Meet Christine Vallieres of The Wapa Studio

Today we’d like to introduce you to Christine Vallieres

Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
Christine Vallières is a contemporary figurative artist originally from upstate New York, now residing in Botkins, OH. Vallières spent her first two years of undergraduate study at Pratt at Munson Williams Proctor Institute, Utica NY. At MWPI she received acknowledgment for her film photography accomplishments as well as figure drawing ability. Vallières then spent her junior year at Anderson University, IN where she focused on sculpture. She spent the year learning to blow glass, cast metals and weld. Vallières received a bachelors of fine arts from the State University of New York at Oswego. While in her final year of undergraduate study she focused on drawing and photography.

Vallières has spent the last fourteen years working as a tattoo artist. In her time as a tattooer she has learned illustration and design fundamentals that have added to her growth as a fine artist. Upon learning the art of tattooing, Vallières came to understand the importance of tradition in art and design. This realization pushed her to attend The Academy at Scottsdale Artists School. The program was two years of education in classical drawing and painting. From there Vallières learned the traditional and foundational oil painting practice. She has well over twenty five years of education and practice of multiple artists mediums. Her life experience, years as a tattooer and classical painting technique have brought her to the work she makes today.

Christine had the opportunity to move to the town her husband grew up in, Botkins, OH in the winter of 2023. She fell in love with the history and people of Wapakoneta, OH and is set to open her private tattoo studio and art gallery in the beginning of 2025. The Wapa Studio will be a space for all to come and experience quality, thoughtful artwork in a welcoming and comfortable environment.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Tattooing itself is the most challenging artistic medium I have had the opportunity to practice, but that is why it has kept my interest for so long. I would even go as far as to say it saved my life. When I was on the verge of finishing my apprenticeship I was at a crossroads. I had some personal challenges that were taking a toll on my mental and physical health. I needed to make a choice, be a good artist and tattooer or fully give in to the destructive pattern I was in, I chose tattooing.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
The Wapa Studio is a private tattoo studio and art gallery. Located in the historic Wapa Theatre building built in 1903, I aim to celebrate that history within my studio and am proud to provide Wapakoneta with a space that is welcoming to all. “Come As You Are” will be the theme. I believe Wapak deserves a high quality tattoo experience just as one would find in the bigger cities like Columbus, but they will not have to take a trip an hour and a half away, I will be right downtown.
I have plans to join the local Chamber of Commerce as well as participating in Friday Art Walks as well as other events to give back to the community.

What makes you happy?
Happy is always a word I find a little confusing… I would rather have joy and be joyful rather than be happy, maybe it seems like happiness is fleeting while joy maybe hangs around a little longer?
Encouraging others brings me joy, lifting others up and making art.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.christinevart.com
• Instagram: @christinevart