Submitted photo "Hold fast" is a common maritime tattoo commemorating the need to hold on tightly when climbing the rigging. See more maritime tattoo art at the Columbia River Maritime Museum starting Friday, April 15.

ASTORIA – The Columbia River Maritime Museum will open a new exhibit, “Tattoo: The Art of the Sailor,” at 4 p.m. Friday, April 15. The exhibit focuses on the maritime history of tattoos.

From the aboriginal practices in the South Pacific and Northwest as reported by Captain James Cook in 1769 to the tattoo art of Sailor Jerry in the 20th century, tattoos have become a true living folk art. The museum has gathered artifacts and images that tell the incredible story of how these early maritime influences have become a part of today’s vigorous tattoo culture.

Original Sailor Jerry “flash” will be on display, along with many never-before-seen photos of Portland tattoo artists and first edition plates and illustrations from Cook’s voyages. The exhibit will feature the works of Sailor Carl, “World’s Greatest” Bert Grimm, Sailor George Fosdick, Professor H. Spitzer and Fred Marquand.

This exhibit is free to museum members or to nonmembers with paid admission to the museum. The exhibit runs through the fall.

The Columbia River Maritime Museum is located at 1792 Marine Drive. Admission is $10 for adults, $8 for seniors older than 65, $5 for ages 6 to 17 and free for children younger than 6. Museum members are admitted free of charge. For more information, call (503) 325-2323 or log on to www.crmm.org