More than a tattoo shop: Ink Underground opens in Socorro, bringing art and community downtown

Tattoo artist JJ Lesperance has opened Ink Underground, a new tattoo studio and emerging arts space, making it the only licensed tattoo shop in Socorro.

Lesperance quietly opened the studio on Jan. 1 with a soft launch, taking appointments while she settles into the historic building and prepares for a larger public event this spring.

A grand‑opening flash tattoo event is being scheduled for March 28, featuring guest artists from Rabbit Hole Tattoo and Cheeky Monkey Tattoo of Albuquerque.

“I wanted to open on the first because it’s my dad’s birthday,” Lesperance said. “He was one of my biggest supporters when I first started tattooing, even when my early work wasn’t great. Opening the doors that day felt like a way to honor him.”

Lesperance, who grew up in Socorro, spent the last several years tattooing in Albuquerque while completing her apprenticeship under Cynthia Camille at Rabbit Hole Tattoo. She said the long commute eventually pushed her to establish a studio closer to home, though she will continue working in Albuquerque part‑time to serve her existing clientele.

Ink Underground is more than a tattoo shop, Lesperance said. She plans to use the space to highlight local artists, rotating monthly exhibits on freestanding palettes to avoid damaging the historic walls. Each featured artist will have the option to host a small gallery night for friends, family and community members.

“I want people here to have a place to show their work, even if they don’t have a big portfolio or access to larger galleries,” she said. “Art is art. If you’re creating, you deserve a space.”

Lesperance also hopes to launch adult paint‑party workshops and use the proceeds to fund free art classes for local youth several times a year.

“Giving back is important to me,” Lesperance said. “If I can help local artists get their work seen or offer kids a free class every few months, that’s the kind of impact I want this shop to have.”

The March 28 grand‑opening event may expand into a street‑party‑style celebration if the city approves a partial street closure. Lesperance said she hopes to bring in food trucks, vendors and live music, with local performers Ben and Val already expressing interest.

After nearly 18 years in tattooing, much of it self‑taught before receiving formal training, Lesperance said opening a shop in her hometown is both a milestone and a personal shift.

“I’ve had to push past a lot of expectations people had for me,” she said. “Starting this shop was me stepping into my own identity and trusting the work I’ve put in.”

Ink Underground is located at 124A Manzanares and open by appointment; call (575) 517-6711. Walk‑ins can be accepted as time allows.