fundraiser or a pop-up or a show.” Tattooed Mom’s commitment to community and art is evident in its diverse programming. From comedy nights and poetry readings to live painting sessions and unique theatrical performances, the bar serves as a dynamic platform for artistic expression in all its forms.
Perry aptly describes Tattooed Mom as a “playground” for its patrons. World-renowned street art collective The London Police, for instance, made a memorable stop at Tattooed Mom en route to Art Basel Miami, leaving their artistic mark across the bar’s walls. However, the beauty of Tattooed Mom lies in its accessibility. You don’t need global fame to contribute to its artistic tapestry; much of the art comes from local creators who simply feel inspired by the bar’s liberating atmosphere.
Beyond the sticker-clad downstairs area, Tattooed Mom offers an upstairs playroom complete with a pool table, further solidifying its role as a space for both creative exploration and relaxed social interaction. “We wanted the downstairs to be sort of for everyone,” Perry clarified. “This street gets people from all over the world, so we wanted the downstairs to be inviting and not intimidating, but still very us.” The downstairs gallery space showcases more curated and permanent pieces, featuring recognized artists like Los Angeles-based WRDSMTH and New York’s Steve “ESPO” Powers, adding another layer to the bar’s artistic depth.
The COVID-19 pandemic presented unprecedented challenges for small businesses, and Tattooed Mom was no exception. “The pandemic was a moment where the space was frozen in amber. I’d walk through and nothing changed for the longest, longest time. That was really strange and took some getting used to,” Perry reflected. However, even during this period of stillness, Tattooed Mom found a way to adapt and find new meaning. “On the flip side, it allowed us a chance to take a breath and maybe highlight things that are already here and continue to share.” This period of reflection allowed Tattooed Mom to reaffirm its commitment to its community and artistic mission, even amidst the disappointment of postponing beloved events like its signature sticker show, Characters Welcome.
In a world often saturated with curated online perfection, Tattooed Mom stands as a refreshing antidote, celebrating the beauty of imperfection and the power of collective creativity. It has played a pivotal role in popularizing sticker art and wheatpasting within Philadelphia, even curating a sticker art exhibition at Philadelphia International Airport – a testament to its influence and reach. Looking ahead, Tattooed Mom continues to innovate with events like Thirsty Walls nights, inviting artists to spontaneously contribute their work, further solidifying its position as a vital hub within the local and wider art scene.
“What you see is the creation of—not hundreds—thousands of different artists who have come through,” Perry concluded. “And not just established artists. People who are inspired by this space to maybe start and do their first sticker. Maybe start to do their first wheatpaste where they feel comfortable in here to not have to look over their shoulder.” Tattooed Mom is more than just a bar; it’s a living, breathing art installation, a community incubator, and a testament to the enduring appeal of authentic, creatively charged spaces where everyone is welcome to leave their mark.
