Tattoo Parlor Doubles as Art Gallery

A tattoo parlor that was located in the Occidental Plaza strip mall next to Jack in the Box on Eagle Rock Boulevard for the past three years has moved to a more prominent location several blocks up the street, combining at least one aspect of the storefront’s previous tenant—art.

The parlor, called Evil Or Sacred Tattoos, began giving customers tattoos about a week ago after an Aug. 1 opening on 4532 Eagle Rock Blvd., where, until this past December, the art gallery Cactus used to be located.

And in a new twist to the old business, the tattoo parlor also sells art and conducts monthly art shows, thereby coincidentally preserving the legacy of Cactus Gallery—at least in spirit. The store’s first art show was on Aug. 17. Another show is scheduled Sept. 17.

Although the words “Evil or Sacred” are missing from the sign on the storefront, that’s what the tattoo parlor has always been called, according to Edward Cervantes, one of the shop’s tattoo artists.

Neither is there any indication from the outside that the tattoo parlor, which is owned by noted tattoo artist George Labrada, also doubles as an art gallery. A sign on the store’s sidewall facing the driveway does, however, have the words “Art Gallery” hand-painted vertically.

“I think the owner hasn’t gotten around to putting up all the signs,” said Cervantes, adding: “We’re in the process of painting the whole building.”

Not many readers are likely to know this, but Evil or Sacred Tattoos has been around on Eagle Rock Boulevard at three different locations for the past 10 years.

The former home of Cactus Gallery is easily the tattoo parlor’s most prominent location to date, although it remains to be seen if Evil Or Sacred will become a hub for local artists in quite the same way.

Evil Or Sacred Tattoos, 4532 Eagle Rock Blvd., (323) 825-2713.