Tattoo artist plans new studio, community hub at former Manos Gallery in Tarentum

The former Manos Gallery in Tarentum will continue to be filled with art, albeit a different medium.

Artist Chris Provenzo plans to open Golden Rule Tattoo Co. on Jan. 3 in the building along East Fifth Avenue.

“Tattoo design is versatile, and I’ve worked very hard to try to create beautiful art that matters to people,” the Lower Burrell resident said. “The biggest driver to me is making people happy. I love watching their smiles in the mirror when they take that first look.”

Provenzo’s art encompasses all genres, from portraits and surrealism to Gothic and cartoons.

His skills landed him an exclusive deal with Gilson Snowboards, for which he created four distinct pop art designs featuring graffiti-like snowmen and penguins swooshing down a mountain.

Passion notwithstanding, Provenzo didn’t set out to pursue a career in tattooing. The Burrell alum graduated with a bachelor’s degree in media arts and animation from the Art Institute of Pittsburgh.

His goal was to work for children’s TV channel Nickelodeon. But his path was diverted after a chance visit to a tattoo shop with a friend.

“I loved everything about it,” he said. “I thought it was an amazing chance to demonstrate my art, and it’s something new every day.”

Applying for an apprenticeship at a Harrison tattoo studio, Provenzo used his mom as a guinea pig.

“You have to prove your chops, so I did a little flamingo on her leg,” he said. “After that, I was off to the races.”

He spent 13 years honing his art and growing his creativity. He wasn’t looking to open his own shop, but fate stepped in when the Manos Gallery became available.

“I went to look at it and fell in love,” he said. “It’s a lot of work, but it’s a lot of opportunity. Plus, it’s nice to show my daughter it’s important to work hard and follow your dreams.”

A 3,000-square-foot space, the building was known to many as the Manos Theater for decades prior to its space as an art gallery.

Provenzo said he intends to preserve its place in history by maintaining some of the space as a community gathering hub.

He plans to give budding painters, photographers and sculptors a chance to shine through exhibits and DIY paint nights. He also wants to encourage children to bring their art for display.

“I would love to have art on all these walls,” he said. “I think it’s an important way to be part of the community, and I love the idea of meeting people from all around the area.”

Brian DeFelice, who owns the building, said he’s excited about the opportunity for culture to continue to draw people to Tarentum.

“Not only is he local to the area and extremely talented, but it is a great new opportunity,” DeFelice said.

“We are very excited to announce that we will partner with him periodically to do artist pop-ups. It is not only phenomenal to keep the art background in Tarentum but to have a chance to grow.”

The name of the shop is a nod to the type of community-building Provenzo plans.

“I’ve always tried to live by the Golden Rule,” he said. “No matter who you love, what color you are, where you live, you have a spot here.

“I want to do great art. I love hearing people’s stories and making that connection.”