Kari Barba (1960â) is an award-winning and popular tattoo artist with over four decades of experience in the industry. She is the co-owner of Outer Limits Tattoo & Museum, the oldest continuously operating tattoo studio in the United States and the second oldest in the world. This establishment was founded in 1927 by an unknown person as a photography studio with a tattoo imprint. In 1954, American tattoo pioneer and photographer Bert Grimm discovered it. Grimm (1900â1985) is considered one of the kings of American tattooing; Among his teachers were Bob Shaw (1926â1993; an innovator in vertical art and calligraphy) and Lyle Tuttle (1931â2019, the father of modern tattooing). Bob Shaw purchased the same store from Bert Grimm in 1969, and in 2002, Kari Barba became the owner of this business at 22 S. Chestnut Place in Long Beachâs historic Pike District. Currently on display are antiques and acetate tools, the original Grimm store sign (circa 1950s/60s), items donated by Rick Walters and the Natural History Museum, and photographs of Ed Hardy (1945â€) and Bob Roberts. (1946â2022), vintage tattoo equipment, and more. What a time capsule! The art found hidden in the walls of the building is also on display, an absolute must see for any tattoo enthusiast.
