FELIX, DARE TO DREAM

Sunday, July 27, 2025

Art Theatre Long Beach

2025 E 4th St, Long Beach, CA 90814

3:00pm

GA Tickets (unassigned seating) Now Available $14.95!

Get your Tickets Here: https://shorturl.at/qoBSB 

Video Trailer: https://vimeo.com/953237165

The Tattoo Heritage Project proudly presents the U.S. debut of Felix: Dare to Dream at the Art Theatre in Long Beach on July 27, 2025. This powerful documentary follows the extraordinary journey of Felix Leu, a pioneer of modern tattooing and a central figure in the legendary Leu Family—an artistic, bohemian clan revered across the global tattoo scene. More than a film about ink, Felix: Dare to Dreamis a soul-stirring portrait of a life lived with passion, creativity, and fearless authenticity. Through Felix and Loretta’s story, audiences are invited to reflect on what it means to follow one’s dreams while navigating the waves of existence.

Panel discussion to follow screening, guest panelists Junii, Steven Johnson, Kari Barba and Corey Miller. Panel Moderator J.C. Chesler.

Honored Panelists:

Junko Shimada - Junii

Junko Shimada is a renowned tattoo artist celebrated for her exquisite Japanese-style designs and masterful kanji work. She , alongside her husband Bill Salmon, co-founded the legendary Diamond Club Tattoo Studio in San Francisco. Junii's artistry is deeply influenced by her Buddhist practice, which infuses her work with spiritual depth and precision. Her longstanding friendship with the Leu Family has been a cornerstone of her artistic evolution, reflecting a shared commitment to creativity and freedom. Through her dedication and unique style, Junii has become a respected figure in the global tattoo community, inspiring both peers and aspiring artists alike.

Steven Johnson

Steven Johnson is a dedicated tattoo collector and historian based in San Diego, where he curates a private tattoo museum showcasing decades of memorabilia, with a special emphasis on the legendary Leu Family. His fascination with tattoo art began in the early 1990s when he first encountered Filip Leu’s work in tattoo magazines, sparking a lifelong admiration. After connecting with Filip through his sister Ama Leu, Steve had the honor of being tattooed by him multiple times, including memorable sessions in Switzerland and at the Lozt2 convention in Lausanne. His deep connection to the Leu Family is immortalized in the portraits of Felix and Filip Leu tattooed on his body.

Kari Barba

Kari Barba is a pioneering American tattoo artist renowned for her illustrative realism style and for breaking gender barriers in the tattoo industry. Beginning her tattooing career in 1979 at the age of 19, she has since earned over 500 awards, is recognized as one of the first artists to adopt color realism in tattooing and credited with introducing personal protective equipment standards to the industry. Barba is the owner of Outer Limits Tattoo in Long Beach, California, the oldest continuously operating tattoo shop in the United States, originally established in 1927, later taken over by Bert Grimm in 1954. Barba is a founding board member of the Tattoo Heritage Project, a nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving and celebrating the rich history of American tattooing. The project aims to establish the first national tattoo art museum in Long Beach, highlighting the city's significant role in tattoo culture, particularly its historic Pike district. Barba's involvement underscores her commitment to honoring the legacy of tattooing and ensuring its history is accessible to future generations.

Corey Miller

Corey Miller is an internationally recognized tattoo artist with a career spanning over three decades and a founding board member of the Tattoo Heritage Project. He began tattooing at age 15 self taught with no formal apprenticeship . His first professional job was working along side Mark Mahoney at Fat George’s Tattoo Gallery in La Puente, California. Miller went on to work at the legendary Good Time Charlie’s Tattooland, where he refined his signature black and gray portrait style under the influence of masters like Jack Rudy , Mike Brown , and Dick Warsoki . In 1997, he opened Six Feet Under Tattoo Parlor in Upland, California, which remains his home base. Corey gained national fame as original cast member on TLC’s LA Ink, and his clientele includes high-profile names like James Hetfield of Metallica . NASCAR racer Tony Stewart. He is also a skilled drummer and designer.

Moderator:

JC Chesler

A former professional baseball player, Josh Chesler is now one of the nation’s top tattoo historians and experts. With experience in marketing and communications as well as music and culture journalism, Josh was responsible for the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County’s Tattoo exhibit among numerous other tattoo-based exhibitions, galleries, and displays. He and his award-winning written work have appeared in dozens of local, national and global publications ranging from NBC, ESPN and LA Times to Playboy, SPIN and Hustler. He is also a co-founder of Suits x Boots, a group facilitating more revenue opportunities to help artists sustainably support themselves. Josh is also on the board of Tattoo Heritage Project, inspiring the project and providing the name of the organization.

BUY TICKETS HERE: https://shorturl.at/qoBSB

Ticket Levels for Felix: Dare to Dream U.S. Debut – July 27, 2025 | Art Theatre, Long Beach

Proceeds directly support future screenings across the country, helping us bring this film to new communities and spark dialogue around tattoo history and culture.

Join us for an unforgettable celebration of art, freedom, and legacy.

Get your tickets here!  https://shorturl.at/qoBSB