Grace DeVrieze Opens Alchemist Ink in Downtown Rock Island, Artist-Led Hub

Grace DeVrieze, a 24-year-old tattoo artist who grew up in Rock Island, opened Alchemist Ink Art Studio at 1623 Second Ave and held an official ribbon-cutting on a Friday afternoon in early March 2026. The woman-owned studio pairs tattooing with broader visual arts programming, positioning itself as an artist-led space in downtown Rock Island’s growing arts district.

DeVrieze framed the studio’s purpose around community and multiple art forms, saying, "I did art studio because it’s more than just tattooing," and adding, "I actually just recently moved back in the last two years." She told reporters, "I’m so happy to be back in Rock Island. I miss it so much and it’s just coming back to the place where I fell in love with art." The new location, described by the owner and local coverage as serving as "grounds for other forms of artistic expression," intends to host tattoo work alongside events and displays that extend beyond traditional parlor offerings.

Development Association of Rock Island leadership attended the opening and framed the studio as part of a revival in the city’s core. DARI Program Director Stacey McIntosh said, "Rock Island’s always been known as that art and entertainment district, and here we are bringing more art to life," and added, "That’s the lifeline of any community," followed by, "It seems that art brings that creativeness, the young people, the vibrance, the life." McIntosh also noted that the recent influx of businesses shows last year’s construction inconveniences were worth the wait, arguing new arts and commercial projects are now filling downtown storefronts.

Local reports use several name variants for the new business: Alchemist Ink Art Studio is the primary styling used at the opening, while some local outlets refer to Alchemist Art Studio or simply Alchemist Ink. The street address 1623 Second Ave was published in community coverage identifying the new studio’s downtown location and owner profile.

A similarly named private studio exists in Grand Junction, Colorado, so the Rock Island business should not be conflated with that listing at 530 Main Street, Unit A, which highlights different artists. The Rock Island studio’s public launch, owner statements, and DARI remarks together mark an on-the-ground example of the city’s push to expand its art and entertainment identity; Alchemist Ink Art Studio arrives as a woman-owned, artist-driven venue aiming to add fresh programming and visibility to downtown Rock Island.