Ven Pikarsky named a 2026 CNY 40 Under Forty honoree

Ven Pikarsky, owner of The Grounded Art Collective in Baldwinsville, NY, has been selected as a 2026 CNY 40 Under Forty honoree for business leadership and community impact. The award ceremony is set for Oct. 6, 2026, as his studio continues to grow into a Central New York destination.

Why it matters: - The CNY 40 Under Forty honor spotlights emerging leaders shaping Central New York through business, leadership and community involvement. - Pikarsky’s selection recognizes a tattoo artist and entrepreneur whose influence now reaches beyond artistry into mentorship, client experience and local business growth.

What happened: - The Grounded Art Collective announced that owner Ven Pikarsky was selected as a 2026 CNY 40 Under Forty honoree. - Pikarsky will be honored at the official awards ceremony on Oct. 6, 2026. - The recognition comes after more than 10 years of work in tattooing and entrepreneurship.

The details: - Pikarsky opened The Grounded Art Collective in 2024 in Baldwinsville with a goal of redefining the tattoo studio experience. - The studio is built around creativity, professionalism, hospitality and genuine connection. - The Grounded Art Collective says the shop has become one of Central New York’s premier tattoo destinations. - The studio earned CommunityVotes Best Tattoo Shop in both years it has been open. - Pikarsky is best known for hyper-realism, black and grey realism and dark arts tattoos. - The studio has 108 reviews, and all of them are five stars. - Pikarsky’s approach emphasizes trust, communication, personalized care and support from consultation through aftercare. - As a business owner and mentor, Pikarsky has encouraged aspiring entrepreneurs and creatives across Central New York to pursue ambitious goals with confidence and discipline. - The Grounded Art Collective says Pikarsky has created a culture centered on creativity, accountability, collaboration and continuous growth.

Between the lines: - The honor reflects a broader shift in how tattoo studios compete: not just on artwork, but on client experience, professionalism and community reputation. - Pikarsky’s award also suggests the studio’s growth is being measured as both a creative and business success. - Pikarsky said the recognition belongs to the team and clients as much as to him. - Pikarsky said tattooing is about more than artwork and is also about trust, meaningful experiences and making clients feel welcome.

What's next: - The Grounded Art Collective will celebrate with the rest of the 2026 CNY 40 Under Forty class on Oct. 6. - The company invites readers to learn more about Ven Pikarsky, view his hyper-realism portfolio or explore fellow artist Moe Tartt at thegroundedartcollective.com. - The studio also directs readers to its Instagram account for social updates.

The bottom line: - Ven Pikarsky’s recognition puts a spotlight on a tattoo artist who has turned craftsmanship, hospitality and mentorship into a fast-rising Central New York business.