The Crucible Art Collective
Established in 2019 as a multidisciplinary arts collective in Buffalo NY. The workspace houses a tattoo studio along with a fine arts gallery, bringing a wide range of artistic practices to the west side. Owned and operated by Taylor Heald.
Meet the Team
Taylor M. Heald (Owner / Tattoo Artist)
As a student at Daemen College, Taylor started tattooing part time in 2010 as an apprentice. Working at various shops in Buffalo, including Hardcore tattoo and Hyperion tattoo, he was able to work his way out of his apprenticeship.
In 2013 he moved to Ithaca, New York to tattoo full time working at Ascend Gallery. After two years of development Taylor started traveling around the USA tattooing at conventions and exhibitions in over 20 states.
In 2016 Taylor started touring abroad. Using Hong Kong as a home base he traveled around Asia, the Middle East and Europe, tattooing in 14 different countries. After three years of traveling Taylor moved back to Buffalo in 2019 to open up The Crucible Art Collective on June 22nd.
Follow Taylor on Instagram at @taylorhealdtattoo
Alicia Malik (Gallery Curator/ Manager)
Alicia Malik received her BFA in painting from Daemen College in 2012 and has been an active member in the Buffalo Arts community. From 2010-2014 she interned in CEPA Gallery and eventually picked up a position as a Teaching Artist in the space. Malik was additionally a resident of 464 Gallery from 2012 to 2016 acting as both the Art Studios Manager and Gallery Assistant Director. As a painter she has shown her work in a large collection of Buffalo galleries including Hallwalls, BT&C, Buffalo Arts Studio, and Big Orbit. In the years prior to starting at The Crucible Art Collective, Malik organized and curated a series of pop-up art shows around the city, introducing the community to spaces that were once left abandoned. In June of 2019 she moved into the position of Curator and Manager at The Crucible Art Collective.
Follow Alicia on Instagram at @youarenotalicia
Nicole Suwalski
Nicole began her tattooing journey in 2014 with her apprenticeship at 7 Seas Tattoo. After completing 18 months of formal training, she then directed her ambition toward the city of Buffalo, working at The Parlour beginning in 2016. After 4 years she then joined the talented crew at The Crucible. She primarily showcases her work through black and grayscale tattooing. Fine linework, as well as realistic pieces demonstrate her versatility.
Having a strong customer service background, Nicole has incredibly high standards to guarantee that her clients have not only a satisfying experience, but a fun and comfortable one. Her attention to detail, and eternal patience will put even the pickiest client at ease.
Follow Nicole on Instagram - @nsuwalski
Gabe Levitt
Born and raised in the Russian outskirts of Brooklyn, Габа grew into Gabe, the kid who was always doodling even if there was no paper in sight. From drawing all over himself and writing comics while on the toilet, Gabe eventually found himself at RIT. He graduated with a BFA in Illustration and moved back home, where he ended up meeting his mentor Kas who agreed to start him on his tattoo journey. After tattooing for about a year in Brooklyn, with Kas’ blessing Gabe moved to Buffalo in August 2019, where he’s been tattooing ever since; soaking up tattoo knowledge and chicken wings at almost equal rates.
With an illustrative style inspired by American and Japanese traditional tattooing and more gratitude for each of his clients than he can even say, Gabe aims to create clean and eye-catching tattoos you want to wear while maintaining an enjoyable and comfortable environment that even your mama would like to get tattooed in.
Follow Gabe on Instagram at @gabe.levitt.ill
Christine McMullen
Buffalo born artist Christine McMullen developed a love for drawing early on. From the moment she could pick up a crayon she has been making art. In 2009 she was accepted into SUNY Fredonia’s Visual Arts & New Media program concentrating in Animation and Illustration. Christine graduated with honors earning her a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in 2013. Following college Christine realized tattooing was a way to make a career out of her passions for art and travel.
After years of trying to break into the industry, she was accepted into an apprenticeship at Seven Seas in 2017 and started tattooing full time. In 2018 and 2019 she participated in the Niagara Tattoo Expo, placing in the “Unusual” and “Watercolor” categories. In 2020 she began working at the Emerald Rose Tattoo & Fine Arts. While a resident artist Christine guest spotted in different cities including Medina N.Y., Chicago I.L. and Puerto Viejo de Talamanca, Costa Rica.
After almost 6 years of tattooing, Christine joined The Crucible Art Collective in 2023. That same year she earned another award at the Niagara Tattoo Expo in the “Large Color” category. Christine also guest spotted in Los Angeles C.A. and participated in the Flower City and Roc City Tattoo expos. She is grateful to all her clients and everyone who has supported her so far. She’s excited for the future and looks forward to where tattooing will take her next.
Follow Christine on Instagram @christinetattoos
Kennady Marks
Young Kennady grew up in Southern California with an early hunger for art inspired by cartoons, nintendo games, and Japanese trading cards. She attended the Art Institute of Orange County in 2015 with a focus on video game development, but quickly realized that digital art didn’t fuel her passion the way she thought it would. She started her tattooing apprenticeship at Trusted Tattoo in Corona, California in 2016, and found tattooing to be a perfect fit.
In 2019, after completing a 3-year-long apprenticeship at Trusted, Ken moved to Buffalo to be with her long-distance boyfriend. She started working at RedHouse Tattoo in Depew the same year, and 5 years later in 2024 she joined The Crucible’s team.
With a self-described “constantly developing” style, Ken loves tattooing in both black and grey and color. It’s imperative to her that her clients leave 100% happy with their tattoos. No matter the piece, she’s always looking to incorporate fun, illustrative elements into her work.
Follow Kennday on Instagram @tattoosbykenna
Photographs Provided for the website by Jackson Zimmerman
Logo and graphic design by Timothy Meyers