Tattoo studio and Asian antique shop opens in Beaumont

Spirit House Spirit House Photo: Julie Chang Photo: Julie Chang Image 1 of / 7 Caption Close Tattoo studio and Asian antique shop opens in Beaumont 1 / 7 Back to Gallery

Michael Kurth is hesitant to call his new business venture a "tattoo parlor," instead thinking of it as a studio where art is created. Regardless of what customers will want to call it, there are plenty of amenities at this new business designed to foster good chi.

Spirit House Studios, 6727 Eastex Freeway near FM 105, doubles as a tattoo studio and an Asian antique shop. The shop carries Buddhist figurines, trinkets and praying bowls, among other trinkets hailing from Asia and Asia Minor.

"I was laying out on the water at a small temple in (Thailand) and I was working with a monk, and hanging above me was a spirit house," said Kurth, referring to a Thai shine. "It was that feeling, that of being at one with my fellow man, that gave me the idea to blend the art world and tattoo world."

The studio contains a television and dozens of books that will guide customers on different tattoo ideas.

When the business opens on May 25, two tattoo artists will be on hand - one of whom is Kurth's son, Matthew. Matthew worked at Cherry Bomb Tattoos in Florida before a stint at a studio in Nederland.

"Spirit House was an investment in my son's talent as an artist," said Kurth.

Tattoos will cost $125 per hour. Piercing will also be available.

A lounge on the second floor is a place for patrons to meditate or play either of the two guitars available.

The studio is difficult to find until a street sign goes up, which Kurth still has in the works. As of now, patrons should look for the shopping strip that contains a Happy Donuts and an acupuncture clinic.