The next presentation of the Dorothy Godtland Lecture Series will be “Art of Tattooing” by Gilbert Johnson Jr. The presentation will by from 7 to 8 p.m. Thursday at 119 S. Broadway in Albert Lea. The event is free and open to the public. Doors open at 6:30 pm.

Johnson Jr. was born in Albert Lea and resided in the area until he was 19, when he moved to Minneapolis to study. Upon his return to Albert Lea he opened a tattoo shop and continues to run the shop today. His love for art started very young and he participated and won his first art competition at 7 years old with a watercolor landscape. He continued his art through his entire life and has had many gallery shows throughout the country. He studied art at the University of Minnesota and continues studying today.

He has written two books and works in the art industry as a tattoo artist and has been doing so for nearly 30 years. He has held many hats and works to better the community through many programs and events he hosts, including children’s learning nights and Chapel Con, a pop culture convention. His lecture will follow the change in public view of the tattoo industry and its impact in today’s culture.