From Tattoos to Tabbies - Red Arbor hosts ‘Tats for Cats’ event

Ink will flow from tattoo guns to adoption papers as Red Arbor Tattoo teams up with Sioux Empire TNR Coalition for the inaugural Tats for Cats event this Saturday, October 11. 

Cory Claussen, owner of Red Arbor Tattoo has been building his tattoo shop in the Tea community after moving from Sioux Falls. 

“My wife Tanya and I have fallen in love with this community. It’s a great place to live and to grow this business,” Claussen said. 

With over 17 years of experience, Claussen has had the opportunity to tattoo in three countries, two continents, and in 32 states, specializing in ornamental Japanese pieces, winning multiple tattoo awards.

Since moving to Tea, Claussen has built up his team at Red Arbor Tattoo, building a community focused atmosphere that encourages creative growth. 

“Red Arbor Tattoo is all about artistic growth. We now employ eight artists and four support staff who also believe in the mission and the community, and we are proud of have been voted Local Best multiple years in a row as a shop that is centered on creativity, comfort, and connection,” he said.

This year, Red Arbor Tattoo is teaming up with Sioux Empire TNR (trap/neuter/return) Coalition to raise money to help support all the work Sioux Empire TNR does to improve feline welfare. 

“We are incredibly lucky to team up with Matt and Mychelle who own Sioux Empire TNR to create a fun, community-driven event to bring awareness to feline welfare,” Claussen said.

Sioux Empire TNR Coalition is a local nonprofit community working to reduce the stray cat population and improve their quality of life. 

“Sioux Empire TNR supports adoption, run trap-neuter-return efforts, and focus on educating the community. We love that they not only rescue and care for animals but also give education on how anyone can get involved,” he said.

The event will take place at Red Arbor Tattoo on Saturday, October 11 with events both inside and out to keep the crowd engaged from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. 

“We will be tattooing inside the shop all day, but in the parking lot, vendors, food trucks, and adoptable cats will all be on hand for the public to come and go throughout the day,” he said. 

Red Arbor Tattoo artists will be on hand with specialized tattoos just for the event. 

“We have created custom flash sheets specifically for this event, many of them are cat themed, but there are a mix of other fun designs too. Flash options are already being posted on the Tats for Cats Facebook page with more being released throughout the week to build some excitement,” Claussen said. 

Pre-registration is not required but recommended for the event and can be requested through the Facebook page. 

With a growing list of vendors, Claussen is hopeful for a good turnout. 

“We already have vendors including Cat Tails Grooming, SD Ghostbusters, AnimalWisedCo, The Rescue Network, DJ Dante Deperno, Roscoe’s Food Truck, The Source Coffee Shop, and 1st Generation Clothing committed to making this day fun and beneficial to all the animals,” Claussen said.

A donation area will be set up for anyone looking to donate any cat-related items. 

“The Sioux Empire TNR is always in need of cat food, litter, kitten formula, tents, and other supplies. There is a link posted on the Tats for Cats Facebook event page that links to specific items the TNR Coalition could really use,” he said. 

Available on site will be adoptable cats for those who find the perfect companion. 

“Cats are going to be available on site. TNR will have tents and dedicated area where attendees can meet, play with, and even adopt cats that are ready for new homes. It’s a great chance to interact with the animals and see how they benefit from the amazing care they receive at TNR,” Claussen said. 

Whether looking for fresh ink or to adopt a new forever pet, Claussen encourages everyone to check out the event on Saturday. 

“All the profits and donations from this event are going to a great cause. This event will be the perfect blend of giving back, supporting local efforts, and doing what we love, tattooing. By combining both audiences, we are hoping to create a powerful day of support and education,” Claussen said.