Elevating the Craft. Connecting the Community.Our MissionThe Green Soap Collective is a Chicago-based 501(c)(3) community arts organization. We operate at the intersection of professional industry standards and fine-art appreciation.
Our mission is simple: to highlight the elite talent of local artists and strengthen community in the broader art world.The Foundation:The Living CanvasWe found our foothold in the heart of the tattoo industry. For too long, tattooing was confined to the "convention" floor. We changed the narrative with our flagship event, The Living Canvas.Moving away from the traditional trade-show model, we created a sophisticated gallery atmosphere where healed tattoos are celebrated as permanent fine art. By bringing together live jazz, local food vendors, and storytelling, we created a space where models and artists share the deep personal history behind the ink with high-intent art collectors. This inaugural event proved our concept, generating over 1.2 million digital impressions and setting a new standard for the trade.Beyond the Studio:A Community MovementWhile our roots are in the tattoo industry, our vision is for the community. The Green Soap Collective has expanded into a broader arts organization that serves as a heartbeat for Chicago’s creative scene.From technical seminars for professional artists to public activations like the Pilsen Chalk Walk, we are dedicated to urban craftsmanship. We aim to bring our community together for a mutual celebration of the art that lives on our streets, our studios, and our skin.Welcome to the Green Soap Collective.

The Living Canvas mission:
To unveil the soul of tattoo artistry in a premier gallery experience, celebrating the living canvas and the visionary artists who bring it to life, while fostering a community of profound appreciation and connection.

Our MissionGreen Soap Collective is a non-profit organization dedicated to redefining the tattoo experience by presenting it in a fine art context, cultivating a platform that celebrates the skill and vision of tattoo artists, and empowering a global movement toward greater recognition and respect for the art form.

Our Story: A Need for a New StageTattooing is a profound art form—a sacred exchange of story, skill, and skin, deeply rooted in human history. In the hands of today's visionary artists, it has evolved into a medium of breathtaking technical mastery and personal expression.Yet, for too long, the primary stage for this art has been the chaotic convention floor, where this profound artistry can be lost in the commercial rush and the sanctity of the craft can be misrepresented.Green Soap Collective was founded in Chicago to answer that need. We are a non-profit organization born from a deep respect for the craft and a desire to create a new paradigm for how tattoo art is experienced and revered. We believe this art form deserves a sanctuary—a space for focused appreciation, genuine connection, and community celebration.

Our Approach: The Gallery ExperienceWe move beyond the trade show model to produce curated, sophisticated gallery events. Our flagship annual exhibition, "The Living Canvas," is the embodiment of this vision. We create an immersive environment where the art is the primary focus.

Our events are built on four key pillars:A Fine Art Context:We present healed masterpieces on living canvases, allowing attendees to appreciate the artistry as it is meant to be seen, in a focused setting worthy of the work.Artist Celebration:We provide a platform that honors the unique voice and technical excellence of each featured artist, facilitating direct and meaningful dialogue with attendees.A True Community Hub:We create spaces—from the main gallery floor to exclusive artists-only lounges—designed for authentic connection between artists, clients, collectors, and enthusiasts.Empowerment Through Education:We are committed to sharing knowledge—empowering clients to become discerning patrons and providing artists with a non-predatory space to grow and share wisdom together.

Meet Our FounderGreen Soap Collective was founded by Nelson Aviles, a Chicago-based tattoo artist with 10+ years of experience in the craft. As a lifelong artist with deep roots in the city's street art, music, and fine art scenes, Nelson's passion is the driving force behind the collective's mission. He dedicates his craft daily at Black Atlas Studios in Pilsen.His vision for the collective is a direct result of his life's journey through art and a profound desire to give back to the community that shaped him. He believes in creating the spaces and opportunities that he knows artists and enthusiasts are yearning for—a platform built on respect, connection, and a shared love for the art form.

Join the MovementWhether you are an artist, a collector, or simply an admirer of tattoo art, we invite you to join us. Attend our events, follow our journey on social media, and help us champion a future where tattoo artistry is revered.Follow us on Instagram:

Pamphlet for:The Art of Tattoo: A Guide for Patrons

📞 CONTACT & UPDATESPhone: 773-234-5304Email: [email protected]Instagram: @GreenSoapCollectiveIn-Person Hub: Black Atlas Studios

Support the Movement: Invest in the Future of Tattoo Artistry

Green Soap Collective is a non-profit with a clear mission: to elevate tattoo artistry to the fine art platform it deserves. We're building this new stage through curated gallery experiences like "The Living Canvas" happening on November 1st 2025.Our community-first model means we provide free educational seminars and networking opportunities for artists, pushing back against the over-commercialization of our craft. This vision is only possible with your support.

Your donation directly funds:

Free Artist Education: Supports our non-predatory seminars for tattooers.The Gallery Production: Helps cover costs for the venue, lighting, and materials to create a world-class exhibition.Community Building: Enables our ongoing work to connect artists and enthusiasts in Chicago.

Help us make our inaugural event a success and champion a new future for tattoo art. Please consider making a donation today.(Your donation is tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law.)Thank you for your support.

An Evening at The Living Canvas

5:00 PM | Doors OpenWelcome! Check in, grab a guide, and be the first to explore the gallery and connect with our featured artists.5:30 PM | Atmosphere BeginsThe live jazz band takes the stage to provide the evening's soundtrack, and our food partner, Morgan Street Snacks, begins service.6:00 PM | Opening RemarksA formal welcome from Green Soap Collective founder, Nelson Aviles, sharing the vision behind The Living Canvas and introducing the evening's performers.6:30 - 7:30 PM & 7:30 - 8:30 PM | Exclusive Artist SeminarsOur free, educational seminars for guest-listed tattooers kick off in the private Artists-Only Speakeasy.8:45 PM | Raffle AnnouncementListen for your name! We'll announce the winners of our complimentary raffle, with prizes including art prints and free tattoo sessions from our featured artists.9:30 PM | The TransitionA final thank you from our host, as the jazz band concludes and we announce the shift into the after-party. At 9:45 PM, watch as our crew transforms the gallery floor into an open space for the rest of the night.10:15 PM | The After-PartyThe DJ takes over the decks to close out the night with a curated mix of classic Chicago and modern house music.12:00 AM | Event ConcludesThank you for being a part of our community!

Menu:Morgan Street Snacks is a pop up kitchen founded by Chef Ryan Cofrancesco

SeminarHost
2025 Artist Seminar 1Angel Morillas
2025 Artist Seminar 2Adam Aguas

How to Join:Access to the speakeasy and all seminars is complimentary for practicing tattoo artists. To secure your spot on the Speakeasy Guest List for the November 1st event, please email us with:• Your Full Name
• Your Instagram Handle
• Your Current ShopEmail: [email protected]Subject Line: Speakeasy Guest ListSign-ups are open now and will be accepted until the seminars begin on the night of the event. We can't wait to learn and grow with you

The Artists-Only Speakeasy & Free SeminarsAt our inaugural event, "The Living Canvas," our exclusive, artists-only speakeasy lounge will serve as a sanctuary for this principle. It’s a private space designed for genuine connection, candid conversation, and peer-to-peer learning.
Within this space, we will be hosting free, curated educational seminars for all guest-listed tattooers.Why are these seminars free?Because our goal is to invest in the health and integrity of our community, not to profit from it. As a non-profit, we are committed to breaking down financial barriers and ensuring that passion, respect for the craft, and a desire to learn are the only requirements for entry. We believe that when artists share knowledge freely, the entire industry becomes stronger, more innovative, and more connected. This is our way of giving back.What to Expect:Our seminars are led by respected, practicing artists and experts from related fields. The discussions are designed to be practical and insightful, covering topics from advanced techniques and style development to the business of art and even the science of skin.

For Artists, By Artists: Our Commitment to Shared KnowledgeThe art of tattooing has always been a craft passed down through mentorship, shared wisdom, and community. It's a tradition of learning and growth that we believe is sacred.In recent years, we've seen a rise in over-commercialized educational platforms. High-priced seminars can promise "trade secrets" or career-changing information, sometimes targeting new artists with predatory practices. This approach can create financial barriers, commodify essential knowledge, and chip away at the collaborative spirit that makes our industry special.Green Soap Collective was founded to push back. We believe the most valuable knowledge is shared, not sold. Our mission is to strengthen the craft from within by fostering an environment of open, accessible, and community-driven education.

PILSEN CHALK WALK 2026Hosted by The Green Soap Collective(501c3) in partnership with Black Atlas Studios. Turning the sidewalks of 18th Street into a temporary and walkable art gallery.July 11 and July 12 2026
2pm - 8pm
18th st. Halsted to Damen

The Grand Vision: A 1.5-Mile Canvas
Our mission is a complete neighborhood takeover: transforming the sidewalks of 18th Street into a vibrant, temporary art gallery stretching from 18th & Halsted to 18th & Damen. We are turning 1.5 miles of pavement into a massive canvas, inviting elite muralists and the local community to saturate our streets with color and creativity.Fill the Streets
While our Chalk Mural Competition spotlights professional artists at local storefronts, the rest of the sidewalk belongs to you. From our sponsored Open Community Chalk Zones to any unused inch of pavement, we want every neighbor and visitor to grab a piece of chalk and leave their mark. Come see some art, Support the local businesses on our Official Event Map and join us as we prove that art is the ultimate engine for community growth.

Ready to compete for the GSC Trophy and the Community Prize Pot?Fill out the form below to officially register for the Chalk Mural Competition.All ages welcomed to apply.Tell us a bit about your artistic style and your vision for 18th Street in the message section. Once submitted, our team will review your registration and get back to you with your pairing and/or spotlight location on the Official Event Map.Let’s show Pilsen what you’ve got.

The 2026 Pilsen Chalk Walk: Official Competition Rules1. Eligibility & Parental Consent
All Ages Welcome: This is a community-wide celebration of talent.Minor Participant Disclosure:
Artists under the age of 18 must have a parent or legal guardian complete the Parental Consent Waiver during registration. The Green Soap Collective (501c3) and Black Atlas Studios require a guardian to be present or reachable during the event. By registering a minor, the guardian acknowledges that the participant's work and likeness may be featured in event media (1.2M+ digital impressions).2. The 50/50 Judging Process
We use a dual-phase system to balance community love with professional technical standards:Phase 1: The People’s Choice (Top 10):Guests will scan QR codes at each mural to vote. This public vote narrows the field to the Top 10 Finalists.Phase 2: The Grand Panel:A designated panel of professional artists and community leaders will judge the Top 10 on technical skill, creativity, and composition to crown the winners.3. The Winners' Circle & Prizes🏆 1st Place (Grand Champion): $1,000 Cash Prize (Provided by GSC & Black Atlas)The Full Community Prize Pot (Accumulated from event donations/sponsors)The Official GSC Custom TrophyFeatured Artist Profile on the GSC Global Website.🥈 2nd Place: Exclusive GSC x Black Atlas Collaboration Merch Bundle.2 Tickets to the 2026 The Living Canvas Gallery Flagship.Official Website Recognition.🥉 3rd Place: Exclusive GSC Merch Pack.2 Tickets to the 2026 The Living Canvas Gallery Flagship.Official Website Recognition.4. Technical Rules & Conduct
Medium:Only water-soluble sidewalk chalk or soft pastels are permitted. No spray paint or permanent fixatives.Access: Artists must stay within their assigned zone. Do not block business entryways or the main pedestrian flow of the sidewalk.
Content: Murals must be family-friendly. No graphic violence or profanity.

For 18th Street Businesses
We want to turn your storefront into a destination. When you register your business for the Official Event Map, you have three ways to bring your sidewalk to life:

Make a Statement on 18th StreetThe Pilsen Chalk Walk is your opportunity to activate your storefront and connect with visitors.We encourage all participating businesses to think beyond the sidewalk and create an outdoor attraction that represents your brand’s soul. Whether it’s setting up an outdoor DJ booth, hosting live performances, or running exclusive event-day sales, this is your stage to make a statement in the neighborhood.How to Get Involved:Ways to Participate: From Total Takeover to Simple Support
We want every storefront from Halsted to Damen to be part of this 1.5-mile masterpiece. Whether you want to throw a festival at your front door or simply offer your sidewalk as a canvas, there is a place for you on the map:The Full Activation: Make a statement! Host a participating competition artist, bring out some music, set up outdoor attractions, or run event-day sales. This is your chance to turn your shop into a major spotlight on the Official Event Map.
The Artist Pairing: Let the Green Soap Collective pair you with a participating artist, bring out your own artist, or have your employees create a team masterpiece.Donate Your Sidewalk: Not ready to manage an activation? You can still participate by simply donating your chalk space. By registering your storefront as a "Community Canvas," you allow the Green Soap Collective to utilize your sidewalk to host a featured artist or an Open Community Chalk Zone. In this case, you don’t have to do a thing—we’ll handle the art and the energy while your business still gets the benefit of increased foot traffic and map visibility.Support the Prize Pot
As a 501(c)(3), we invite all businesses—regardless of participation level—to contribute to our Community Prize Pot. This pot funds the cash prizes and custom trophies for our winning artists, ensuring the Chalk Walk remains a sustainable engine for Chicago art.Fill out the form below to get on the map! In the message section, let us know how you'd like to handle your artist pairing, any event-day attractions and if you’ll be contributing to the prize pot so we can properly highlight your generosity on our sponsor boards.

THE OFFICIAL EVENT MAP18th Street: Halsted to Damen
The Official Pilsen Chalk Walk Map is the ultimate visitor’s guide to our 1.5-mile sidewalk gallery. Currently, our team is working behind the scenes with local businesses and elite muralists to finalize spotlight locations and competition zones.What the Map Will Feature:🏆 Competition Murals: Find every registered artist competing for the $1,000 Grand Prize and the GSC Trophy.🗳️ Voting Stations: Locate the nearest QR codes to cast your "People's Choice" vote.🎨 Open Community Chalk Zones: Find designated areas with free chalk and live music for families and neighbors.🏛️ Participating Businesses: Discover the 18th Street bars, restaurants, and shops hosting artists and special event activations.🗺️ Status: In Development
As we finalize our roster of participating artists and business partners, the map will be updated daily. Check back often to see the 1.5-mile gallery take shape!Are you a Business or Artist?Register now to secure your spot on the map and be part of the official route.[REGISTER FOR THE MAP] [STAY UPDATED]

PILSEN CHALK WALK 2026: THE FULL INFO SHEET
Dates: July 11th – 12th, 2026Location: 18th Street (Halsted to Damen)Presented by: The Green Soap Collective (501c3) & Black Atlas Studios🎨 THE MISSION
The Pilsen Chalk Walk is a high-impact neighborhood takeover transforming 1.5 miles of 18th Street into a temporary fine-art gallery. We are bridging the gap between urban craftsmanship—rooted in the heart and soul of the tattoo industry—and the public streets of Pilsen.🏆 THE CHALK MURAL COMPETITION
The Format: A registration-only contest for elite artists of all ages.The Judging: A 50/50 split. The public votes online to select the Top 10, then a professional GSC panel selects the final winners.The Stakes: 1st Place: $1,000 Cash + The Community Prize Pot + Custom GSC Trophy.2nd & 3rd Place: Exclusive GSC x Black Atlas Merch + Tickets to The Living Canvas.👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 COMMUNITY PARTICIPATIONOpen Community Chalk Zones: Designated family-friendly areas with free chalk and live music.Free Expression: Anyone is welcome to draw on any unused sidewalk space outside of competition zones.The Golden Rule: Respect the neighborhood. Do not block business entryways, ADA ramps, or the main pedestrian flow of the sidewalk.🗺️ THE OFFICIAL EVENT MAP
The Map is your ultimate visitor's guide. It features:Spotlight Locations: Businesses hosting competition artists.Voting Stations: Where to find QR codes to cast your vote.Family Zones: Locations for free chalk and music.Black Atlas Hub: The central check-in and info desk.🏢 FOR BUSINESSES
18th Street businesses are encouraged to register as Spotlight Locations. Hosting an artist increases foot traffic and puts your storefront on the Official Map. Register at www.GreenSoapCollective.com to join the activation.📝 RULES & GUIDELINES
Medium: Water-soluble sidewalk chalk or soft pastels only. No spray paint or acrylics.Minors: Artists under 18 must submit a signed Parental Consent Form via photo to [email protected].Accessibility: All art must be on the horizontal pavement. No drawing on walls, private buildings, or city property (mailboxes, light poles, etc.).📞 CONTACT & UPDATES
Website:www.GreenSoapCollective.comPhone: 773-234-5304Instagram: @GreenSoapCollectiveIn-Person Hub: Black Atlas Studios

THE LIVING CANVAS 2026: ARTIST SEMINARS
Elevating the Craft through Accessible EducationAt The Green Soap Collective (501c3), our roots are in the heart and soul of the tattoo industry. While we host specialized paid workshops throughout the year, we believe that high-level education should be accessible to every artist dedicated to their craft.As a cornerstone of our flagship event, The Living Canvas, GSC provides a series of Free Seminars led by industry pioneers. These sessions are specifically curated for artists who maintain their craft within a professional studio environment, bridging the gap between technical mastery and fine-art standards. These sessions are designed to bridge the gap between traditional tattooing and fine-art gallery standards.Pre-Registration is Now Open
The 2026 edition of The Living Canvas is currently in development. By joining the Artist Pre-Registration List, you will be the first to receive:Exclusive Seminar Announcements: Be the first to know the topics, speakers, and schedule.Early Access: Secure your seat before general admission opens.Event Updates: Stay informed on venue details, gallery showcases, and live industry sessions.Note: This is a pre-sign-up. Official seminar details and full event announcements are coming soon. Join the collective and stay ahead of the curve.

OUR HOME: THE HUB AT BLACK ATLAS STUDIOS
Every movement needs a foundation. For the Green Soap Collective, that home is Black Atlas Studios.Located in the heart of Pilsen, Black Atlas serves as the official hub and primary operations center for our non-profit mission. It is here that we bridge the gap between the high-standard, professional studio environment and the fine-art gallery world.More Than a Studio
Black Atlas isn't just where we work—it’s where we innovate. As our main headquarters, the studio hosts:The Green Soap Box: Our mobile and in-studio media suite for industry-leading discussions.S.U.D.S. Seminars: Our specialized educational workshops for studio-based artists.Pilsen Chalk Walk Operations: The central check-in and "Command Center" for our 1.5-mile neighborhood takeover.By centering our non-profit within a premier local studio, we ensure that every initiative we launch is rooted in the authentic heart and soul of the tattoo industry.Visit the Hub:
📍 18th Street, Pilsen, Chicago
953 W. 18th St. Chicago, Il 60608
🏛️ Official Headquarters of the Green Soap Collective (501c3)

THE GREEN SOAP BOX: THE VOICE OF THE COLLECTIVEThe Green Soap Box is the official media suite and mobile studio of The Green Soap Collective (501c3). More than just a podcast or a street-team vlog, it is our dedicated platform for documenting the soul of urban craftsmanship and the evolution of the tattoo industry.Bridging the Gap Between the Studio and the StreetOperating out of our main hub at Black Atlas Studios, The Green Soap Box captures high-level discussions, artist spotlights, and community activations. We believe that the stories behind the art are just as vital as the art itself.The Green Soap Box is a raw, unfiltered look at the heart and soul of the tattoo industry. This is where we strip away the noise and focus on the real stories—the technical breakthroughs, the studio struggles, and the urban craftsmanship that defines our culture.GET ON THE BOX
Are you an artist with a story to tell? Do you have a perspective on the craft that needs to be heard? We are looking for the dedicated, the disciplined, and the innovators to join the conversation.