Mitch O’Connell, master of the modern pin-up girl, just released a new book through Last Gasp simply called “Tattoos.” The book reprints all the flash drawings from his previous professional tattoo collections (only available at actual tattoo parlors). 264+ pages of pin-up girls, tiki gods, monsters, and devils are drawn in a simple old school tat style reminiscent of Sailor Jerry, but with a modern, lowbrow bent. Tons of saturated colors and crazy designs make this book a must have for any art or tattoo fan.

Even better, O’Connell is part of a fantastic art show taking place right now in the recently revitalized downtown area of Asbury Park. We stopped by the CryBaby Gallery to take a peak at the show and find out what a super-hip gallery is doing in Asbury. First off, the space is amazing. Located in a sprawling loft on Cookman Ave, the gallery is a home to CJ, who along with Jenn, run this den of urban art.

Mitch O’Connell’s work takes up a chunk of the show, with equal portions dedicated to his print work, as well as new canvas paintings. The rest of the gallery belongs to Bethany Marchman and Sunny Buick, two kickass female artists that are causing a stir in the art underground. Marchman paints Betty Boop-style children that come off both creepy and surreal. Her large-scale painting at the gallery, “Is That All There Is?,” is a must see. Buick took over an entire wall with her Day of the Dead skull paintings, each designed with tattoo art, and traditional day of the dead imagery. The skulls were so cool, we picked up one for the Bungalo.

If you are ever in Asbury Park, do yourself a favor and head on over to the CryBaby Gallery. The place is worth visiting no matter what artist is showing. Just don’t get lost trying to find the Parkway.