www.myspace.com/opalmoonhenna

Experience the magic of Henna Body Art - a tradition that has been around for over 5000 years. Tamara Brown of Opal Moon Henna is a gifted artist who has been drawing on whoever would let her for ... as long as she can remember! She began with Sharpies and Bic's in study hall, but everything changed when she found henna in college at a multicultural street festival. It became an opportunity to beautify, heal and empower others with lasting designs and symbols. All designs are drawn freehand by this professional henna artist who has been honing her henna skills since 1998.

Originally from Ohio, Tamara began her exploration of the arts at school, and at the Art Academy of Cincinnati in High School. She continued with a major in Photography at Ohio University, and took a year off from school to work as an Americorps Vista and coordinate community mural projects. This led to work in the non-profit community art world, both in Ohio and later in North Carolina. She has also apprenticed with a Silversmith and tried the corporate world, only to go back to the body art she began as a hobby in college.

Tamara is available for parties, appointments, corporate events and classes. Any occasion can be enhanced with Body Art - it's a great activity for the young and old. Brown is passionate about exploring funding to provide Henna and Glitter Body Art in the health care field and women's shelters. "I believe that Body Art can be a healing and transformative tool that works both symbolically and physically. Sure it's frivolous and fun, but, in the case of cancer and HIV/AIDS, to use this medium to brighten the day and skin of someone whose body has turned on them? Or to turn the bruises of a battered woman into flowers? How powerful is that!"

Tamara uses 100% all natural henna (NO 'black henna') with safe dye-enhancers like tamarind, lime juice and essential oils. Please note that the tattoo needs 48 hours after paste removal to reach its optimum stain and will last 1-2 weeks with care. Tattoos are done on a first-come first-served basis. Decorate what you are willing to bare (within reason!!) with festival and public event prices starting at $5. The price goes up according to the size and complexity of the tattoo.

Glitter Tattoos, the newest Body Art service Tamara is offering, are available as well. Just what are these sparkly wonders? They use a cosmetic grade acrylic medical adhesive that is painted on the skin. Glitter is rubbed on the adhesive area, and your design 'magically' appears! They are dry almost instantly, and last around a week with minimal care.