For more than 45 years, Dream Illustrations has been leaving a lasting mark on Historic Downtown Chillicothe — one tattoo, piercing, and artistic connection at a time.

Owned by Kay Davis, the tattoo and piercing studio first opened in 1980 at the corner of 4th and Ash Street before relocating to Historic Downtown Second Street across from the Town Theatre. More than 30 years ago, the business purchased its current building at 934 N. Second Street, a location rich with local history. One side of the building once housed the former LaRue Bakery, remembered fondly by Davis for serving “the best donuts in the world,” while the neighboring side was formerly a laundromat acquired later by the business.

Dream Illustrations began strictly as a tattoo studio but steadily expanded over the years as the industry evolved. In 1988, Davis added permanent cosmetic tattooing to the services offered, and by 1994 she had trained professionally in body piercing. Her husband, Michael, also worked in the studio and was considered one of the area’s early professional piercers.

The studio’s reputation has long been built not only on artistry, but also on mentorship. Davis has trained apprentices one at a time through intensive five-year apprenticeships, encouraging artists to develop their own creative style while learning traditional tattooing fundamentals and techniques.

Today, the studio includes tattoo artist Lyzz Sidebotham, who began apprenticing under Davis six years ago, and Candice Paige, who joined the shop 14 years ago and has been piercing professionally for the past 10 years.

Although Dream Illustrations has deep roots in Chillicothe, its influence has extended far beyond Central Illinois. Davis said one of the most memorable clients traveled all the way from France in 1993 for a custom back-piece tattoo after seeing her artwork featured in magazines. The tattoo design was coordinated through handwritten letters and an interpreter years before digital communication became commonplace.

The business has also participated in tattoo conventions and events nationwide, ranging from biker rallies such as Sturgis in South Dakota to major tattoo expos across the country. In 2017, Davis and her daughter, Miss Chris Davis of Quality Tattoo Co. in Peoria, were invited to tattoo at Bernard’s convention in Paris.

Many residents may not realize Dream Illustrations also once operated additional studios in Minneapolis, Minnesota, and Normal, Illinois, while always maintaining its original Chillicothe location.

Davis said being located in Historic Downtown Chillicothe has helped create strong connections with neighboring businesses and visitors alike.

“We’re surrounded by shops that are exceptional at what they do,” Davis said. “It gives us a chance to introduce our clients to the area and let them know what Chillicothe has to offer — especially cheesecake.”

Above all, Davis said the studio’s mission has remained consistent throughout the decades.

“We strive to have a comfortable, accepting atmosphere,” she said.

Dream Illustrations operates primarily by appointment and hours of operation are Tuesday – Saturday, Noon-6pm. Clients can schedule appointments by phone at 309-274-2877, text, Facebook Messenger, or email at [email protected].