Greenwich Tattoo Studio Redefines Body Art as Fine Art

Sovereign Gallery's Manny Valerio and his team turn personal history into meaningful tattoo designs

Published on Feb. 20, 2026

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At Sovereign Gallery in Greenwich, Connecticut, tattoo artist Manny Valerio and his team are redefining body art as a form of fine art. The studio, which has been open for six years, has become a destination for clients seeking high-quality, personalized tattoos that tell a story about their lives and values. Valerio and his fellow artists, including Thomas Bork and Marcos Silvera, each have distinct styles but share a commitment to creating meaningful, elevated tattoo work.

Why it matters

Sovereign Gallery's approach challenges the traditional perception of tattoos, proving that body art can be a thoughtful, artistic medium for self-expression. In a community like Greenwich, which is known for its luxury retail, the studio's success demonstrates a growing acceptance and appreciation for tattoo culture, especially among discerning clientele who value craftsmanship and personal significance in their body art.

The details

Valerio, who emigrated from the Dominican Republic as a toddler, developed his artistic talents early on. After studying engineering in college, he took an 18-month RV trip across the U.S. to learn from top tattoo artists, developing his own distinct style in black and gray realism and portraiture. He now leads a team of talented artists at Sovereign Gallery, each with their own specialties, from delicate botanical designs to bold, colorful work. The studio not only creates custom tattoos for clients, but also functions as an art gallery, showcasing the work of other artists and reinforcing the idea of tattoos as a fine art form.

  • Sovereign Gallery has been open for six years, since 2020.
  • Valerio took an 18-month RV trip across the U.S. to learn from top tattoo artists, completing his journey in 2018.

The players

Manny Valerio

The owner and lead tattoo artist at Sovereign Gallery, known for his precision work in black and gray realism and portraiture. Valerio emigrated from the Dominican Republic as a toddler and developed his artistic talents from a young age.

Thomas Bork

A tattoo artist at Sovereign Gallery, known for his delicate imagery including botanical illustrations and geometric designs.

Marcos Silvera

A tattoo artist at Sovereign Gallery, known for his strong work in color.

Sovereign Gallery

A tattoo studio and art gallery in Greenwich, Connecticut that has been open for six years and is redefining body art as a fine art form.

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What they’re saying

“I think they should be mementoes of your life. They should say something meaningful about who you are and align with your experiences and values.”

— Manny Valerio, Owner and Lead Tattoo Artist, Sovereign Gallery (mofflylifestylemedia.com)

“Greenwich might not seem like the kind of place that would welcome or support a tattoo business, and we had landlords on Greenwich Avenue say, 'You can come here, but you can't put the word tattoo in the window.' I believed if I could bring a high level of artistry to the business and the right aesthetic and vibe, we could succeed. And we have exceeded our expectations.”

— Manny Valerio, Owner and Lead Tattoo Artist, Sovereign Gallery (mofflylifestylemedia.com)

What’s next

The Sovereign Gallery team plans to continue expanding their roster of guest artists and showcasing their work in the studio's art gallery space, further solidifying their reputation as a destination for high-quality, meaningful body art in Greenwich.

The takeaway

Sovereign Gallery's success in Greenwich demonstrates a growing appreciation for tattoo art as a form of personal expression and fine art. By prioritizing craftsmanship, creativity, and the stories behind each design, the studio has challenged preconceptions and attracted a discerning clientele who value the meaningful, elevated nature of their work.