SD shop shares its love of tattooing, taxidermy

Sitting on the corner of Park Boulevard, Pixley’s Oddities is a striking addition to University Heights, providing a space for tattoo artists and eclectic taxidermy finds.

“We’re a safe space that does tattoos and shares the art form of taxidermy,” said owner Simone Pixley Weinstein. “It is open to everyone that comes in and we want to make sure they feel seen and heard.”

Weinstein opened the 1,200-squarefoot shop in 2021 to combine the two art forms she’s passionate about.

Pixley’s Oddities can’t be missed: the black exterior with hot pink lettering attracts loyal customers looking to get inked by Weinstein’s collective of more than 10 local tattoo artists. Appointments are required and can be made online.

Taxidermy enthusiasts can also find an assortment of taxidermied animals including bunny rabbits, rats, raccoons and chipmunks. Weinstein says her taxidermied animals were not harmed for the purpose of taxidermy and had already died by other means.

Taxidermy classes are held at the shop regularly and taught by Weinstein. The next Bunny Mount class includes all supplies and will be held on August 12. Tickets are $200 and participants ages 12-16 need an adult to join them.

A graduate of Whittier College who holds an education in studio art, Weinstein says she witnessed a lot of gatekeeping of art forms.

She strives to do the opposite at Pixley’s Oddities, providing a space that is friendly, unique and welcoming for “queers, femme (or people who identify as female) and nonbinary humans.”

Customers who visit the tattoo shop get a Pixley’s Passport, a free stamp card that gives customers 10 percent off their purchase after their third visit.

Follow @pixleysoddities on Instagram.

PIXLELY'S ODDITIES Pixlely’s Oddities is a tattoo shop in University Heights that also showcases the art of taxidermy, including through regular classes.