Alberta College of Body Art was born from the lived experience of founder Bobbi Jo Matheson, a long-time tattoo artist who had to fight her way into an industry with very few open doors. When she first pursued tattooing, opportunities were tightly guarded, and aspiring artists often needed personal connections just to get a foot in the door. Bobbi Jo refused to let that barrier define her future. Guided by determination, and a long, self-taught journey, she built her career the hard way.
After more than a decade working as a licensed tattoo artist, she realized she didn’t want the next generation to face the same struggle. Instead of keeping her knowledge to herself, she chose to turn her experience into something meaningful: creating a place where artists could learn, grow, and receive real, legitimate training from day one.
The tattoo and piercing industry in Canada has evolved rapidly, yet formal, structured education never kept pace. At a time when most aspiring artists had to navigate an uneven apprenticeship system or rely on luck, Bobbi Jo saw a national gap and decided to fill it.
We exist to provide accessible, credible, post-secondary training for body art professionals. Our purpose is simple: to give new artists a pathway she never had. We’re here to raise industry standards, build confidence, and help students enter this profession with the skills, knowledge, and safety education required to thrive.
What began as a small, independent studio eventually transformed into something much bigger. Bobbi Jo’s first space could support only a handful of students and a single intake each year. She quickly realized there was far more demand, and far more potential, for real, comprehensive education.
With that vision, we expanded into a state-of-the-art facility designed specifically for teaching. Today, our school offers full post-secondary tattoo and piercing programs, continuing-education courses, cultural and Indigenous programming, and professional training for artists across Canada. What started as one local program has grown into one of the country’s leading learning environments for body art.
We welcome aspiring tattoo artists, piercers, and creatives from every background. Whether you’re a complete beginner, a studio apprentice, or an artist looking to refine your techniques, we provide a structured learning environment that supports your goals.
Our students come from all over the country, some with art degrees, some with sketchbooks full of ideas, and others who simply feel the pull toward this craft. No matter your starting point, we help you develop the technical skill, professionalism, and confidence you need to enter the industry fully prepared.
Our home is in the heart of Grande Prairie, a city known for its energy, growth, and forward-thinking spirit. It’s a place where innovation is embraced and creative businesses have room to flourish. After more than 30 years in the community, Bobbi Jo knew this was the ideal setting to establish Canada’s first post-secondary body art college.
Being centrally located allows us to connect closely with local artists, businesses, and community partners, creating an environment that supports both learning and real-world experience.
We are committed to expanding opportunity, elevating industry standards, and teaching with openness rather than gatekeeping. Every part of our school is built around empowerment, giving students the education, mentorship, and support they deserve.
Our promise is to guide you with honesty, respect, and professional integrity. Here, you don’t just learn a craft. You join a community, develop a lifelong skill set, and gain the tools to leave your own lasting impression.
Because we believe every person has the right to pursue their passions without historical barriers. Our goal is to assist aspiring body artists start their dream careers!