By CRISTINA JANNEY
Hays Post
A longtime tattoo and body piercing studio in Hays has moved and reopened under a new name downtown.
After 15 years on the corner of Vine and Eighth streets, Sore Loser Tattoo moved to 1008 Main and reopened as Blue Light Body Art.
Chris Norris, owner, purchased the building two years ago. The building required extensive work to the roof, as well as interior remodeling. Norris installed hardwood flooring on both floors. The studio was finally able to open in the remodeled building on Jan. 21.
Norris said his motivation behind the move was increased foot traffic.
"Eighth and Vine is a great location for a huge number of businesses. Everybody going by at 35 mph, they weren't really stopping to take a look around," Norris said.
"I've been trying to get downtown for many years. Everything fell into place. ... I've always loved downtown Hays, and I wanted to be part of it."
He said he is eager to be involved in the Hays Arts Center's quarterly art walks. Several of the tattoo artists who work in the studio are Fort Hays State University art graduates.
The new name is in honor of the legend of Hays' Blue Light Lady. The legend says the Blue Light Lady is the ghost of Elizabeth Polly, who died of cholera while tending patients during an outbreak in 1867. Her ghost is said to appear in the area of Sentinel Hill where she is buried.
The studio has three piercers and four tattoo artists.
Tattoo and piercing services will remain the same. Tattoo artists will be working on the second floor and piercers on the first floor. However, the studio has a room on the ground floor that can be used for tattooing if accessibility is an issue.
Norris said he is expanding his piercing jewelry to include more gold pieces. The studio is carrying 14kt. and 18kt. gold with options for yellow, white or rose gold, as well as pieces with genuine gemstones.
The studio will continue to carry its implant-grade titanium pieces.
Blue Light will keep the hours it had at its former location — noon to 6 p.m. Tuesdays through Saturdays.
Reservations are encouraged, but walk-ins are welcome. You can reach the studio at 785-621-4969.
Norris said he is still in the process of changing the studio's Facebook and website to reflect the new name. You can follow Blue Light on Instagram.