Our MissionGreen Soap Collective is a non-profit organization dedicated to redefining the tattoo experience by presenting it in a fine art context, cultivating a platform that celebrates the skill and vision of tattoo artists, and empowering a global movement toward greater recognition and respect for the art form.

Our Story: A Need for a New StageTattooing is a profound art form—a sacred exchange of story, skill, and skin, deeply rooted in human history. In the hands of today's visionary artists, it has evolved into a medium of breathtaking technical mastery and personal expression.Yet, for too long, the primary stage for this art has been the chaotic convention floor, where this profound artistry can be lost in the commercial rush and the sanctity of the craft can be misrepresented.Green Soap Collective was founded in Chicago to answer that need. We are a non-profit organization born from a deep respect for the craft and a desire to create a new paradigm for how tattoo art is experienced and revered. We believe this art form deserves a sanctuary—a space for focused appreciation, genuine connection, and community celebration.

Our Approach: The Gallery ExperienceWe move beyond the trade show model to produce curated, sophisticated gallery events. Our flagship annual exhibition, "The Living Canvas," is the embodiment of this vision. We create an immersive environment where the art is the primary focus.

Our events are built on four key pillars:A Fine Art Context:We present healed masterpieces on living canvases, allowing attendees to appreciate the artistry as it is meant to be seen, in a focused setting worthy of the work.Artist Celebration:We provide a platform that honors the unique voice and technical excellence of each featured artist, facilitating direct and meaningful dialogue with attendees.A True Community Hub:We create spaces—from the main gallery floor to exclusive artists-only lounges—designed for authentic connection between artists, clients, collectors, and enthusiasts.Empowerment Through Education:We are committed to sharing knowledge—empowering clients to become discerning patrons and providing artists with a non-predatory space to grow and share wisdom together.

Meet Our FounderGreen Soap Collective was founded by Nelson Aviles, a Chicago-based tattoo artist with 10+ years of experience in the craft. As a lifelong artist with deep roots in the city's street art, music, and fine art scenes, Nelson's passion is the driving force behind the collective's mission. He dedicates his craft daily at Black Atlas Studios in Pilsen.His vision for the collective is a direct result of his life's journey through art and a profound desire to give back to the community that shaped him. He believes in creating the spaces and opportunities that he knows artists and enthusiasts are yearning for—a platform built on respect, connection, and a shared love for the art form.

Join the MovementWhether you are an artist, a collector, or simply an admirer of tattoo art, we invite you to join us. Attend our events, follow our journey on social media, and help us champion a future where tattoo artistry is revered.Follow us on Instagram:

Pamphlet for:The Art of Tattoo: A Guide for Patrons

Contact us at [email protected]

Support the Movement: Invest in the Future of Tattoo Artistry

Green Soap Collective is a non-profit with a clear mission: to elevate tattoo artistry to the fine art platform it deserves. We're building this new stage through curated gallery experiences like "The Living Canvas" happening on November 1st 2025.Our community-first model means we provide free educational seminars and networking opportunities for artists, pushing back against the over-commercialization of our craft. This vision is only possible with your support.

Your donation directly funds:

Free Artist Education: Supports our non-predatory seminars for tattooers.The Gallery Production: Helps cover costs for the venue, lighting, and materials to create a world-class exhibition.Community Building: Enables our ongoing work to connect artists and enthusiasts in Chicago.

Help us make our inaugural event a success and champion a new future for tattoo art. Please consider making a donation today.(Your donation is tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law.)Thank you for your support.

An Evening at The Living Canvas

5:00 PM | Doors OpenWelcome! Check in, grab a guide, and be the first to explore the gallery and connect with our featured artists.5:30 PM | Atmosphere BeginsThe live jazz band takes the stage to provide the evening's soundtrack, and our food partner, Morgan Street Snacks, begins service.6:00 PM | Opening RemarksA formal welcome from Green Soap Collective founder, Nelson Aviles, sharing the vision behind The Living Canvas and introducing the evening's performers.6:30 - 7:30 PM & 7:30 - 8:30 PM | Exclusive Artist SeminarsOur free, educational seminars for guest-listed tattooers kick off in the private Artists-Only Speakeasy.8:45 PM | Raffle AnnouncementListen for your name! We'll announce the winners of our complimentary raffle, with prizes including art prints and free tattoo sessions from our featured artists.9:30 PM | The TransitionA final thank you from our host, as the jazz band concludes and we announce the shift into the after-party. At 9:45 PM, watch as our crew transforms the gallery floor into an open space for the rest of the night.10:15 PM | The After-PartyThe DJ takes over the decks to close out the night with a curated mix of classic Chicago and modern house music.12:00 AM | Event ConcludesThank you for being a part of our community!

Menu:
To Be AnnouncedMorgan Street Snacks is a pop up kitchen founded by Chef Ryan Cofrancesco

SeminarHost
2025 Artist Seminar 1Angel Morillas
2025 Artist Seminar 2Adam Aguas

How to Join:Access to the speakeasy and all seminars is complimentary for practicing tattoo artists. To secure your spot on the Speakeasy Guest List for the November 1st event, please email us with:• Your Full Name
• Your Instagram Handle
• Your Current ShopEmail: [email protected]Subject Line: Speakeasy Guest ListSign-ups are open now and will be accepted until the seminars begin on the night of the event. We can't wait to learn and grow with you

The Artists-Only Speakeasy & Free SeminarsAt our inaugural event, "The Living Canvas," our exclusive, artists-only speakeasy lounge will serve as a sanctuary for this principle. It’s a private space designed for genuine connection, candid conversation, and peer-to-peer learning.
Within this space, we will be hosting free, curated educational seminars for all guest-listed tattooers.Why are these seminars free?Because our goal is to invest in the health and integrity of our community, not to profit from it. As a non-profit, we are committed to breaking down financial barriers and ensuring that passion, respect for the craft, and a desire to learn are the only requirements for entry. We believe that when artists share knowledge freely, the entire industry becomes stronger, more innovative, and more connected. This is our way of giving back.What to Expect:Our seminars are led by respected, practicing artists and experts from related fields. The discussions are designed to be practical and insightful, covering topics from advanced techniques and style development to the business of art and even the science of skin.

For Artists, By Artists: Our Commitment to Shared KnowledgeThe art of tattooing has always been a craft passed down through mentorship, shared wisdom, and community. It's a tradition of learning and growth that we believe is sacred.In recent years, we've seen a rise in over-commercialized educational platforms. High-priced seminars can promise "trade secrets" or career-changing information, sometimes targeting new artists with predatory practices. This approach can create financial barriers, commodify essential knowledge, and chip away at the collaborative spirit that makes our industry special.Green Soap Collective was founded to push back. We believe the most valuable knowledge is shared, not sold. Our mission is to strengthen the craft from within by fostering an environment of open, accessible, and community-driven education.