More of this Feature • Part 2: Stacy McCleaf, Owner & Artist • Part 3: Linda, Manager & Piercer • Part 4: Natalie, Counter Goddess • Part 5: Bryan, Tattoo Artist • Part 6: James, Body Piercer

Related Resources • August 2001 Studio of the Month: Altered Images

Studio Stats

Why and How:

Chrome Gardens is a renovated, 90 year-old, two-story home in the historic district of Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. Just a block and a half from the city's town square and "spittin' distance" from the location of the famous "Gettysburg Address", the studio exudes an air of charm and elegance as well as function. "The studio occupies the entire structure, from the tattoo needle station on the basement level to the employee breakroom in the transformed attic," said studio manager, Linda. Just walk in the door and you'll see that the decor of this edifice has been touched by artistic magic.

Stacy McCleaf is the owner of Chrome Gardens. She explains how Chrome Gardens came about saying, "Back in the early part of '94, I was confronted with the closing of the studio I was employed with at the time. So, it was either work again for someone else, or work for myself. After a couple months of securing a storefront, purchasing the necessities and advertising, Chrome Gardens' doors opened on July 15, 1994. In the beginning, I had a lot of local studios pissed off that another 'chick' was going to try and run a studio. That defensiveness quickly faded once they saw my work. I have been an artist all my life, so I approached tattooing the same way I approached my art - determination, focus and patience."

Beyond Beauty

Aside from the fact that Chrome Gardens is a beautiful studio, it is important to note how clean it is. Stacy and her crew take a lot of pride in promising you a safe and sterile environment for your body art. All crew members, including counter help, are certified in First Aid, CPR and Blood-born Pathogens. This is serious business, and it is what has made Chrome Gardens the successful business that it is today.

On July 15, 2001, Chrome Gardens celebrated eight years in business. They marked that day with a new expansion and renovations that you see in the pictures here. The second floor of the structure is now officially open for business, making Chrome Gardens the largest studio in their area. That old home they have lovingly cared after has many more years to come. Linda says, "The house has no real historic value as of yet, but one day it will be known as the birthplace of Chrome Gardens, Inc."

Now, let's take a moment to get to know the heart of the studio itself, its crew members. I'd like to first introduce you to Stacy McCleaf, who is the owner of this great establishment.

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