Name: the story continues; semicolon tattoo event
Start: 2025-02-02T10:00:00-06:00
End: 2025-02-02T14:00:00-06:00
Location: Visionaire Barbershop & Tattoo Parlor

Our annual semicolon tattoo event - now named "the story continues; semicolon tattoo event" - will be held Sunday, Feb. 2 from 10-2 p.m. at Visionaire Barbershop & Tattoo Parlor in Cedar Rapids. Tattoos provided by Art with Lin and other local tattoo artists. Tattoos are provided on a walk-in basis. More details will be shared in early 2025.
The semicolon tattoo is a symbol of mental health awareness, resilience and solidarity, particularly in the context of suicide prevention. It originated from Project Semicolon, a movement founded in 2013 to support individuals struggling with mental illness, self-harm, and suicidal thoughts.
In writing, a semicolon represents a pause in a sentence rather than an end, symbolizing that your story isn't over. For those who get the tattoo, it often means:
Survival: They've chosen to continue their story despite challenges.
Hope: A reminder that life can get better.
Support: Solidarity with others facing similar struggles, showing they are not alone.
The semicolon tattoo is deeply personal, often serving as a conversation starter to spread awareness and reduce stigma surrounding mental health.