Local Newswire Score a free tattoo courtesy of Sailor Jerry Jan. 14

To honor the 101st anniversary of tattoo artist Norman “Sailor Jerry” Collins, the Sailor Jerry Rum Company will sponsor a birthday celebration to be held at the Belmont Ave. Chicago Tattooing Company Jan. 14. In addition to free Sailor Jerry cocktails, the company will give away 101 complimentary tattoos based on original artwork by the tattoo legend, because nothing can go wrong when you mix tattoos and alcohol.

Sailor Jerry, born in 1911, was one of the major pioneers of safe and diverse tattooing, and many of his designs formed a foundation for what we now consider classic—maybe stereotypical—tattoos. He also spurred the career of another famous tattoo artist, Ed Hardy, whose designs have gone on to decorate the clothing of guidos and guidettes all across the Jersey Shore.

The Chicago Tattooing Company, a legend in its own right, opened in the mid 1960s. The oldest tattoo parlor in the city, Chicago Tattooing Company has also been a leader in promoting safe tattoos and piercing in Chicago.